On Wednesday 6th September Parliamentarians in the United Kingdom (UK), along with civil society groups congregated in Churchill Room, West Minster, London to assess the United Kingdom’s contributions to sustainable development.
At the event Anguillian, Neil Gumbs had the opportunity to discuss with UK parliamentarians and civil society research he co-authored, focused on the UK’s national contributions to climate mitigation and adaptation.
The research team was led by Dr. Graham Long from Newcastle University and included several other scholars, namely Ayush Poolovadoo, Kipp Mann Benn, and Gabrielle Joyce. In his presentation, Dr. Graham Long said, “We recommend that the UK undertakes learning from partner countries and adopts tools and mechanisms, including those mentioned in the 2019 VNR, to strengthen policy coherence across government and enable engagement with stakeholders on the SDGs.”
The ‘Halfway to 2030- What’s next for the UK and the UN’ event featured an address by the Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Rt. Honourable Minister Andrew Mitchell. In his presentation, he admitted that the UK is not on track to meet its nationally determined commitments and stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation and civil society inclusion if the UK is to meet its goals.
Parliamentarian Preet Gill, Shadow Secretary of State for International Development also shared, highlighting the UK’s shortcomings in regard to the SDG goals. She also shared recommendations for improving the UK’s contributions to climate mitigation and adaptation.
Mr. Gumbs said he was honoured for the opportunity to discuss with UK parliamentarians and civil society such significant research that directly impacts the sustainable development of developing states like Anguilla.
He is set to represent the UNFCCC and YOUNGO as a delegate at COP28 in Dubai later this year. Gumbs has committed to continue to advocate for policies that contribute to a more stable climate and promote the resiliency and sustainable development of small island developing states.
