March 16, 2026 | Belmopan, Belize

Belize continues to advance its efforts toward climate-resilient development, as highlighted during the recent National Summit on Climate-Resilient Human Settlements and Infrastructure, held on March 12 under the theme “Governing for Resilience, Planning for People.”

The summit, hosted by the Belize Association of Professional Planners (BAPP) and the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), formed part of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness 10 Programme—a national initiative aimed at strengthening Belize’s capacity to plan, finance, and implement climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

The programme is implemented by PACT in collaboration with key national partners, including the Ministry of Economic Transformation, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining, and BAPP. Together, these institutions are working to strengthen planning systems, institutional coordination, and policy frameworks to better address climate risks and support sustainable development.

The summit brought together a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including government officials, municipal leaders, planners, development partners, and civil society representatives. Participants engaged in discussions that showcased key achievements under the programme and explored priorities for strengthening climate-resilient human settlements across Belize.

Among the key milestones highlighted were the development of national policy frameworks for resilient infrastructure and urban development, capacity-building initiatives for municipalities, and the introduction of geospatial tools to support more effective urban planning and data-driven decision-making.

Through keynote presentations and thematic plenary discussions, the summit explored critical areas such as governance, financing, and integrated planning approaches—emphasizing the need for coordinated, multi-sector efforts to ensure that Belize’s infrastructure and communities are better prepared for the impacts of climate change.

The event also reinforced the importance of collaboration across national and local institutions, positioning planning as a central pillar in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

The National Summit represents a significant step forward in advancing a shared vision for Belize’s development—one that places people at the center of planning and prioritizes resilience in the face of a changing climate.