PRIME Minister Andrew Holness has pointed to four critical challenges that should be addressed on multiple fronts by global leaders.

During his historic address to world leaders at the 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday, Prime Minister Holness said leaders should enhance productivity, engage in trade, address climate change, and ensure social protection, inclusion and empowerment of people.

According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, Holness said focusing on those four areas will “further the cause of sustainable and inclusive economic development and translate support into action and prosperity” for all.

“In Jamaica we are using our limited resources more efficiently to increase production and improve quality of goods and services across sectors. We are seeking to improve the capacity of small farmers to expand agricultural production higher up the value chain, particularly through agro-processing. We are also seeking to provide support to MSMEs (medium, small and micro enterprises) to ensure they can participate in the formal economy through access to credit and institutional support,” Holness said.

The prime minister reiterated the need for engagement in trade, noting that it is essential for growth in small economies, the release said..

“For all of us, moving towards a sustainable future requires a determination to build resilience in the way we plan our cities, design transportation and communication infrastructure; and develop key industries across the globe. We join and reiterate the BRICS call for all countries to fully implement the Paris Agreement and for developed countries to provide financial technological and capacity building support to developing countries in this regard,” Holness said.

He said, too, that leaders have a responsibility to protect and empower the most vulnerable, to prevent and reduce the risks of poverty by guaranteeing the provision of basic income security and essential social services.

The Jamaican prime minister encouraged the leaders to develop programmes to empower women and address the large and vulnerable youth populations.

In the meantime, Holness said Jamaica and Caricom are ready to work with the global community in support of global unification and economic prosperity.