RC Trebucq's Welcome Remarks at the UN Day Anniversary Reception, at the Parliament Buildings

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

• Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of the Republic of Barbados
• The Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados
• His Honour Senator Reginald Farley, President of the Senate
• His Honor Arthur Holder, Speaker of the House of Assembly.
• Honourable Members of the Cabinet and Members of Parliament.
• Excellencies, Ambassadors and Representatives of Diplomatic Corps.
• Heads of UN agencies and UN Colleagues
• Leaders of the Private Sector, Civil Society and Youth.
• Distinguished guests
• Members of the Media

 A special good evening.

On behalf of the United Nations family here in Barbados and across the Eastern Caribbean, I am honoured to welcome you, along with my co-host the Hon Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the 78th UN Anniversary Reception. 

Last year we were at the UN House, and this year I am thrilled that we are at the House of Parliament which symbolizes democracy, and the will of the people throughout a rich history.

78 years beyond the aftermath of the Second World War, the international community has made through the UN significant progress in advancing peace, development, and human rights around the globe. 

While the world has changed dramatically since the UN was founded, the UN has also changed with it. But the Charter's values remain as important today as ever.

In our increasingly complex world, crises, wars, and existential threats like climate change are confronting us, but the UN and multilateralism remain our best hope for shared global solutions. 

We have not found better than the UN to handle the world’s problems. So, we need to work together to make sure it better reflects today’s world, as the largest global platform for countries to come together, to discuss their differences, and find common ground. 

It is in this context that SIDS like Barbados have a critical platform at the UN to advocate for their needs and priorities; and work with other countries to develop shared solutions for a fairer world, and a protected planet. 

And the Caribbean has been leading in proposing new solutions. I wish to commend the outstanding leadership of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. She is a true champion of the global south, and her voice reverberates internationally, as calling for reform of the global financial architecture to make it more equitable for developing countries, with the Bridgetown initiative. She is a true friend of the United Nations, including as co-Chair of the SDGs Advocates with PM of Canada, and a strong supporter of multilateralism. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,



The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are designed to create a better future for all people. They remain the blueprint to achieve progress. But globally, they are off track.

In that context, Barbados is making commendable progress on SDG implementation. According to a recent assessment, around half of the SDG targets have already been met or will be met latest by 2030. While others are progressing and some need acceleration.

This commitment to the SDGs is reflected in Declaration Mission Barbados, the national social compact for prosperity and resilience for all. 

To that effect, the UN is working closely with the Government of Barbados on a range of issues, including climate change and the blue economy, gender equality, Health, Education, sustainable energy, social protection. 

This is possible thanks to cooperation with partners such as Canada, India, Japan, UK, US, EU, MDBs and many others.

For example, together, we are reinforcing national efforts to reducing fossil fuel dependence with the UN SE4A supporting Barbados in finalizing its Energy Transition and Investment Plan.

Similarly, we are partnering to strengthen population and data systems, helping Barbados to make evidence-based decisions about its future, including developing population policy. 

Globally, we see the catalytic and transformative power of investing in gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. Here in Barbados, we are solidly committed to achieving these objectives.  

Resilience building and strengthening the capacity to respond to crises are the centre piece of our work. With UN support, Barbados is expected to host the regional logistics hub to improve the regional humanitarian response mechanism. 

Similarly, the UNSG’s Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4All) was just launched in Barbados (along with A&B and Guyana) as first countries to benefit from this investment, bringing together UN, partners and banks. 

These are just examples of the work we do. Yet, the journey continues, and there is still much to do for all of us to deliver on the Agenda 2030. We know that the road ahead will not be a straightforward one.

Why? Because the climate crisis remains a major issue for SIDS. Vulnerability to its effects, such as more intense weather events or sea level rise, can devastate their economies, infrastructure, and the people.

Yet, with the resolute commitment of the Government and all segments of society, along with the support of the whole UN Development System and many development partners, I know we can close the remaining gaps in this sustainable development journey.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In a few moments, we will light parliament in blue, sending a beacon of hope throughout this island nation and the region; symbolising our commitment to promoting our mission of peace, human rights and sustainable development everywhere. 

Lastly, I echo the words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in saying that “the UN reflects the world as it is, and the world that we know it can be”. So, it is our responsibility to show what humanity can achieve when we work together to deliver on the promises of the UN charter for all Barbadians, all CARICOM citizens, and people worldwide. 

I want to end as I began, welcoming you all, very dear friends and partners of the UN, for joining this anniversary reception. But not only, but I also want to welcome you to embrace a wonderful evening filled with joy and excitement. We will have fun with good calypso music and steel pan; we will also enjoy a nice culinary experience. 

Most importantly, I am told that the parliament courtyard can remain open late… if you decide to stay longer! 

Thank you and Happy UN Day everyone.