Belize Hosts First National Climate Finance Forum

The Government of Belize hosted its first National Climate Finance Forum in Belize City under the theme “Adaptation and Resilience.” The event was organized by the Ministry of Economic Transformation together with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management. It was part of Belize Climate Week, which took place from August 25 to 29, 2025.

The forum brought together government leaders, international partners, development agencies, the private sector, academics, and civil society groups. They discussed how to better fund Belize’s fight against climate change, focusing on the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), the financing gaps that exist, and ways to attract larger, long-term climate investments.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Hon. Christopher Coye, stressed in his opening remarks that climate finance must be treated as a key part of Belize’s national development. He explained that Belize faces a financing gap of more than US$455 million for climate mitigation and US$480.3 million for adaptation over the next ten years. He said Belize must now take advantage of opportunities such as carbon trading, blended finance, and long-term programs that can bring real change.

Hon. Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, pointed to the real economic impacts already being felt in Belize. He said important sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure are under growing threat from extreme weather. He urged all partners to support the Climate Finance Unit so that Belize can act faster and avoid devastating losses.

Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, reminded the audience that Belize contributes very little to global emissions but is among the countries most at risk. He called for stronger partnerships and more international support, saying Belize cannot achieve its goals alone. He pointed to the Blue Bond, the bagasse-to-energy project, and Belize’s climate plans as examples of the country’s leadership.

The forum featured high-level discussions on how to align funding with Belize’s adaptation goals, how to access international funds, and how to create climate projects that are attractive to investors.

The event ended with firm commitments from both the government and development partners to expand access to affordable climate finance. They also pledged to use new tools such as green bonds, resilience bonds, and carbon financing, while strengthening Belize’s institutions to carry out large-scale climate programs.