AOSIS — THE PLACENCIA AMBITION FORUM RECAP
INTRODUCTION
“PAF Recap” is a multimedia
compilation of highlights from
the Placencia Ambition Forum
(PAF). PAF Recap features central
themes, messages, lessons and
commitments explored during the
virtual event.
PAF was hosted by the
Government of Belize, in its
capacity as Chair of the Alliance
of Small Island States (AOSIS),
on April 20 to 22. The Forum
brought together major actors in
the climate change negotiations
around a central theme of
increasing ambition and a
focus on safeguarding the Paris
Agreement.
PAF, which was originally slated to
be held in the southern Belizean
town of Placencia, demonstrated
island leadership in “Keeping
the Drumbeat of Ambition Alive”
amidst global uncertainty. PAF
highlighted the direct connections
between systemic shocks such
as the COVID-19 pandemic
and climate change. COVID-19
magnifies the importance of key
island priorities for the global
climate change agenda. The
radical curtailment in transport
and steep decline in energy
demand are signals that change is
possible.
Transparency will be critical,
and collaboration essential, to
eliminate barriers to known
solutions.
This is an opportunity for a global
reset to maximize results for
people and the planet. The Forum
provided a global stage for AOSIS
members and others to highlight
synergies between the disruption
of COVID-19 and climate change.
It also showcased how responses
to COVID-19 can strengthen the
case for more sustainable climate
action and ambition in the lead up
to COP26 and beyond.
Amidst a sparse and uncertain
global climate change calendar,
the virtual staging of PAF is
consistent with over 30 years of
island leadership in “Keeping the
Drumbeat of Ambition Alive.”
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