Government of Guyana and United Nations Sign Declaration of Intent Advancing UN Participation in the Global Biodiversity Alliance

The Government of Guyana and the United Nations in Guyana signed a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to formalise the United Nations’ participation in the Global Biodiversity Alliance, marking an important step in strengthening cooperation on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, climate resilience and global knowledge exchange. 

Honourable Gail Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator, signed the DOI on18th May, 2026.

The signing ceremony hosted by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, took place at the Office of the President. It was attended by senior government officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, as well as representatives of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes in Guyana.

His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has conveyed that the partnership reflects Guyana’s long-standing commitment to responsible stewardship of its forests, biodiversity and natural resources. He expressed that the signing by the United Nations on to the Global Biodiversity Alliance, led by Guyana, is a powerful affirmation that biodiversity protection and the sustainable management of natural resources must remain central to global development. He underscored that Guyana’s leadership in climate and biodiversity, has shown that innovative partnerships can support environmental stewardship, and Guyana remains committed to sharing experiences and lessons with the international community.

“The United Nations is pleased to join this important initiative, which closely aligns with the world’s shared objectives of sustainable development goals (SDGs) while championing South-South cooperation,” said Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator.

Through the Declaration of Intent, the Government of Guyana and the United Nations reaffirmed their shared commitments to integrating biodiversity considerations into national development planning and sustainable investment frameworks, in line with Guyana’s vision of pursuing development that is inclusive, low-carbon, and climate-resilient. The Declaration further underscores the importance of inclusive participation and the meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose knowledge, stewardship and lived experience are essential to biodiversity conservation.

The Partnership is expected to contribute to stronger coordination, data-sharing and information exchange on biodiversity action within the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while supporting Guyana’s ongoing leadership in climate and biodiversity diplomacy.