OECS Updates Finland Ambassador on Development Goals

On December 3, 2024, Ambassador Perti Ikonen of Finland visited the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission for an important meeting aimed at fostering deeper collaboration between Finland and the OECS region. The Ambassador was welcomed by key members of the OECS Commission.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ikonen expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to engage with experts from various OECS divisions. He emphasised Finland's commitment to sustainable development and innovation, particularly in areas such as circular economy, energy sustainability, and ICT technologies.

The meeting provided an opportunity for each OECS division to present an overview of their work. Officer in Charge of the Economic Affairs and Regional Integration Division, Joel Richards, presented the OECS FAST Strategy, focused on boosting food production and resilient agriculture. He also discussed the region’s work on freedom of movement and border management, niche tourism marketing, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Ambassador Ikonen thanked the OECS for their efforts and raised questions regarding the region’s energy strategies, particularly in bioenergy.

Programme Director for Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management, Crispin D’Auvergne and representing the Environmental and Sustainable Development Division, highlighted the OECS Green Blue Economy initiative, which aims to foster a climate-resilient economy. He presented key ESD projects, such as GeoBuild and the EU-funded BioSpace Project, to which Ambassador Ikonen, as a member of the European Union, showed keen interest.

Sisera Simon, Head of the Human and Social Development Division, and Germain Anthony from the Education Unit also provided valuable insights into the Commission’s work in these sectors speaking on improving quality of life through strategic sector strategies, OECS education priorities, including digital learning tools and teacher development.

Ambassador Ikonen concluded the session by providing an overview of Finland’s efforts in global sustainability, particularly in energy. He noted that Finland is a leader in sustainable energy practices and expressed interest in the OECS joining global initiatives related to the circular economy. He invited the OECS to attend the World Economic Conference in São Paulo next year, where innovation and circular economy topics would be discussed.

In his closing remarks, General Counsel of the OECS Commission, Dwight Lay, on behalf of OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, thanked Ambassador Ikonen for his visit and expressed hope that this meeting would serve as a foundation for further collaboration. He highlighted the importance of working together to develop meaningful areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of Finland and the OECS region.

The meeting underscored the growing partnership between Finland and the OECS, particularly in areas of sustainable development, energy, and innovation. Finland's support for the circular economy and its continued engagement with the OECS offers exciting opportunities for future collaboration.

Ambassador Ikonen is also accredited to Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Commonwealth of Dominica, and his visit marks an important step in strengthening ties between Finland and the OECS region.