President Danilo Medina has invited the countries of the Caribbean Region to join the Hopefor Initiative, describing climate change as one of the biggest threats facing the world. According to El Caribe, Hopefor is an international initiative aimed at improving coordination of regional emergency mechanisms, both civilian and military, in response to natural disasters. It is based on principles of impartiality, neutrality, independence and assistance and on the concept of neighbors helping neighbors. The initiative was launched in Qatar in 2010 with the objective of improving the use of military and Civil Defense resources in aid and rescue work during natural disasters. Medina was speaking during the VI Summit of Caribbean States in Merida, Mexico, yesterday Wednesday 30 April.