Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds thanked members of the diplomatic and consular corps and representatives of regional and international organisations accredited to Barbados for their support. (J. Bishop/BGIS)
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, has stated that the support provided by the members of the diplomatic and consular corps, particularly through multilateral efforts, remains vital to Barbados’ ability to achieve its goals.
He made the remarks during a diplomacy engagement event held last Friday with resident members of the diplomatic and consular corps, where he expressed the Government’s gratitude to Ambassadors, High Commissioners and representatives of regional and international organisations accredited to Barbados.
“Your partnership has been invaluable. When doors have closed, you have helped open them. When global circumstances have shaken the foundations we built on, you have worked with us to rebuild. We could not have done without your cooperation,” Mr. Symmonds stated.
According to the United Nations (UN), multilateralism refers to international politics and diplomacy, in which many countries with different views and goals work together to solve global problems.
Referencing the United Nations Sustainable Development Report 2024, which ranked Barbados number one out of 166 countries as the country demonstrating the greatest commitment to multilateralism, UN principles and international cooperation, the Minister called for continued and enhanced relations with both traditional and non-traditional partners and agencies.
“This distinction reflects Barbados’ commitment to engagement, re-engagement, and the building of strong partnerships across the globe…. The moment invites us to examine how the multilateral system can function more efficiently, more cost-effectively, and with greater impact. It has never been a perfect world, but even in adversity opportunities emerge, and we must seize them with both hands…. What we have been doing for nearly 80 years, perhaps can be done better…. If we do not make it better, then we contribute to its demise,” he said.
As the year draws to a close, he urged reflection on the core human values of peace, goodwill, fellowship, and prosperity, and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to continued multilateralism, partnership, shared values and the pursuit of new global opportunities.
Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, also extended appreciation to the diplomatic and consular corps, noting their contributions to restoring Barbados’ international reputation and strengthening its resiliency.
“Thank you all for the work that you’ve done in helping us to get off all of the blacklists and the grey list. Together, we have come off every blacklist and restored confidence. We’ve done the work. It is time now for us to press gas work collaboratively together to ensure that every Barbadian has the opportunity to learn, to travel, and to build lasting global connections….
“Now is not the time to retreat. We want deeper engagement with your governments and private sectors as we accelerate resilience building…. What we need is predictable access to the technologies that allow us to build resilience quickly. If we can secure those tools, Barbados will be able to recover from future shocks far more effectively,” Mr. Straughn said.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg
Source: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/multilateralism-essential-to-barbados-achieving-its-goals/
