On Thursday 19 June, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened a high-level open debate on “Poverty, Underdevelopment and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace.” The session was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, Hon. Hugh Todd, with the country serving as Chair of the UNSC for June 2025.
Mister President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and to commend the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for convening this important debate under the theme “Poverty, Underdevelopment and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security.”
We welcome - Minister Todd- the leadership by Guyana in placing the nexus between peace and development at the heart of the Council’s deliberations.
Mister President,
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) is deeply distressed by the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the alarming tensions across the Middle East, which threaten global stability.
(Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) - The members of the Caucus of CARICOM Ambassadors to the United Nations (UN) met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, on May 1 to express their concerns about the deteriorating situation in Haiti and to explore ways to continue to support the country as it attempts to stem armed violence and restore constitutional authority.
Caribbean youth were represented by a powerful voice at the United Nations on Monday as Luke James-Trim, CARICOM Youth Ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, took the international stage during the Caribbean Regional Breakout Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum. Representing the Region, James-Trim delivered an inspiring intervention highlighting the enduring strength of Caribbean partnerships and the need for inclusive development models.
"Through strengthened collaboration between CARICOM and the African Union there is the opportunity to articulate a clear diplomatic, and advocacy strategy to advance the [Reparations] agenda through joint action in the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other intergovernmental bodies…"
"Reparations for Haiti continue to be central to CARICOM’s reparations claim. April 2025 marks the bicentenary of the indemnity of 150 million Francs imposed on Haiti by France as reparations for loss of property, including enslaved Africans, and as a precondition for recognising the island’s independence. The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear, with arguable links to the situation in Haiti today.
"Sometimes we focus on the challenges, but our conversation today was more about the opportunities for meaningful engagement with young people. We spoke about mental health and well-being and the experience of CARICOM with the strong leadership of our young people to find solutions." - Dr Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs
(Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) This year, eleven Caribbean nations will hold electoral processes, marking a critical opportunity for strengthening democracies and inclusive participation across the Region.
(Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown) - On Thursday, 27 February, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr Carla Barnett welcomed a courtesy call from the A3 Plus Group of the United Nations Security Council.