At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), St Lucia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Alva Romanus Baptiste, emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in addressing global conflicts, reaffirming the Caribbean’s commitment to being a zone of peace. Baptiste highlighted that small nations like St Lucia can effectively advocate for peace and development through non-violent diplomacy, underscoring the moral and pragmatic strength of such an approach. He called for an end to the US embargo on Cuba, arguing that diplomatic engagement rather than isolation would foster regional cooperation and stability. Baptiste also stressed the urgent need to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has caused immense humanitarian suffering and global instability. He urged the UN to allow Taiwan’s meaningful participation in its system, stating that UN Resolution 2758 does not preclude Taiwan’s inclusion. Addressing Haiti’s humanitarian crisis, Baptiste called for international support to prevent further deterioration and restore law and order. He expressed concern over the underfunded Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti and the escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States, urging non-violent resolutions. Baptiste concluded by emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and decolonization.
St Lucia urges diplomacy, multilateralism in solving crisis facing global community
