Prime Minister Godwin Friday met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at United Nations Headquarters in New York on Sunday, with talks focused on issues confronting the global community, including climate resilience and reform of the international financial architecture.
The meeting formed part of the prime minister’s engagements surrounding the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Friday said the discussions underscored the importance of strong advocacy for the interests of small island developing states (SIDS).
“We spoke about issues confronting the planet, climate change and strong advocacy for the interests of Small Island Developing States,” the prime minister said.
He said these matters are of particular importance to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and the wider CARICOM, and are among the issues the bloc seeks to place prominently on the international agenda for discussion with other leaders and at the various forums taking place in New York.
For SIDS such as SVG, climate resilience and reform of the international financial architecture are closely linked to vulnerable countries’ ability to respond to climate shocks, finance development and build greater resilience.
Friday said it remains important that the particular circumstances and vulnerabilities of SIDS continue to receive attention at the highest levels of the international community.