Agenda Day 1 

The Alliance improves the lives of Caribbean people and works to accelerate financial and other resources to achieve SDGs and to create an environment for sustainable development across the region. Since February 2020, the Alliance through partnerships mobilized philanthropic organizations, NGOs, youth, and local communities across 22 Caribbean countries and territories to implement the Caribbean Tree Planting Project (CTPP) which has planted more than one (1) million trees while advocating and building awareness around climate change. For 2023-2024 we embark on an exciting initiative, Women-Led Climate Philanthropy. Our special focus on gender equity recognizes the vital link between gender equity and climate action in the Caribbean. Gender equality isn't just a moral obligation; it's a strategic necessity for effective climate responses. 

The Session will focus on: 

• What philanthropy offers such as flexibility and quick responses to emerging challenges and its ability to empower local communities for sustainability including driving innovation and collaboration among stakeholders, and serving as a guidepost for revolutionary relationships between funders and NGOs. 

• A regional call to action to support the role of Women in Leading Climate Action, Escazu & Establishment across the region of Caribbean Tree Planting Week (CTPW)  

Presenters:

• Welcome - Tanama

• Overview - Anthea McLaughlin, C.E.O. Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance

Plenary-Keynote Speaker:

• Dr. Julia Jordan-Zachery, Professor & Chair of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Wake Forest University

According to UN Women, globally, climate change has disproportionately impacted women and girls, heightening gender inequalities and threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety. To tackle climate change and promote gender equity effectively, prioritizing gender equality in climate action is crucial. Research demonstrates that women's unique knowledge and experiences are valuable for mitigating climate change impacts. Boosting women's representation in national leadership and improving resource access enhances decision-making for climate action.

The discussion will focus on the role of women in leadership for climate action and identify the diverse issues faced by women and strategies to expand access for women full and equal participation in decision-making processes.

Specifically, we will explore with The First Lady:

• proactive gender-responsive actions for community-based climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation work and solutions to combat climate change; 

• strategies to galvanize regional collaboration among women leaders to foster an inclusive environment on climate and sustainable development; and

• perspectives and actions to support women empowerment, gender equity and women leadership

Guest Speakers

• Honourable First Lady of Bahamas, Mrs. Ann-Marie Davis

• District Commissioner at Ministry of Regional Development and Sport, Ms. Senrita Gobardhan, Suriname

Moderator(s):

• Rosalea Hamilton, CEO LASCO Chin Foundation, Chair, Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance

• Dr. Michele D. Singh, Director of the Centre for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAGRI), Board Member, Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance

For this session, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of donor funding in the Caribbean, with insights and perspectives on effectively navigating funding opportunities and relationships for philanthropic organizations. Additionally, learning how funders have improved gender equity in climate finance including regionally.  

This session will be a conversation with funding agencies and organization who support regional climate change initiatives with a focus on:

• Comprehensive insights into Caribbean donor funding to better understand the region's funding landscape.

• Targeted financing, data, and resources that will enable effective navigation through the complex world of funding opportunities.

• Importance of collaboration among stakeholders to prioritize sustainable green projects and programs that benefit the Caribbean region.

• Key steps for NGOs to position themselves as viable recipients of climate finance and international philanthropic funding.

Presenters:

• Keisha Garcia, ESG Natural Capital Lead, ANSA Merchant Bank

• Wonnie Wiemala Boedhoe, Inter National Development and Business Finance Consultant

• Federico S. Fiche, Technical Lead, Caribbean Climate Investment Program USAID Climate Finance for Development Accelerator, Chemonics International

• Dillion Alleyne, Deputy Director, Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC) & Chief Economist

• Richardo Aiken, Community Development Specialist, Social Sector Division, CDB- Basic Needs Trust Fund

Moderator(s):

• Susan Taylor-Batten, Vice-Chair, Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance & President and Chief Executive Officer of Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE).

• Milton Speid, Director, Chair of Finance & Audit Committee, Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance & Director, North America, The ImPact.