President Santokhi to Advocate for Suriname’s Carbon-Negative Stance at COP29
PARAMARIBO, Suriname – President Chan Santokhi is expected to reinforce Suriname’s commitment to its carbon-negative status and environmental stewardship, at the 29th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan in November.
Albert Ramdin Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation said it is important that the president gives a clear message about where Suriname stands. Priority is given to sticking to carbon negative. Despite more than a hundred years of mining industry, Suriname’s carbon negative status has not been affected.
Ramdin said Santokhi’s message at COP29 will reaffirm the nation’s intent to prioritize environmentally responsible resource development, in line with rigorous international standards. Suriname is already advancing a sophisticated oil extraction vessel to minimize environmental impacts, reflecting this commitment.
“It should not be the case that countries currently contributing to pollution set rules to sustain their own energy sources, even worsening the impact with coal, while developing countries face stricter limitations,” argued Ramdin.
He emphasized that change in climate action must be spearheaded by wealthy, heavily industrialized nations, noting that Suriname’s carbon-negative status exemplifies positive climate action.
In Baku, Santokhi will also participate in bilateral discussions and launch a coalition with other carbon-neutral and negative nations, including Madagascar, Comoros, Bhutan, and Panama. These nations seek international support to maintain their sustainable status and to serve as models for emissions reduction.
On his return from COP29, President Santokhi will stop in the Netherlands for discussions with the Surinamese and Dutch business communities and potentially with government officials, further enhancing Suriname’s diplomatic and economic ties.