Minister and UN Deputy Secretary-General Strengthen Partnership on Sustainable Island Development

The Honorable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development for St. Kitts and Nevis, culminated a productive week at the United Nations’ 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) with a strategic meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. This meeting aimed to strengthen the Federation’s collaboration with the UN, particularly as St. Kitts and Nevis prepares to take its seat on the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and undertake its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) in 2026. The HLPF, as the central platform for reviewing the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), provided a critical juncture for St. Kitts and Nevis to align its national development strategies with evolving global realities. This alignment is especially crucial given the ongoing restructuring within the UN and the increasingly complex international landscape.

The Minister’s meeting with the Deputy Secretary-General underscored the importance of high-level engagement with the UN, a key development partner for St. Kitts and Nevis. The UN’s historical role in shaping the Federation’s development journey, from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the current SDGs, makes synergistic collaboration essential for building resilience and ensuring the well-being of the nation’s citizens. This partnership becomes even more critical as small island developing states (SIDS) like St. Kitts and Nevis face mounting challenges in navigating the global arena.

Dr. Clarke emphasized the administration’s commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities, adopting a geostrategic approach to international relations, targeted national strategies, and impactful engagements. This proactive approach aims to safeguard the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis from the potential uncertainties arising from geopolitical and geo-economic shifts. The meeting provided a platform to discuss these strategies and seek alignment with the UN’s evolving framework, maximizing the potential for effective collaboration.

The HLPF, convened annually under ECOSOC, plays a pivotal role in monitoring and reviewing the progress of the 2030 Agenda. Its eight-day program, including a three-day Ministerial Segment, allows countries to present their Voluntary National Reviews, sharing insights and best practices to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. For St. Kitts and Nevis, participation in the HLPF is crucial for gaining valuable insights into global progress, identifying areas for improvement, and strengthening partnerships to support its own sustainable development agenda.

The upcoming assumption of a seat on ECOSOC further underscores the importance of aligning national development plans with the global agenda. This position will offer St. Kitts and Nevis a greater voice in shaping international development policies and advocating for the specific needs and priorities of SIDS. The 2026 VNR will then provide an opportunity for the Federation to showcase its progress, highlight challenges, and renew its commitment to achieving the SDGs.

The meeting between Minister Clarke and Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed served as a strategic step in solidifying the partnership between St. Kitts and Nevis and the UN. It provided a platform to discuss the Federation’s commitment to sustainable development, its proactive approach to navigating global challenges, and its preparations for assuming a greater role on the international stage. The discussions also emphasized the importance of aligning national strategies with the global 2030 Agenda, ensuring that St. Kitts and Nevis is well-positioned to build a resilient and sustainable future for its citizens. This strategic engagement, coupled with active participation in the HLPF and the upcoming ECOSOC membership, underscores the Federation’s dedication to achieving the SDGs and securing a prosperous future.