Guyana has achieved another significant milestone in its journey toward environmental sustainability, which has been marked by new international discussions with His Majesty King Charles III. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s visit to Scotland has further advanced the nation’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, reinforcing its commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development.
During this historic trip, organized through the King’s Foundation, President Ali privately met with King Charles III. Their discussions centered on shared priorities, including climate resilience, sustainable development, agriculture, and initiatives to support vulnerable populations.
“We spoke at length about our shared view for the world on the importance of cutting-edge sustainable development solutions,” President Ali said in a press release from the Office of the President.
He also noted, “The King has been a long-term supporter of Guyana’s LCDS, which he has highlighted as a global example since it was launched in 2009.” The dialogue extended over a private dinner, where both leaders explored avenues for greater collaboration. President Ali expressed his eagerness to showcase the progress of both Guyana and the King’s Foundation at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
President Ali’s visit also included tours of several facilities in Scotland that support local communities and vulnerable groups. His engagements focused on education, innovation, and sustainability—key elements in Guyana’s vision for an inclusive, low-carbon future. The President received updates on advanced educational programs to empower youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
He also explored agricultural facilities that promote sustainable practices, aligning with Guyana’s ambition to become a regional agriculture and food security leader. Additionally, President Ali visited sustainable housing projects, highlighting skills development for constructing energy-efficient homes, and toured urban regeneration projects, showing interest in replicating similar eco-friendly designs in Guyana.
The President also met with artisans at textile workshops, where he observed the integration of sustainable practices to preserve traditional skills.
This visit builds on the King’s Foundation’s recent engagements in Guyana, where it was announced that the Foundation would support the next phase of the LCDS, particularly in the area of sustainable urban development. President Ali had previously outlined his vision to restore Georgetown’s status as the “Garden City of the Caribbean.”
President Ali reflected on his experiences in Scotland, “Before I came, I was aware of the admirable work of the King’s Foundation — but seeing it first-hand here in Scotland has been inspiring. I believe that there is a lot we can learn from each other and that Guyana can be an example for the Commonwealth on our new priorities, just as we have been an example on forests for the past 15 years.”
This visit has further solidified Guyana’s dedication to sustainable national development and global partnerships in areas such as social inclusion, innovation, and environmental stewardship. As Guyana implements its Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, the alliances and insights gained from this visit to Scotland are expected to play a critical role in shaping the country’s sustainable future.
With its vast biodiversity, rich forests, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Guyana is positioning itself as a global leader in the fight against climate change.