Dr. Joyelle Clarke Leads St. Kitts and Nevis Delegation to United Nations Sustainability Conference

St. Kitts and Nevis Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Development at the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum

The twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis recently underscored its dedication to sustainable development on the global stage at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. Led by Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Constituency Empowerment, Dr. Joyelle Clarke, the delegation actively participated in discussions and collaborations, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The HLPF serves as a crucial platform for reviewing global progress on sustainable development, offering nations an opportunity to share experiences, challenges, and best practices. Dr. Clarke’s presence emphasized St. Kitts and Nevis’ proactive stance in pursuing a sustainable future and integrating the SDGs into its national development strategy.

A central highlight of the mission was Dr. Clarke’s engagement with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who also chairs the UN Sustainable Development Group. This meeting provided a strategic avenue to advocate for enhanced collaboration between St. Kitts and Nevis and the UN, particularly in areas vital to the nation’s sustainable development agenda. Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships in climate resilience, fostering sustainable communities, and promoting green innovation. These areas represent key priorities for St. Kitts and Nevis as it strives to achieve a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social progress. By engaging with high-level UN officials, Dr. Clarke sought to secure support and resources to further the nation’s sustainable development initiatives.

St. Kitts and Nevis has already demonstrated its commitment to the SDGs by completing its first Voluntary National Review (VNR), a comprehensive assessment of progress towards achieving the goals. Preparations are now underway for the second VNR, scheduled for presentation in 2026. This upcoming review will provide an updated snapshot of the nation’s performance across various sectors, reflecting its ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable development principles into its policies and programs. The VNR process allows for self-reflection, identification of areas for improvement, and the sharing of lessons learned with the international community.

The delegation, which also included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Mrs. Sherilita Dore-Tyson, and Minister Counselor at the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, Eustace Wallace, aimed to elevate the Federation’s visibility in international development dialogues. This proactive engagement aligns with the nation’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a leader in sustainable development, particularly within the Caribbean region. The participation at the HLPF facilitated networking opportunities with representatives from other nations, fostering collaboration and the exchange of best practices in achieving the SDGs.

Further amplifying St. Kitts and Nevis’ voice in global affairs is its upcoming seat on the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This significant development will provide the Federation with a platform to actively contribute to shaping global policy on economic, social, and environmental issues. ECOSOC plays a vital role in coordinating the work of UN agencies and programs related to development, providing St. Kitts and Nevis with an influential position to advocate for its priorities and contribute to international development discourse. This placement aligns with the nation’s ambition to be a model for sustainable development and a strong partner in global efforts to achieve the SDGs.

While Dr. Clarke’s active participation in international forums has drawn attention, government officials emphasize the strategic importance of these engagements. Her missions are viewed as crucial for raising the Federation’s global profile, forging valuable partnerships, and securing resources to support sustainable development and climate change adaptation initiatives. By actively engaging in international dialogues, St. Kitts and Nevis seeks to attract investment, technical expertise, and collaboration opportunities to accelerate its progress towards achieving the SDGs and building a resilient and sustainable future. These efforts underline the nation’s understanding that achieving sustainable development requires global cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and resources.

Dr. Clarke’s active presence at the HLPF serves as a clear signal of St. Kitts and Nevis’ unwavering commitment to sustainable development. The Federation’s participation in such forums exemplifies its ambition to be not just a beneficiary of global sustainable development efforts but also a proactive contributor and a model for other small island developing states (SIDS). As St. Kitts and Nevis progresses towards its vision of becoming a Sustainable Island State, its continued engagement with international partners and active participation in global dialogues will remain crucial for achieving its sustainable development goals. The nation’s dedication to the 2030 Agenda and its proactive approach to international collaboration position it as a leader in the pursuit of a sustainable and prosperous future.