CLARENDON, Jamaica -Norwegian officials have committed to advocating for Small Island Developing States in climate discussions, including the Conference of the Parties (COP), during a visit to Jamaica Monday.

“That’s a message that we have heard very clearly from this visit, that it is important for countries like Norway to step up our efforts in that area so we will certainly bring that message loudly and clearly,” Deputy Minister of Development, Bjørg Sandkjær, told Observer Online during a visit to Mount Airy, Clarendon.

Sandkjær visited alongside Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, and Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Development Programme.
The delegation was touring UNDP projects across the country related to climate change and marine sustainability, some of which are partially funded by Norway.

“The reason why the minister of development is not here, is because she is at COP to make sure, to lean on other countries and make sure that we get a good outcome,” stressed Sandkjær.

When quizzed about how Norway was working to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses the deputy minister said, “on the part of Norway cutting climate gas emissions is important but we are also scaling up support for climate adaptation.”

The crown prince’s visit will last until November 20.