As world delegations meet at the 62nd session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Subsidiary Bodies (SB 62), the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially joined the group of countries participating in discussions on the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Caribbean country becomes the 17th nation to join this global effort to advance a new global treaty to phase out fossil fuel extraction swiftly and equitably. The move underscores the country’s commitment to climate resilience, energy sovereignty, equitable development, and a just transition for all.
Colincia Levine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, stated: “The opportunity that this initiative provides is both timely and strategic. For Saint Kitts and Nevis, a small island state boldly advancing towards energy sovereignty and climate resilience, this partnership offers a meaningful platform to further shape global dialogue and action, grounded in the lived realities of vulnerable yet determined nations.
“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with fellow forward-leaning nations, like us, who are navigating the complexities of development while committing to a managed and equitable transition away from fossil fuel dependency. Because ultimately, it is you, it is me, it is us, it is we, together forging a shared future beyond fossil fuel dependency.”
The announcement was made at the Third Senior Officials Meeting of the nation-states participating in discussions on a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, held in Bonn a few days before the start of the UN Talks. Representatives of the participating nations gathered to discuss strategies for advancing the proposed Treaty. The meeting attracted observers from governments in Africa and Asia, signaling growing international interest in a just transition away from fossil fuels.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is the third Caribbean nation to officially participate in discussions around a Treaty. Like its other fellow Small Island Developing State (SIDS), the nation is acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the degradation of marine ecosystems. The country’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture, is increasingly threatened by these climate risks.
Additionally, while Saint Kitts and Nevis has made strides in renewable energy development, it remains almost entirely dependent on fossil fuel imports, which strain public finances and – coupled with debt constraints – hinder its ability to invest in the transition to renewable energy, despite its strong commitment to do so.
By participating in the global effort to pursue negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, Saint Kitts and Nevis is strategically positioning itself as a leader in the global transition to clean energy. The proposal aligns with the country’s energy target outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions, which aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, and its broader commitment to the Paris Agreement. This move also opens doors for international cooperation and access to climate finance, critical for building resilience, the energy transition and reducing fossil fuel dependency.
Gillian Cooper, Political Director of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, welcomed the support: “Saint Kitts and Nevis’ support is not just a symbolic gesture – it’s a strategic and courageous act of leadership, which also shows a powerful signal of the growing momentum behind the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. This decision reflects the urgent reality faced by small island developing states, who are disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing the least to the crisis.
“By stepping forward as the 17th nation to join this global effort, Saint Kitts and Nevis is not only advocating for its own survival but also setting an example for other nations to prioritise people and planet. This is a critical moment to accelerate international cooperation, and we hope this move will inspire others to join and commit to a just transition for all.”
The Senior Officials meeting was the first of the official 2025 cycle of participating nations. They discussed plans for future convenings of Senior Officials and Ministers in September and at COP30 in November. Participating countries discussed pathways for a Treaty, including a possible dedicated process to focus on the negotiation and development of a Fossil Fuel Treaty in 2026. They also discussed ways to advocate for a Treaty and advance diplomacy with other countries at SB 62, COP30 and in other multilateral and bilateral spaces.
Momentum is growing behind the call to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Treaty. In addition to the 17 participating nation-states, the initiative has also been supported by 135 cities and subnational governments, the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, over 1 million individuals including 101 Nobel laureates and 850 elected officials, 37 Indigenous communities from the Amazon, Kenya and India, 4,000 civil society organisations and 3,000 scientists.
