During the upcoming 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled for September 20-29, 2025, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will actively participate in a series of high-level diplomatic activities.
These include a range of bilateral meetings, side events, and participation in the General Debate, all held in New York, as outlined in a CARICOM media statement.
The delegation from the CARICOM Secretariat, headed by Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett and accompanied by Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, Ms. Elizabeth Solomon, will focus on advancing regional priorities. Key issues on the agenda encompass climate change initiatives, sustainable development goals, efforts to promote peace and stability, and the strengthening of global health systems.
During the General Assembly, Heads of Government from member states are expected to take the floor from September 23 to 27, with Suriname designated to represent the Community within the Assembly Hall. Furthermore, on September 22, CARICOM will join global leaders in the High-Level Meeting organized by the UN President to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. This event will also feature the High-Level Meeting on the Multilateral Support System (MSS), hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto.
Secretary-General Dr. Barnett will be an active participant in multiple key events. She is scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with UNCTAD, contribute to a High-Level Meeting on Haiti’s ongoing challenges, and engage in discussions at the First Biennial Summit aimed at fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy under the theme “Implementing commitments on financing development.” Additional high-level engagements will focus on Climate Mobility Champions, Non-Communicable Diseases, and mental health initiatives.
CARICOM reported that its leadership on Haiti will be particularly highlighted through a dedicated Roundtable titled “Making the Case for Haiti” on September 22. Assistant Secretary-General Elizabeth Solomon is expected to lead CARICOM’s contributions during this session, emphasizing the region’s commitment to addressing Haiti’s issues.
In addition to these activities, Ms. Solomon will represent CARICOM at various other forums, including the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Awards ceremony.
On the diplomatic front, CARICOM Foreign Ministers will participate in several significant meetings. These include the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting, bilateral discussions with Nordic counterparts from Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, as well as the EU-CELAC Foreign Ministers Meeting.
A key event on the schedule is the 24th Special Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), convening on September 22.
ASG Solomon describes this gathering as “a very important opportunity” for foreign ministers to deliberate on critical foreign policy issues and prepare for upcoming international engagements in the lead-up to high-level week, emphasizing the strategic importance of these discussions in a prelude to the broader UNGA activities.
CARICOM is so divided they can’t even have a united policy on Venezuela, Gaza, CCJ, CSME, nothing. Look how Trinidad is much closer to India and the U.S. on foreign and other polices while totally shunning CARICOM.