The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Representative for the UK (Southern Region) and a multi-award-winning entrepreneur Nathaniel Peat has been invited by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to speak at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to showcase the contributions of diaspora communities and integrate their voices into key global and national climate discussions.

The conference runs November 11–22, 2024, and is part of the IOM’s Diaspora for Climate Action (D4C) project.

Brief background on Peat

Peat, known for his significant work in entrepreneurship and sustainability, has had a profound impact on the black community’s business strategies, particularly through his advisory role at Lloyds Banking Group. His entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding GeNNex Solar, a company focused on providing renewable energy solutions in East Africa, with a smaller presence in the Caribbean.

In addition to his business ventures, Peat serves as a diaspora representative, providing consultative advice to Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. He is instrumental in implementing strategies for Jamaica’s National Diaspora Policy, which promotes mutually beneficial initiatives between the Jamaican Government and its diaspora population, particularly in the areas of sustainability and climate change.

Peat’s efforts focus on mobilising the Jamaican Diaspora and securing financial resources for climate change and sustainability fundraising initiatives.

At COP29, Peat will speak at the IOM’s event, “Harnessing Global Talent and Finance for Climate Solutions: Lessons from Diaspora Engagement.” He will discuss the role of the diaspora in addressing climate change, emphasising the importance of financial mobilisation through organisations like VM Group to drive impactful environmental solutions.

“The diaspora has a unique role to play in addressing climate change. By leveraging our global talent and financial resources, we can create sustainable solutions that benefit both our home countries and the wider world,” said Peat.

About COP29

COP29 is the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is a critical global summit where world leaders, policymakers, and experts gather to discuss climate action. This year’s conference in Baku will focus on accelerating efforts to combat climate change and implement sustainable solutions worldwide.

About The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council

The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), the successor to the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board (DAB), was created to strengthen the engagement of the Jamaican Diaspora and expand participation globally. The GJDC aligns its activities with the National Diaspora Policy to contribute to national development across various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, environment, the arts, sports, culture, and commerce.