RC Trebucq's Remarks at the UN Day 2022 Lighting Ceremony

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture
• Distinguished members of the diplomatic corps
• Government representatives
• UN agencies representatives and members of the UN family
• Members of the media
• Ladies and gentlemen

Good evening, and happy UN Day!

It is my pleasure to celebrate United Nations Day with the Government and people of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the entire UN Family here in Barbados, and with all of you, our partners in development.

With this lighting ceremony, we celebrate holding firm to the values of peace, justice, and human rights for all.

Right now, I can feel the the same immeasurable hope and conviction for a better world as our founders did decades ago.

From the moment the UN Charter which brings us together was signed in 1945, we had work to do. With the first 51 Founding Members starting the race to defend and preserve mankind, we run among the 142 who continue, with sights set on #2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals which surround us here today.

From the mid to late 1900s, we have stood firm behind regional governments as they grew and set their sights on their development agenda and goals, in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. We watched as the region developed, and grew in commitment to peace, justice, and human rights - for a better world for all.

However, in the context of increased uncertainties, the 10 states which this mission is dedicated to in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean are on the front lines of our greatest battle – the climate crisis. With increased disasters threatening decades of development gains in education, youth and social development, agriculture, and environmental resilience, the region joins the global community in facing the triple crisis of food, fuel, and finance, making it easy to lose hope.

But by the principles outlined in the Charter, and the determination of this UN Subregional team (with my support as Resident Coordinator), I would argue that together we are hope. Why? We continue to bring ambition, energy to forge solutions for all our people, as we lead the charge towards #TheGoals.

With the #GlobalGoals as the blueprint to achieve a better & more sustainable future for all, it cannot be business as usual as we explore every avenue of possibility to truly #LeaveNoOneBehind. 

The UN team for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean will continue to advocate at the highest level, for the region to access the resources needed to effectively minimize vulnerabilities, reduce debt, and accelerate progress towards the SDGs, including at COP 27, now just under a week.

With a growing UN family here in the region, we commit to supporting the progress made to increase resilience to climate change, and access to financing for Caribbean SIDS. From today onward, we take the mission forward in this region to bring dignity, equality, and peace on a healthy planet.

As we flip the switch in a few moments to light UN House Blue, I hope it serves as a beacon of hope, and what we stand for in our mission. I join UNSG Guterres' call to renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one, in global solidarity. Happy UN Day!