Cabo Verde’s Strategic Vision at the 80th United Nations General Assembly
During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Cabo Verde seized the opportunity to present its stance on urgent global challenges and articulate its priorities within the international arena. Positioned as a small island state in a pivotal Atlantic location, Cabo Verde underscored issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and regional security. The nation reaffirmed its dedication to multilateralism and collaborative solutions. This article explores the main themes highlighted by Cabo Verde’s delegation, illustrating its forward-looking agenda and appeal for strengthened global partnerships amid shifting geopolitical realities.
Advancing Sustainable Development: Cabo Verde’s Commitment to Global Goals
Cabo Verde reiterated its steadfast dedication to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing that international alliances are indispensable for fostering sustainable progress and resilience. Acknowledging that small island developing states (SIDS) face disproportionate risks from climate disruptions, Cabo Verde advocated for increased worldwide assistance focused on renewable energy adoption, climate adaptation measures, and economic diversification strategies essential for long-term sustainability.
The country identified several critical sectors requiring accelerated advancement:
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Increasing reliance on clean energy sources to diminish fossil fuel dependence.
- Enhancing Climate Adaptability: Deploying innovative approaches tailored to protect vulnerable populations from environmental threats.
- Inclusive Economic Empowerment: Fostering education initiatives alongside digital transformation efforts aimed at uplifting youth and women economically.
| SDG Area | Current Status | Targets by 2030 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable & Clean Energy | 45% renewable energy integration | Achieve 75% renewable energy share nationwide | |||||
| Climate Action Initiatives | Established national adaptation framework | ||||||
| Implement comprehensive resilience programs across all regions | |||||||
| Quality Education Access | 85% enrollment in primary education td > < td >Universal availability of digital learning platforms td > tr >
Tackling Climate Change Through Innovation and Regional Partnerships in West AfricaThe government of Cabo Verde has intensified efforts against climate change by adopting a comprehensive approach centered around clean energy expansion, sustainable farming practices, and strengthening coastal defenses. Recognizing heightened exposure to sea-level rise and extreme weather events due to geographic vulnerability, Cabo Verde has launched pioneering initiatives aimed at curbing carbon emissions while promoting environmentally friendly technologies. Key components include:
Cabo Verde’s Role in Regional Climate Collaboration Efforts – Strengthening West African Resilience and Beyond – | ||||||
| Cooperation Pillar | Objective | Illustrative Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Data Sharing | Improve predictive capabilities & risk analysis | Establishment of cross-border meteorological networks td > tr >< tr >< td >Financial Resource Mobilization td >< td >Secure funding streams supporting adaptation projects td >< td >Initiatives facilitating access into Green Climate Fund grants td > tr >< tr >< td >Capacity Enhancement Programs td >< td >Equip local actors with skills & knowledge base needed for sustainability efforts. td >< td Workshops targeting efficient natural resource governance. |
Paving Pathways Toward Economic Stability & Social Equity in Cabo Verde’s Future Policies – Recommendations For Inclusive Growth – ———————————————–—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
To build robust economic foundations capable of weathering external shocks like fluctuating tourism revenues or remittance inflows-which currently constitute significant portions (~30%)of GDP according World Bank estimates (2023)-Cabo Verde must prioritize sectoral diversification strategies.
Investments should focus heavily on bolstering agribusiness ventures that leverage indigenous crops adapted for arid climates while simultaneously expanding green energy enterprises offering new employment avenues.
Moreover,the accelerationof digital infrastructure deployment will empower micro-,small-,and medium-sized enterprises(MSMEs)to engage competitivelyin global markets,enabling sustained growth trajectories.
Social policies must equally emphasize equitable access across healthcare servicesand educational opportunities especially targeting marginalized groups residingin remote islands or underserved urban districts.
Strengthening social protection systems through data-informed identification processes can effectively target poverty reduction interventions while narrowing inequality gaps.
A collaborative governance model involving public institutions,civil society organizations,and private sector actors remains vitalfor inclusive empowerment agendas.
Key policy recommendations include:
