UN General Assembly President to visit SVG next week

THE PRESIDENT of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, will travel to Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados, from 22 to 28 July.

The President’s trip to the Eastern Caribbean – his first to Small Island Developing States – will highlight the structural and developmental challenges affecting these Member States, as well their efforts to innovate and build resilience whilst fulfilling their development priorities, a UN release dated July 19 states.

One particular focus of the trip will be the importance of investment in sustainable tourism and the blue economy which will enable Small Island Developing States to build back better following extreme climate events, the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and in the case of St Vincent and the Grenadines: the recent volcanic eruption.

In Antigua, the President of the General Assembly will be received by Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and meet bilaterally with Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda. He will also meet with Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Environment and Health; Dean Jonas, Minister of Social Transformation and Blue Economy; and Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism.

It is the first time that a sitting President of the General Assembly to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG),and Barbados.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the President is expected to meet with Governor- General Dame Susan Dougan; Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, as well as the Cabinet Ministers. The President will then embark on a mission drive to the designated volcano red and orange zones.

In Barbados, the President will meet the Acting Prime Minister of Barbados as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Finance, and Climate.

President Bozkir will also interact with the United Nations Sub-Regional team throughout the visit.