St. Kitts and Nevis Concludes Chairmanship of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States at the UN, Enhancing Federation’s Visibility and Strategic Influence.

The Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis concluded its month-long chairmanship of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC) at the United Nations on January 31, 2025, marking a period of intensified collaboration and strategic positioning within the multilateral organization. Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the UN, led the group through a series of engagements focused on strengthening partnerships and advancing shared interests within the region. This tenure underscores the Federation’s commitment to elevated visibility, leadership, and impactful contributions on the global stage, particularly in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and its national vision of becoming a Sustainable Island State by 2040. The chairmanship transitioned to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, continuing the rotation of leadership within the GRULAC.

Dr. Williams prioritized strategic partnerships during her chairmanship, inviting key figures to address the GRULAC on critical issues facing the region. H.E Georgina Guillen Grillo, Director General of Foreign Policy and Special Presidential Envoy for Oceans of Costa Rica, briefed the group ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts on ocean conservation and sustainable use. Ms. Anacláudia Marinheiro Centeno Rossbach, Under-Secretary General/Executive Director of UN Habitat, also engaged with the group, underscoring the importance of sustainable urban development and its relevance to the region. These engagements reflected the Federation’s proactive approach to identifying and cultivating partnerships with organizations that align with its development priorities. Both UN Habitat and the Ocean Conference represent critical platforms for addressing issues vital to the Caribbean, and engaging with their leadership demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring the region’s voice is heard.

The Federation’s leadership within GRULAC was characterized by a commitment to inclusive governance and transparent practices. Dr. Williams emphasized broad consultation and equitable representation across all sub-regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring that the diverse perspectives and priorities of member states were considered in the group’s deliberations. This approach fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation within the GRULAC, enhancing the group’s effectiveness as a platform for advancing the shared interests of the region. The successful execution of these principles earned Dr. Williams commendation from her colleagues at the United Nations, solidifying St. Kitts and Nevis’ reputation as a reliable and effective partner within the multilateral system.

Dr. Williams reflected on the chairmanship as an “insightful and instructive” experience, highlighting the potential for regional collaboration in navigating the evolving global economic landscape. Citing World Bank projections for gradual economic recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025, driven by declining inflation and accommodative monetary policy, she emphasized the importance of strategic maneuvering at the UN to secure advantageous positions for the Federation. Recognizing the interconnectedness of the region, sharing common maritime and geographic spaces, Dr. Williams stressed the imperative for closer collaboration among neighboring states. This perspective emphasizes the importance of regional solidarity in addressing shared challenges and leveraging collective strength to maximize opportunities within the international arena.

The chairmanship of GRULAC afforded St. Kitts and Nevis a platform to advance its foreign policy agenda within the context of its broader development objectives. By prioritizing strategic partnerships and inclusive governance, the Federation demonstrated its commitment to effective multilateralism. The engagement with key partners like UN Habitat and the Ocean Conference, coupled with the focus on regional collaboration, underscores the Federation’s proactive approach to addressing the complex challenges and opportunities facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This proactive stance is crucial for ensuring that SIDS, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change and other global challenges, are able to effectively advocate for their needs and interests within the international system.

The experience gained during this chairmanship will undoubtedly inform St. Kitts and Nevis’ continued engagement within the UN and other multilateral fora. The emphasis on partnership building, regional cooperation, and strategic advocacy will be instrumental in the Federation’s pursuit of its national development agenda and its contribution to the global pursuit of sustainable development. By leveraging its position within GRULAC and the broader UN system, St. Kitts and Nevis aims to secure a future where its unique needs and priorities are effectively addressed, contributing to the creation of a more just and sustainable world for all. The successful completion of the GRULAC chairmanship serves as a testament to the Federation’s growing diplomatic influence and its dedication to fostering a stronger, more collaborative regional and global community.