Dominican Republic strengthens climate leadership by assuming presidency of SBSTA 64
The Dominican Republic will chair the 64th session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 64) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), marking a historic milestone for the country in international climate diplomacy.
The role will be assumed by Dr. Carol Franco, an advisor to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on Nature-Based Solutions and a specialist in ecosystem services and climate adaptation. She will lead the technical discussions and negotiations of the UNFCCC body during its upcoming sessions in Bonn, Germany.
The appointment is being viewed as recognition of the Dominican Republic’s growing leadership and technical expertise in global climate negotiations. SBSTA is one of the UNFCCC’s principal subsidiary bodies, responsible for providing scientific, technical, and methodological guidance on issues such as climate adaptation, mitigation, technology, transparency, and research.
Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez said the designation highlights the country’s commitment to science-based solutions and strengthens its voice in international climate governance. He noted that the appointment is also an acknowledgment of Dominican technical talent and its contributions to addressing the global climate crisis.
As national focal point to the UNFCCC, the Ministry of Environment will participate in the 64th session of the subsidiary bodies and in COP31, scheduled for November in Antalya. The Dominican delegation will focus on key issues including climate adaptation, climate finance, transparency, technology transfer, capacity building, and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), all of which are particularly important for small island states vulnerable to climate change impacts.
Officials said the presidency of SBSTA 64 further consolidates the Dominican Republic’s presence in global climate forums and reinforces its commitment to advancing international solutions to climate change.
