BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ENVIRONMENT Minister Joyelle Clarke has called for systemic changes to strengthen the resilience of small island states like St. Kitts and Nevis in the face of growing global challenges.
From hurricanes and floods to rising temperatures, these nations face existential threats to the survival of their people.
Speaking at the United Nations ‘Summit of the Future’ on Sunday (Sept. 22), Clarke stressed the need for transformative, lasting change.
“The future we deserve demands deep-rooted change that is transformative and lasting. For this, we must redefine multilateral spaces. We must promote unbiased international partnerships that honor the strength, resilience, and tenacity of small islands, systems that respect and include all of our voices,” Clarke urged.
She emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable members of society, including women, youth, the elderly, and indigenous and rural populations.
Clarke stated, “Let us ground our decision-making with a critical assessment of global historical patterns of disempowerment and exploitation, which have constituted progress for a few but underdevelopment for many. This new contract has the much-needed potential to reimagine the capacity of small islands.”
Reflecting on the historical contributions of small island states to the global economy, Clarke called for recognition of their role, regardless of size. She encouraged using the shared vulnerabilities of these nations as a catalyst for innovation, prosperity, and lasting peace.
The Minister also highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis' ongoing efforts to advance its Sustainable Island State Agenda, a key part of the territory’s plan to accelerate progress on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Truthfully, our action is but a drop, but every drop counts toward strengthening and improving multilateral action,” Clarke noted.
While inviting UN member nations to attend the Global Sustainable Island Summit, which will be hosted in St. Kitts and Nevis in May 2025, Minister Clarke called for a reframing of sustainability through the lenses of justice, equity, inclusivity, and peace.
