Tuesday, 8 July 2025 | Rio Bueno Suite, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

Salutations 

• Dennis Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator
  Marissa Sheppard, National Officer, International Labour Organization Office for the Caribbean 
  Gillian Corrodus, Chief Technical Director (Acting), Ministry of Labour and Social Security
  Omar Alcock, Principal Director (Acting), Climate Change Division, Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation 
  Marek Harsdorff, Economist, for the Just Transition Priority Action Programme, International Labour Organization
  Marilyn Mc Donald, Vice President, Jamaica Employer’s Federation
  Shamir Brown, 2nd Vice President, the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions
  Specially invited guests, ladies and gentlemen

   

Good morning. 
 

UNDP is proud to have partnered with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the International Labour Organization (ILO) on a landmark study that could profoundly shape Jamaica’s plans for a climate resilient future, anchored on a new economic model. 

In consultation with a wide cross section of stakeholders, our team compared the likely impacts of a business-as-usual scenario with a green economy scenario. 

Together, we sought to answer the question: What if Jamaica transitioned to a green, climate resilient economy? How would this impact labour markets, jobs, Gross Domestic Product and other facets of economic growth? 

The resulting report, the National Green Economic Growth Model for Jamaica, provides a clearer picture of potential impacts and how Jamaica can drive inclusive and sustainable job creation leveraging the significant benefits of a Green Economy. We have identified sectors with the greatest potential for green job growth and highlighted the need for reskilling and upskilling workers to meet future demand.

The report underscores the importance of aligning environmental sustainability with economic resilience and decent work opportunities, a critical resource for guiding national policies, investment strategies, and workforce planning, in alignment with Jamaica’s climate goals and Vision 2030. We are particularly encouraged by the potential net impact on GDP if Jamaica increases investments in skills for green jobs training; scales up green-tech capital expenditures; and decreases transport fuel cost by electrifying vehicles. 

This is a timely and critical moment of reflection for Jamaica and other Small Island Developing States which are largely dependent on fossil fuels and extremely vulnerable to climate-induced shocks.   

Jamaica is highly reliant on fossil fuels and acutely vulnerable to climate change. About 90% of GDP is generated in coastal zones which face rising sea levels and more frequent and intense hurricanes. Prolonged droughts, declining food security and vulnerable livelihoods necessitate a careful rethink of the economic models we have relied on for decades.  

Pursuing a green economic model is not just a strategic choice for Jamaica as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS)—it is an imperative for survival, resilience, and inclusive prosperity. 

A Green economic model not only reduces climate vulnerability and exposure but creates new jobs and livelihoods while diversifying the economy. The Green Economic model is a platform on which countries can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, attract innovative investments and foster community participation and empowerment.

Reports indicate faster recovery, job creation, and resilience to future shocks, while investments in green infrastructure and clean technologies can reduce long-term climate risks while boosting productivity.

As we contemplate any move to a climate smart economy, we must ensure our transition leaves no vulnerable community behind. This requires adequate consultations, resources and programmatic alignment to secure their full participation and benefits in the green economy. 

An inclusive green economy modelled on the principles of the Just Transition is wholly consistent with the priorities of UNDP’s Country Programme which prioritizes support to Jamaica’s vision for low carbon pathways.  We have every confidence that our investment in this landmark study paves the way for an evidence-based way forward and can be further solidified by strong partnerships and consultations.    

Although we have taken a major step forward in advancing Jamaica's climate ambition, Government can further our cause by promoting social dialogue on the report with private sector, civil society, academia and vulnerable communities. UNDP remains your steadfast and committed partner in this crucial period and commits support to any economic transformation interventions aligned to your national climate goals.  UNDP wishes you well. Thank you.