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United Nations

UN Secretary General Meets with CARICOM Leaders at UNGA 77th Session

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has been meeting with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, including Prime Ministers Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda and John Briceno of Belize, as well as Jamaica's Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith, during the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The meetings covered various topics such as climate action, the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, international financial system deficiencies, and Security Council reform. Guterres also discussed challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the need for urgent climate action and financing to recover from the current cost-of-living crisis. The Secretary-General commended Jamaica's strong commitment to multilateralism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Guterres met with Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda to discuss climate action, the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, and deficiencies in the international financial system.
  • The two officials discussed the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, which Antigua and Barbuda will host in 2024, and efforts towards advancing the loss and damage agenda at COP27.
  • Guterres also met with Belize Prime Minister John Briceno to discuss challenges faced by SIDS, such as climate change, access to concessional finance, and the impacts of the war in Ukraine on food and fuel prices.
  • In her meeting with Guterres, Jamaica's Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith emphasized the importance of urgent climate action and financing to recover from the current cost-of-living crisis.
  • The Secretary-General commended Jamaica's strong commitment to multilateralism.
  • Guterres also held talks with St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi prior to the CARICOM meetings.
  • The Secretary-General and CARICOM leaders discussed the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the establishment of the UN Youth Office.

Statistics:

  • 2024: The year Antigua and Barbuda will host the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States.
  • 2023 (approximate): The time period during which the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) took place.
  • 2022 (approximate): The time period during which the war in Ukraine is impacting food and fuel prices for Small Island Developing States.

Sources:

  • [Source 1: "UN said that Guterres met with Prime Minister Browne of Antigua and Barbuda and Belize Prime Minister John Briceno as well as Jamaica's Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith over the last weekend." (Publication Date: Sept 26, 2023)]
  • [Source 2: "The UN said the two officials 'exchanged views on climate action, the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and deficiencies in the international financial system.'" (Publication Date: Sept 26, 2023)]

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