The 81st iteration of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to convene in New York from September 21 to 24, bringing heads of state and government from across the globe together to address pressing international challenges. This year’s assembly carries the overarching theme “Rebuilding Trust, Reforming Governance: A UN That Delivers Results for All”, and Suriname President Jennifer Simons will take center stage during the general debate on September 22, scheduled as the fourth speaker of the afternoon session, according to Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation Melvin Bouva.
In her upcoming address to the global assembly, President Simons will outline three core priorities for Suriname on the international stage, starting with a firm reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to upholding the international rules-based order. Minister Bouva confirmed that Simons will deliver a clear message on the necessity of binding multilateral agreements and collective action to address global issues. He emphasized that the Surinamese government remains a staunch supporter of multilateralism, believing that transnational challenges can only be resolved when all nations work together in accordance with mutually agreed upon norms.
Beyond multilateral diplomacy, the Surinamese delegation will use the UNGA gathering as a platform to advance bilateral diplomatic and economic goals. The government has already pre-planned a full schedule of bilateral meetings with neighboring countries, regional partners with existing strategic ties, and other globally important nations. Border relations and existing strategic partnerships will take top priority during these discussions, according to Bouva.
A key economic focus of these bilateral engagements will be attracting international investment to Suriname’s growing oil and energy sector. As an emerging oil-producing nation, Suriname is eager to leverage the UNGA platform to showcase its economic potential to the global investment community. Bouva stressed that any future investment negotiations will be conducted from a position of equal standing, with Suriname’s national interests always placed front and center. “That is our starting point, and based on that starting point, we are open to doing business with the world,” Bouva stated.
Climate action and forest conservation will also feature prominently in President Simons’ address. Last year, an international coalition of five major conservation and environmental organizations pledged $20 million to support Suriname’s efforts to protect its forests and biodiversity. Bouva acknowledged that the Surinamese government has not yet met all the legal requirements outlined in the funding agreement, but he confirmed that the administration is currently taking steps to formalize the commitments through domestic legislation to secure the funding.
This high-profile appearance at UNGA marks a key moment for Suriname as it seeks to position itself as a responsible global actor while advancing its own economic and environmental goals on the world stage.