The 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, convening in September 2025, marked a significant occasion for global diplomacy, with Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew leading a high-level delegation from Saint Kitts and Nevis. This annual gathering of world leaders addresses pressing global issues and advances multilateral cooperation. This year’s session, themed “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”, highlighted the urgent need to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and to reinvigorate global cooperation amidst a complex geopolitical landscape and a perceived crisis of multilateralism.
The delegation from Saint Kitts and Nevis included key figures such as the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, alongside Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Naeemah Hazelle, and the Federation’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Mutryce Williams. This participation underscored Saint Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, climate resilience, and global cooperation, aligning with its national Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA).
A Historic Milestone for Saint Kitts and Nevis
UNGA80 proved to be a landmark event for Saint Kitts and Nevis, notably as it was the first time a national from the Federation presided over the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly. In a historic moment, Prime Minister Drew delivered a powerful address while H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams, the Federation’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the UN, served as a Vice President to the UN General Assembly. Prime Minister Drew reflected on this achievement, stating, “For the first time, a national of Saint Kitts and Nevis holds the esteemed position of Vice President of the United Nations General Assembly, a role that underscores the federation’s and this administration’s commitment to multilateral dialogue, and international cooperation.” This representation highlighted the growing influence of small island developing states on the global stage.
Key Themes and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Contributions
The 80th UN General Assembly focused on several critical global issues. Prime Minister Drew’s participation saw him deliver Saint Kitts and Nevis’ national address on September 27, 2025, articulating the Federation’s positions on climate action, financing for development, global peace and security, and achieving the SDGs. He specifically highlighted the existential threats facing small island states, including hurricanes, rising seas, and food insecurity, calling for urgent climate action and international support.
The Prime Minister also delivered the CARICOM address for the High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health, and served as a Co-Chair for the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. The Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke contributed by delivering the CARICOM statement for the High-Level Meeting on the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.
Saint Kitts and Nevis’ national address emphasized its commitment to developing global relationships, advocating for small countries, and advancing its Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), a roadmap focused on energy transition, water and food security, sustainable industries, resilient settlements, a circular economy, and health and social protection. The Prime Minister also called for peace in Gaza, reconstruction in Haiti, the ending of sanctions on Cuba, the inclusion of Taiwan in UN agencies, and meaningful Security Council reform.
Regional Engagement and Global Challenges
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also played an active role at UNGA80, with its delegation led by Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. CARICOM leaders advanced the region’s agenda on climate action, sustainable development, peacebuilding, and global health. Key regional priorities included safeguarding the Caribbean as a zone of peace, accelerating climate action, and advocating for a fairer multilateral system that reflects the growing role of emerging powers while ensuring the vulnerabilities and voices of small island states are heard.
Globally, UNGA80 took place amidst severe geopolitical stress and urgent transnational issues. The session was dominated by discussions on the Gaza War, leading to intense calls for adherence to humanitarian law and accountability. Other major topics included climate justice and finance, the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the critical need for structural UN reform. The theme “Better together” underscored the urgency of delivering on the SDGs, with progress deemed insufficient by the UN Secretary-General.
Prime Minister Drew’s engagement also included bilateral meetings, such as a discussion with Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), regarding Saint Kitts and Nevis’ interest in joining the organization. He also met with Kamal Amakrane, the Climate Envoy of the President of the UN General Assembly, to discuss climate resilience and cooperation for small island states.
The participation of Saint Kitts and Nevis at UNGA80, led by Prime Minister Drew, underscored the nation’s dedication to international diplomacy, advocacy for small island developing states, and commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges through multilateral cooperation. The event served as a testament to the growing voice of smaller nations in shaping global policy and a collective call for renewed solidarity and action.