Ambassador Henry-Martin Addresses Second Annual Congressional Briefing on Diplomacy and Global Leadership

Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin of Saint Kitts and Nevis delivered a resounding call for a new paradigm of global leadership at the Second Annual Congressional Briefing on “Diplomacy and Global Leadership: Strengthening Security and Cooperation in a Changing World.” Held at the United States Congress on May 20, 2025, and hosted by the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR) in collaboration with the International Defenders Council, the briefing served as a platform for international collaboration and a reaffirmation of diplomacy’s crucial role in navigating the complexities of the 21st century. The event, described by USIDHR as “more than a meeting—it’s a movement,” brought together representatives from over 53 nations, unified by a shared commitment to fostering peace and security through diplomatic engagement. Ambassador Henry-Martin’s address resonated deeply within this context, offering a powerful articulation of the values and principles that should underpin global leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Central to Ambassador Henry-Martin’s message was a redefinition of global leadership, shifting the focus from traditional metrics of power, such as military might and economic dominance, to a more nuanced understanding that emphasizes vision, values, and the capacity to build coalitions for the greater good. She argued that true leadership lies not in the assertion of dominance, but in the ability to listen, collaborate, and foster collective progress. This perspective, she argued, is particularly relevant in the context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Saint Kitts and Nevis, which, despite their limited size, demonstrate remarkable resilience and diplomatic prowess in navigating complex global challenges. The Ambassador highlighted how SIDS, often on the front lines of climate change and economic vulnerabilities, leverage diplomacy as a “lifeline,” forging partnerships and building bridges across geographical and political divides to advance shared goals.

Ambassador Henry-Martin’s address underscored the vital importance of inclusivity in global affairs, emphasizing that every nation, regardless of its size or economic power, has a valuable contribution to make in shaping a just and cooperative world order. This principle of inclusivity extended to her passionate advocacy for education as a fundamental driver of national and global progress. She showcased Saint Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to free universal education, highlighting its transformative impact in breaking cycles of poverty and empowering generations to contribute meaningfully to society. Investing in education, she argued, is not merely a national imperative but a global one, fueling innovation, promoting justice, and paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Furthermore, Ambassador Henry-Martin’s speech emphasized the critical role of diplomacy in addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting the international community. She called for diplomacy to serve as the bedrock of international security, particularly in a world grappling with climate change, pandemics, and migration flows. She portrayed diplomacy not as a passive exercise, but as a powerful instrument for peaceful conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving. This “quiet but powerful” diplomacy, rooted in respect for the sovereignty and voice of every nation, holds the key to building a more stable and secure global landscape. The Ambassador’s words resonated with the assembled dignitaries, reflecting a shared understanding of the urgent need for strengthened international cooperation.

The briefing, attended by representatives and dignitaries from 53 countries, including Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Belize, Colombia, Egypt, Fiji, Ghana, Jamaica, Malaysia, Nigeria, Panama, Saint Lucia, Singapore, Uganda, Zambia, and the United States, demonstrated a broad commitment to multilateral engagement and global solidarity. This diverse representation underscored the universal recognition of the complex challenges facing the world and the shared responsibility to address them through cooperative action. The keynote address, delivered by Her Excellency Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), further emphasized the importance of preventive diplomacy.

Minister Wagner stressed the urgency of addressing potential conflicts before they escalate into full-blown crises, advocating for diplomacy as a proactive and visionary instrument of peace and progress. Her call for “acting before conflict erupts, not after the damage is done” echoed the overarching theme of the briefing—that proactive and collaborative diplomacy is essential for preventing crises and building a more peaceful and secure world. Her presence, having traveled to Washington, D.C. specifically for the event, highlighted the DRC’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the United States and engaging constructively in multilateral forums.

The Second Annual Congressional Briefing on Diplomacy and Global Leadership served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of principled diplomacy and united leadership. It brought together a diverse array of voices, united by a common purpose: to champion cooperation, empower nations of all sizes, and build a world anchored in security, inclusion, and human dignity. The event exemplified the power of collective action and the enduring relevance of diplomacy in navigating the complex landscape of international affairs. The resounding message from the briefing was clear: In a world facing unprecedented challenges, diplomacy is not merely an option, but a necessity. It is through dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect that we can hope to build a more peaceful, just, and sustainable future for all.