PRESIDENCY

The Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) is led by a rotating chair for a period of two years. This term duration allows the Presidency ample time to immerse itself in key priorities and undertake diverse projects. Furthermore, the Presidency transitions across the regions represented by CVF member states, ensuring equitable participation and representation from all corners of the globe.

In September 2024, the Presidency of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) was officially handed to the Republic of Barbados, with Her Excellency Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley assuming the role of Chair of the Barbados Presidency.

Her Excellency, Mia Amor Mottley

Chair of the Barbados Presidency of CVF-V20

KEY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES OF THE BARBADOS PRESIDENCY

Reforming the international financial architecture

Securing sovereign debt relief and liquidity support for CVF-V20 members

Addressing the climate change impacts to health and science

The Presidency aims to examine the consequences of climate change on public health, emphasizing the growing strain on healthcare systems and the urgent need to advocate for climate refugees and populations affected by climate-related health risks. It is also advancing efforts to enable Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to actively engage in carbon markets, with the goal of monetizing green and blue carbon credit opportunities as part of sustainable and inclusive economic development. Securing financing for climate resilience through the climate prosperity agenda also stands as a core priority of the Presidency.

Ambassador Elizabeth Thompson

The Presidency has appointed Ambassador Elizabeth Thompson, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for Climate Change, SIDS, and the Law of the Sea, to serve as Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s Sherpa to the CVF-V20. She plays a central role in coordinating key events and initiatives aligned with the Presidency’s agenda, which seeks to drive transformative and enduring outcomes across the 74 member states.

“During our term as president of the CVF-V20 forum, we commit, first and foremost, to listen because each country's experiences, even though challenged by the same crisis, is different. It is important that we understand the nuances that will lead to the differences in capacity and the differences in recovery.”

H.E. MIA AMOR MOTTLEY

Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados

Chair of the CVF-V20 Barbados Presidency

“Our challenge as people of the South is to cooperate, innovate, and engage with each other at the national level and internationally for solutions to the climate crisis. This intersectionality requires us to evolve tools that are social, economic, environmental, institutional, and legal. All of which must lead toward resilience building that is imperative if we are to stop the creeping fear and hopelessness that the climate crisis engenders.”

AMBASSADOR ELIZABETH THOMPSON

Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary for Climate. Change, SIDS, and the Law of the Sea

CVF-V20 Presidency Sherpa

CVF TROIKA

The CVF Troika, comprising the current Presidency along with the two immediate past Presidencies, plays a key role in guiding the strategic direction and overall functioning of the intergovernmental organization. Under the current Troika, Barbados is supported by the Republic of Ghana and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Description: Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel peace prize, 2006 Source: Tanveer Islam, personal Collection Author: Muhammad Yunus

H.E. Muhammad Yunus

Chief Adviser, Interim Government of Bangladesh

H.E. John Dramani Mahama

President of Ghana

H.E. Mia Amor Mottley

Prime Minister of Barbados

V20 TROIKA

The V20 Troika, which is composed of the Finance Ministers from the current Presidency and the immediate past two presidencies of the CVF, provides leadership on climate finance strategies and pathways for economic resilience in V20 member states. The current V20 Troika is chaired by Barbados and supported by the Republic of Ghana and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed

Honourable Advisor, Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh

Mr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson

Minister, Ministry of Finance, Ghana

Mr. Ryan Straughn

Minister, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Barbados