The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency has a delegation attending the 31st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UNFCCC, in Antalya, Türkiye. The team headed by Executive Director Dr Mohammad Rafik M.S. Nagdee comprises Kiesha Farnum, Head of Partnerships and Programmes; Vekash Khan, Technical Chief of Staff; and Lisa-Ann Fraser, Head of Operations.
Between November 9 and November 20, when the team will be present, CCREEE will host and chair discussion events on critical and timely topics relevant to Caribbean SIDS, and convene high-level personnel as well as a plethora of agencies who can advance and support the energy transition which is desperately needed in the region.
All events at the CARICOM Pavilion, COP31, Antalya, Türkiye unless otherwise indicated.
Monday, November 9, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. TRT | 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. AST
Inclusion as an Implementation Driver and Economic Enabler – Driving a Just Energy Transition through Gender, Youth and Inclusive Leadership
Session overview: Explore how gender equality and youth inclusion can accelerate a just and inclusive Caribbean energy transition. The session will spotlight programmes like WIRE, innovative financing and measurable strategies to empower women and youth, unlock opportunities and embed inclusion in climate action.
Moderator: Kiesha Farnum, Head of Partnerships and Programmes, CCREEE
Panellists: Maria van Veldhuizen, Project Manager, Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition; Ms. Aysel Yagubova, Executive Director, Economic Cooperation Organization Clean Energy Center; Mrs. Onika Benn, NDC In-Country Facilitator, NDC Partnership, Department of Sustainable Development, Saint Lucia; Avishek Malla, Intervention Manager – Renewable Energy, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD); Jazz Pitcairn, Film and Television Writer and Producer, Cayman Islands.
Location: CARICOM Pavilion, COP31, Antalya, Türkiye
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. TRT | 3:00 a.m.–4:00 a.m. AST
From Commitments to Capital – Partnering with Multilateral Development Banks to Deliver the Energy Transition
Session overview: Explore how regional cooperation, resilient infrastructure and innovative financing can strengthen Caribbean energy security. The session will spotlight the partnerships, policies and investments needed to accelerate disaster recovery, unlock bankable projects and deliver a more resilient, inclusive energy future.
Moderator: Dr. Mohammad Rafik M.S. Nagdee, Executive Director, CCREEE
Panellists: Tatiana C. Alves, Chief of the Climate Change Solutions Division, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Rodinald Soomer, Chief Executive Officer, CARICOM Development Fund (CDF); Daniel Best, President, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); Gloria Alvarenga, Director of Energy Integration, Access and Security, OLACDE.
Location: CARICOM Pavilion, COP31, Antalya, Türkiye
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. TRT | 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. AST
Charging the Transition – Scaling Electric Mobility Ecosystems for NDC Delivery in SIDS
Session overview: Explore how small island developing States (SIDS) can accelerate electric mobility through strategic investments, enabling policies and regional cooperation. The session will spotlight the role of utilities, innovative financing and scalable solutions to reduce costs, unlock markets and drive electric vehicle adoption across the Caribbean.
Moderator: Vekash Khan, Technical Chief of Staff, CCREEE
Panellists: Francois Rogers, Executive Director, Blue Planet Alliance; Robert-Jan Moons, Executive Director, Blue Planet Alliance; Leslie Smith, Director, Renewable Energy Division and National Ozone Officer, Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, Grenada.
Location: CARICOM Pavilion, COP31, Antalya, Türkiye
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. TRT | 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. AST
Transforming Public Infrastructure – Energy Efficient Retrofits and Distributed Renewables in Building
Session overview: Explore how the Caribbean can scale energy-efficient buildings and distributed renewables through stronger standards, innovative financing and regional cooperation. The session will spotlight practical solutions to accelerate retrofits, strengthen climate resilience and deliver sustained energy savings across the region.
Moderator: Lisa-Ann Fraser, Head of Operations, CCREEE
Panellists: Demetrios Papathanasiou, Global Energy Director, World Bank; Dr. Lavern McFarlane, Senior Economist, CARICOM Development Fund (CDF).
Location: CARICOM Pavilion, COP31, Antalya, Türkiye
Monday, November 16, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. TRT | 3:00 a.m.–4:00 a.m. AST
Unlocking Offshore Wind in the Caribbean – From Resource Assessment to Resilient Investment (UK FCDO ROWSAR II)
Session overview: Explore the Caribbean’s offshore wind potential and the technical, economic and environmental conditions for viable investment. The session will spotlight climate resilience, grid readiness and regulatory frameworks needed to turn potential into bankable projects.
Moderator: Lisa-Ann Fraser, Head of Operations, CCREEE
Panellists: Emilie McGlone, Executive Director, Peace Boat US; Vekash Khan, Technical Chief of Staff, CCREEE.
Location: CARICOM Pavilion, COP31, Antalya, Türkiye
Monday, November 16, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. TRT | 4:30 a.m.–5:30 a.m. AST
From Network to Impact – Scaling a Just Energy Transition through Regional Centres, Private Sector and Global Cooperation
Session overview: Explore how regional centres within the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC) can accelerate a just and inclusive global energy transition. The session will spotlight innovative cooperation models, equitable financing and regional platforms that drive implementation, strengthen industrial development and unlock opportunities in global value chains.
Moderator: Kiesha Farnum, Head of Partnerships and Programmes, CCREEE
Panellists: Henk Rogers, Founder, Blue Planet Alliance; Mrs. Racquel Moses, Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator; James Ellsmoor, Chief Executive Officer, Island Innovation; Kenrick Burke, Programme Specialist – Sustainable Energy, CARICOM Development Fund (CDF).
Location: CARICOM Pavilion, COP31, Antalya, Türkiye
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. TRT | 6:00 a.m.–7:00 a.m. AST
Blue Economy to Green Power – Resilient Caribbean Ports, Marine Energy and the Next Investment Frontiers
Session overview: Explore how Caribbean ports and shipping can advance decarbonisation while strengthening energy resilience. The session will spotlight infrastructure readiness, marine energy opportunities, regional cooperation and financing pathways to unlock investment, protect livelihoods and build climate-resilient maritime systems.
Moderator: Vekash Khan, Technical Chief of Staff, CCREEE
Panellists: Emilie McGlone, Executive Director, Peace Boat US; Kiesha Farnum, Head of Partnerships and Programmes, CCREEE; Ambassador Jerry Enoe, Special Envoy for Oceans, Grenada.
Location: CARICOM Pavilion, COP31, Antalya, Türkiye
Time conversion: Türkiye Time (TRT, UTC+3) is 7 hours ahead of Atlantic Standard Time (AST, UTC−4).
Media Advisory:
For all media queries or requests for information or clarification, feel free to contact:
Kerri Gooding
Communications Analyst, CCREEE
(246)850-3918 (Calls and WhatsApp)
Media Kits for Delegates:
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