Saint Kitts and Nevis and Finland Engage in Bilateral Discussions at CSW69

On March 15, 2025, a significant bilateral meeting took place in New York City between the Honourable Isalean Phillip, Minister of Social Development and Gender Affairs; Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and H.E. Laura Rissanen, Vice Minister and State Secretary of Social Security of Finland. The meeting, held at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations, coincided with the Sixty-ninth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). This commission, a crucial body within the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is dedicated to promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women. The ministers’ presence at the CSW provided a fitting backdrop for their discussions, highlighting the global importance of the issues they addressed.

The discussions between Minister Phillip and Vice Minister Rissanen centered on a range of pressing social development challenges and opportunities. Key among these were gender equality, encompassing issues like equal pay, representation in leadership roles, and addressing gender-based violence. They also explored strategies for promoting volunteerism as a means of strengthening communities and fostering social cohesion. Given the global trend of ageing populations, the ministers discussed best practices for ensuring the well-being and social inclusion of older adults, including access to quality healthcare, social security, and opportunities for continued engagement in society. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, they also delved into strategies for promoting the rights and full participation of persons with disabilities, focusing on accessibility, equal opportunities, and combating discrimination. Finally, the ministers addressed the vital role of youth engagement and education in shaping the future, exploring innovative approaches to youth empowerment, skills development, and civic participation.

The exchange of best practices formed a core component of the meeting. Minister Phillip shared insights into Saint Kitts and Nevis’s approaches to addressing its unique social development landscape, including its specific challenges and successes. Vice Minister Rissanen, in turn, highlighted Finland’s renowned social welfare system, often cited as a global model for its progressive policies and comprehensive social safety net. Finland’s experience in promoting gender equality, supporting ageing populations, and integrating persons with disabilities offered valuable learning opportunities for Saint Kitts and Nevis. This exchange of knowledge facilitated a cross-cultural dialogue, allowing both nations to learn from each other’s experiences and potentially adapt successful strategies to their respective contexts.

A notable outcome of the meeting was Vice Minister Rissanen’s invitation to Minister Phillip for a study field visit to Finland. This invitation presented a valuable opportunity for Minister Phillip to gain firsthand experience of Finland’s social development model in action. The visit would allow for a more in-depth understanding of the practical implementation of Finland’s policies and their impact on the lives of Finnish citizens. Observing the Finnish system firsthand would provide invaluable insights that could inform policy development and implementation in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The study visit would also further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries, fostering continued collaboration and knowledge sharing in the realm of social development.

This meeting underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global social challenges. By sharing best practices and engaging in open dialogue, nations can learn from each other’s experiences and collectively work towards building more inclusive and equitable societies. The meeting between Minister Phillip and Vice Minister Rissanen served as a prime example of such collaboration, highlighting the potential for mutual learning and the strengthening of bilateral ties between nations. The focus on key social development issues, coupled with the opportunity for a study visit, sets the stage for continued collaboration between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Finland in the pursuit of social progress.

The backdrop of the CSW further emphasizes the global significance of these issues. By engaging in dialogue and exchanging best practices at this international forum, nations contribute to the broader global conversation about social development and gender equality. The meeting between Minister Phillip and Vice Minister Rissanen exemplifies the power of international cooperation in addressing shared challenges and working towards a more just and equitable world for all. The commitment to sharing knowledge and learning from each other’s experiences is crucial for advancing social progress and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion.