In a compelling address at the 80th General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of Dominica, championed the cause of global solidarity and the rights of small nations to self-determination. Speaking at the UN Headquarters in New York City, President Burton drew a stark comparison between the developed and developing worlds, likening the current global power dynamics to Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.” She emphasized the need for a fairer international system where all countries, irrespective of their size, have an equitable voice in shaping global policies, particularly on pressing issues like climate change and security. President Burton questioned the existing system, asking whether resources and decision-making are truly shared equitably or if power merely perpetuates itself. She also expressed Dominica’s steadfast support for Haiti, advocating for a Haitian-led solution to the country’s crisis and highlighting Haiti’s historical contributions to justice and freedom. Furthermore, President Burton condemned sanctions and interventions, calling for the immediate lifting of unjust embargoes on nations like Cuba and Venezuela. She stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of these countries and urged global powers to seek diplomatic solutions to international disputes. President Burton warned against military conflicts in the Caribbean, reaffirming the region as a zone of peace. She concluded her speech by appealing for reforms to ensure small nations have a meaningful role in global decision-making processes, particularly on climate and security issues, and underscored the importance of unity, stating, “We are always stronger, wiser, and better together.”
President of Dominica pushes for global accord in a dualistic reality at 80th UNGA
