MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, INTERNATIONAL TRADE, CIVIL AVIATION AND DIASPORA AFFAIRS TO THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 80th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY NEW YORK MONDAY, 29th SEPTEMBER, 2025
Alva R. Baptiste
Madame President, in the words of the late Abraham Lincoln: the 16th President of the United States of America: “The most reliable way to predict the future is to create it.” The words of the late President are illuminated by R. Buckminster Fuller who said and I quote: “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete”.
Hence, Madame President the theme for this 80th Session of the United Nations: “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights” is a trumpet call to like-minded countries to urgently reconstruct a better future for humanity.
“Building that better future together” emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and shared responsibility; which requires a framework defining a shared destiny, and that involves better coordination and coherence across multiple actors to deliver the most effective and sustainable responses.
In this regard Madame President, Saint Lucia, as a small island developing state, has maintained its engagement in the various processes of critical importance to its domestic agenda at the United Nations: such as climate change and sustainable development, financing for development, international ocean governance, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, revitalization of the General Assembly and decolonization. These all have a real impact on our national plans and programmes.
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In the context of our development challenges the global economy is facing multiple shocks that are threatening to further retard and reverse progress on Saint Lucia’s Sustainable Development.
The impact of these compounding shocks is aggravated by an unfair global financial system that is short-term oriented and crisis-prone, which further exacerbates inequalities; not to mention that Small Island Developing States (SIDS), like Saint Lucia face existential threats amplified by climate change. Despite some skeptics, there is no doubt that Climate Change is the most consequential and formidable challenge facing SIDS. In fact, the latest scientific projections portend a grim future.
Consequently, addressing the climate crisis is imperative for the survival and well-being of humanity, transcending national borders regardless of size or wealth. Prioritizing climate action is not just an environmental issue but a moral obligation to protect human life, uphold global stability, and ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all of humanity. The recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which was requested by this General Assembly, now also frames climate action as a legal responsibility.
Hence, there is an urgent need to accelerate global momentum towards the ambitious targets across various international agreements and development agendas. A common thread across these instruments is the need to address the unique vulnerabilities and special circumstances of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
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Madame President, we also work in the UN context to strengthen relations with countries and regions and encourage cooperation, while remaining staunch advocates of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the rule of law and the process of multilateralism.
And Saint Lucia agrees with the UN Secretary General that: “Multilateralism is not an option but a necessity as we build back a better world with more equality and resilience, and a more sustainable world.” for we are confronted with challenges and threats largely emanating from the unilateral actions of powerful developed countries; and it is through the multilateral system of the United Nations that we can find comfort and the support to meet these challenges.
However, the erosion of global trust, intensified by geopolitical divisions, economic disparities, and ongoing crises, threatens international cooperation and stability. As nations prioritize self-interest over collective well-being, diplomatic relations weaken, and multilateral efforts falter.
Madame President, while global solidarity is essential to uphold human rights it is also important to support self-determination, especially for marginalized and colonized nations. Recognizing their right to independence fosters justice, equality, and dignity; and builds inclusive, sovereign societies, that reinforce the universal principle that all peoples deserve freedom and self-governance.
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It is for this reason Madame President that the world must act to bring an end to the gruesome carnage and injustices being perpetrated against the Palestinian people and this must start with the implementation of the scores of resolutions that have been passed by the UN since 1947, which call for the Palestinians to exercise their right to self-determination.
Madame President, I draw attention in particular to Resolution 3236 of 1974, which reaffirmed the unassailable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty, and the right of the Palestinians to return to their homes and property.
In Saint Lucia’s reaffirmation of its commitment to human dignity, equality and justice Madame President, the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank raise serious concerns about the humanitarian impact on innocent civilians, which has exceeded disturbing, alarming and unacceptable parameters.
Madame President, dropping bombs on civilians – defenseless men, women and children – cannot constitute a defense of oneself. Using starvation as a method of so-called warfare cannot constitute defense of oneself. Madame President, the destruction of hospitals, schools and places of worship in Palestine, in no way constitute self-defense and, are completely unacceptable, inhumane and atrocious.
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Is it surprising to anyone that, based on publicly available data from United Nations and other agencies; at least 66,053 Palestinians have been killed – 65,062 in Gaza and 991 in the West Bank, and of the identified fatalities at least 18,430 are children. Further, at least 247 journalists and 540 humanitarian aid workers have been killed since October 7th 2023.
Madame President, in this morbid scenario we must remind ourselves that this is not a video game; this is not science fiction and Palestinians are not imaginary people. They are human beings deserving of our collective respect, independence and protection.
Recognizing the fact of the shared humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians, should cause us to value equally the life of an Israeli and the life of a Palestinian, this would lead naturally to the fostering of dialogue and peaceful solutions to ensure security and stability for all parties involved. Because respecting human rights and protecting all civilian lives must remain at the forefront of international efforts to resolve the conflict constructively.
Madame President, Saint Lucia’s position is abundantly clear; that there is an urgent need to put an end to the intolerable and significant human suffering, civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
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Hence, Saint Lucia joins with the majority of Member States which continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and adherence to international law to prevent further loss of life and foster a sustainable path toward peace.
The Palestinians must have their own state and full membership to the United Nations alongside the State of Israel. The only way for Israel to have secure borders is for the Palestinian people to live in their own internationally recognised homeland, in accordance with the universal right to self-determination.
Peace in the Middle East can only come from this, not from bombs, and wars, and terrorism and genocide and illegal settlements.
Madame President, I speak to you as one who is conscious of how the transatlantic slave trade inflicted unimaginable suffering, dehumanization, and economic exploitation upon millions of Africans.
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This is why we are adamant about our just cause for Reparations from Europe for the African slave trade, which are, a moral imperative rooted in justice and acknowledgment of profound historical injustices that have long-lasting consequences. Unsurprisingly, Saint Lucia will sustain its condemnation of the atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people – rooted in decades of oppression — including the systemic undermining of Palestinian statehood.
To be concluded in our next issue
