Foreign Minister Dr. Douglas Attends Antalya Diplomatic Forum

The Antalya Diplomatic Forum, held in Antalya, Turkey on April 17, 2025, provided a platform for insightful discussions on the evolving global landscape and its implications for various regions. Dr. Douglas, Foreign Minister, participated in a roundtable discussion alongside representatives from Turkey, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Mexican private sector, and the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States. His presence underscored the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration between nations to address shared challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The forum served as a crucial venue for exploring the multifaceted dynamics shaping international relations and identifying pathways toward a more interconnected and prosperous future.

Dr. Douglas’s participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum stemmed from an invitation extended in recognition of his expertise and perspective on the evolving global landscape and its impact on Latin America and the Caribbean. His contribution to the roundtable discussion centered on the imperative of multilateralism in an increasingly polarized world. He emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in strengthening nations and achieving sustainable development. Furthermore, he advocated for enhanced collaboration among countries of the global south, suggesting the pooling of strategic resources for mutual benefit. His insights shed light on the potential for collective action to address complex global challenges and promote shared prosperity.

A key theme of Dr. Douglas’s address was the importance of fostering dialogue and strengthening ties between nations. He stressed that open communication channels are vital for navigating the complexities of the international arena and building bridges between diverse cultures and perspectives. Furthermore, he highlighted the immense potential of youth as agents of change and advocated for investments in their education, skills development, and leadership capacities. He also emphasized the significance of people-to-people connections in fostering understanding, empathy, and collaboration across borders. His message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the human dimension of international relations and the power of intercultural exchange.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Douglas reiterated his unwavering belief in the power of integration despite the prevailing trends of polarization. He argued that the global community needs countries and citizen-leaders to actively champion greater interconnectedness and work collaboratively to address shared challenges. He underscored the need for improved communication and transportation infrastructure to facilitate seamless exchange and cooperation between nations. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of joint exploration and pooling of energy resources to ensure sustainable and equitable access to vital resources. His call for increased integration served as a powerful reminder of the potential for collective action to shape a more harmonious and prosperous world.

Expanding on the themes of cooperation and integration, Dr. Douglas further elaborated on the importance of fostering strong partnerships between nations to address complex global issues. He highlighted the interconnected nature of challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and security threats, emphasizing that effective solutions require collaborative efforts. He advocated for the strengthening of regional and international organizations to better coordinate responses and leverage collective resources. Furthermore, he stressed the crucial role of the private sector in contributing to sustainable development and called for greater public-private partnerships to drive innovation and investment in key areas.

Dr. Douglas’s participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum provided valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean in the context of a rapidly changing global landscape. His emphasis on multilateralism, dialogue, and integration resonated with the audience and contributed to a productive discussion on the future of international relations. His call for greater cooperation among nations, investment in youth, and enhanced people-to-people connections served as a powerful reminder of the potential for collective action to shape a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. The forum provided a platform for fostering understanding and collaboration between diverse stakeholders, laying the groundwork for future partnerships and initiatives.