A panel discussion organized by the Eastern Caribbean–Southeast Asia Chamber and the Caribbean ASEAN Council, in partnership with Faith For Our Planet. This official side event serves as the launching forum and global introduction of the Pacific ASEAN Consortium.
May 30
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Conference Venue – Room 2
American University of Antigua
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
Despite their negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) confront profound economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by acute exposure to climate change. The stark disparity between an aggregate economic loss of $153 billion from climate-related disasters and an average SIDS GDP of just USD 13.7 billion underscores an urgent need for systemic reform in international financing. Bridging this fiscal gap requires not only localized resilience-building but a fairer global financial architecture that mobilizes resources equitably for the world’s most vulnerable nations.
This forum aims to address the multifaceted role that faith and indigenous traditions play in the lives and communities of small island states. Beyond providing moral and social cohesion, faith-based leadership is increasingly critical in the global advocacy for economic justice—championing inclusive financial frameworks and equitable international tax cooperation to protect the fiscal sovereignty and tax bases of SIDS.
The panel will examine the pivotal role of cross-continental, faith-based partnerships in advancing climate and economic resilience. Our goal is to bridge the gap in faith-based policy dialogues across regions, leveraging the collective expertise and diplomatic networks of the Caribbean ASEAN Council, the Eastern Caribbean-Southeast Asia Chamber, Faith For Our Planet, and the Pacific ASEAN Consortium.
By recognizing and leveraging these rich, yet often overlooked reservoirs of wisdom and practice, our aim is to foster a deeper understanding of how faith and indigenous traditions can advocate for systemic reform. Ultimately, this dialogue seeks to protect and uplift SIDS economies amidst the growing challenges of the climate crisis by ensuring they secure the robust, equitable financial frameworks they require to thrive.
PANEL SPEAKERS
Our distinguished speakers
Shiraz Ahmad
Mr. Shiraz Ahmad is the International Director for Faith For Our Planet (FFOP), a global interfaith NGO dedicated to training faith leaders to become climate leaders. Shiraz has worked extensively on interfaith initiatives, working closely with the likes of the Muslim World League to support its outreach with other faith groups globally.
Hon Saboto Scofield Caesar
Hon. Saboto Scofield Caesar is the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He has served as Junior Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Minister of Housing, Lands and Survey, Physical Planning, Informal Human Settlement and Local Government; and Minister of Tourism and Industry.
Dr Matthew Pajares Yngson
Dr. Matthew Pajares Yngson is the Representative Councillor of the Caribbean ASEAN Council, the Diplomatic Affairs Envoy of the Eastern Caribbean-Southeast Asia Chamber, and the Chief Convener of the Pacific ASEAN Consortium. Dr. Yngson is also a humanitarian and supports the Sultanate of Sulu, an impoverished Islamic island province in the southern Philippines.
Alicia Nicholls
Ms. Alicia Nicholls is an international trade law specialist and a member of the Advisory Board at the Caribbean ASEAN Council. She is also a research fellow and faculty member at the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services at the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados.
Joseph Hammond
Mr. Joseph Hammond is an award-winning journalist and a member of the Advisory Board at the Caribbean ASEAN Council. He is also the Communications Director at Commonwealth Africa Initiative, and Africa Director for Faith For Our Planet.
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Charting the Course Toward
Resilient Prosperity
