العربية
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed Caribbean leaders in Barbados on Wednesday, outlining urgent global and regional challenges, including Haiti’s escalating crisis, climate justice, and financial reform. Speaking at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Meeting, Guterres called for unity and decisive action to address these pressing issues.
Haiti: A Call for Effective Security Action
Guterres announced a potential plan to support an “effective force” in Haiti as the country continues to face brutal gang violence, political instability, and a humanitarian crisis. He praised CARICOM’s role in supporting Haiti’s peace efforts and urged continued efforts toward a Haitian-led political process that restores democratic institutions through elections.
To support stability:
- A UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission is already assisting the Haitian National Police.
- Guterres plans to propose a UN financial mechanism similar to Somalia, where the UN covers structural and logistical costs, while salaries are paid through an existing trust fund.
- He hopes the UN Security Council will approve this plan, ensuring a strong, effective force to help Haiti reclaim security and democracy.
“If the Security Council accepts this proposal, we will have the conditions to finally defeat the gangs in Haiti and create the conditions for democracy to thrive,” he declared, drawing applause from Caribbean leaders.
The Climate Crisis: An Opportunity for the Caribbean
Guterres emphasized the climate crisis as an injustice, noting that Caribbean nations have contributed almost nothing to global emissions but are among the most vulnerable to climate disasters.
Urgent Climate Actions Needed
- Countries must deliver new climate action plans ahead of COP30 later this year, aligning with the 1.5°C temperature goal.
- The G20 nations must lead by example, committing to deep emission cuts and transitioning to clean energy.
- The $1.3 trillion in climate finance agreed at previous COP summits must be mobilized immediately.
- Developed nations must honor commitments to the Loss and Damage Fund, which aims to compensate vulnerable nations for climate-related destruction.
Guterres pointed out the absurdity of current financial priorities, stating:
“When the Fund was created, the pledges made were equivalent to the new contract for just one baseball player in New York City.”
He urged Caribbean leaders to embrace clean energy, reduce reliance on costly fossil fuel imports, and tap into the region’s vast renewable energy potential.
Financing Sustainable Development
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remain severely underfunded as debt servicing drains resources from Caribbean nations. Guterres praised the region for leading bold financial reforms, including:
- The Pact for the Future – A UN-backed initiative advocating for financial reforms to support developing nations.
- The Bridgetown Initiative – A Caribbean-led proposal to reshape global finance, increase debt relief, and ensure fairer access to funding for sustainable development.
Caribbean countries have been at the forefront of the fight for financial reform, securing commitments such as:
A $500 billion annual SDG Stimulus to support development projects. Reforming international financial institutions to allow greater participation by developing nations.
A Call for Unity and Action
Guterres concluded by urging Caribbean leaders to keep pushing for global accountability, stating:
“A unified Caribbean is an unstoppable force. I urge you to keep using that power to push the world to deliver on its promises.”
From Haiti’s crisis to climate resilience and economic justice, the Caribbean continues to play a critical role in shaping global solutions. For continued updates on regional diplomacy, climate action, and financial reforms, stay connected to our platform.