“This is a special year for CARICOM – your fortieth anniversary. Through the years, CARICOM has demonstrated the strength of a united voice and a common vision in shaping the future of the region,” according to His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations at the seventh UN-CARICOM general meeting.
Over the past decade and a half, these biannual UN-CARICOM General Meetings have provided an excellent opportunity to assess progress in our mutual cooperation.
He said CARICOM countries have been pioneers in raising the world’s awareness on climate change and the unique challenges of Small Island Developing States.
“Thanks to the advocacy of CARICOM, the General Assembly focused on the importance of treating and preventing non-communicable diseases. The region also has been in the forefront of global efforts to commemorate the anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade,” Ban Ki-Moon stressed.
Underscoring climate change is a reality we must face, he said “I have placed it at the top of my agenda. Even though no country is immune to climate change, the Caribbean is feeling its impact more strongly than many other parts of the world. Severe storms and rising sea levels have already taken a heavy toll on many island nations.”
Noting that countries must work together for sustainable development, Ban Ki-Moon said this calls for transformative shifts in the economies and societies and must be reflected in the Post-2015 development agenda. The world needs action that fully integrates the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability. The imperative of this holistic approach has long been understood by the Caribbean region.
“I also share your concern about the growing threat of transnational organized crime. This is a complex challenge and I welcome the ongoing discussions between CARICOM and the UN system to support the region’s security strategies and complement the ongoing efforts to eradicate this scourge.”
Underscoring CARICOM’s key role throughout the negotiations on the Arms Trade Treaty, he saluted the region’s commitment and the high number of Caribbean countries that have already signed the Treaty and pledged the quick ratification of this important instrument.
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