PM Friday discusses Climate Resilience issues with UN Secretary-General

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Godwin Friday met on Sunday, September 20, 2026 with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, at United Nations Headquarters in NewYork during which they discussed major issues confronting the global community, a release from the Office of the Prime Minister states.

The meeting formed part of the prime minister’s engagements surrounding the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The discussions included the climate resilience agenda and ongoing efforts to reform the international financial architecture.

Speaking following the meeting, Prime Minister Friday said the discussions also underscored the importance of strong advocacy for the interests of Small Island Developing States.

“We spoke about issues confronting the planet, climate change and strong advocacy for the interests of Small Island Developing States.”

He noted that these matters are of particular importance to St Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean Community, and are among the issues CARICOM seeks to place prominently on the international agenda for discussion with other leaders and at the various fora taking place in NewYork.

For Small Island Developing States such as St Vincent and the Grenadines, climate resilience and reform of the international financial architecture are closely linked to the ability of vulnerable countries to respond to climate shocks, finance development and build greater resilience.

Prime Minister Friday said it remains important that the particular circumstances and vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States continue to receive attention at the highest levels of the international community.

As part of the official visit, the prime minister also signed the visitors’ book at United Nations Headquarters, marking his engagement with the Secretary- General. The Prime Minister is leading a 10-member St Vincent and the Grenadines delegation to the UN General Assembly, “where the Government will continue to advocate for the interests of SaintVincent and the Grenadines and support efforts to build resilience in Small Island Developing States”.