Sylvanie Burton the first indigenous President of the Commonwealth of Dominica addressed the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
She raised issues such as global warming, climate change, Sustainable Development Goals and non-communicable Diseases in her speech.
At the beginning of her speech, the president welcomed the participants in Kalinago (the language of her ancestors), saying, “Mabrika, Mabrika.”
She also said that she is always proud of her heritage and is glad to address UNGA members.
It is to be noted that the President during her brief address covered multiple issues of global importance. She expressed concern over slow progress toward the sustainable development goals (SDG) stipulated by the United Nations. As per the president it is regretful that the world has failed to achieve the desired result required under UN Agenda 30.
President cited statistics from the SDG report 2024. The report revealed that the countries had reported very little or moderate progress on half of the 17 goals contained under SDG. She expected the renewal of commitments to accomplish SDG’s targets as soon as possible.
As climate change is a burning global issue President Burton also raised this issue in her address as it has huge impact on Caribbean countries.
The president explained how Tropical Storm Erika (2015) and Hurricane Maria (2017) damaged Dominica’s GDP by 96% and 225% respectively. She outlined that the threat of climate change as a challenge to human existence.
The president’s speech also covered the recent destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl. Hurricane Beryl caused huge destruction in Caribbean nations, especially Jamaica and Barbados, as well as in the island states of Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, and Grenada.
In addition, she urged the international community to take immediate steps to counter climate change threats. Moreover, it takes an hour to keep the global temperature to 1.5°C, as suggested by the scientific community.
While speaking about initiatives being taken by Caribbean countries she stated, “Dominica along with other Caribbean countries have already begun efforts to reduce the negative effects of climate change. Moreover the these countries have been investing to create resilient infrastructure and agriculture practices.”
President Burton also raised the issue of non-communicable Diseases in her speech. According to her, the growing burden of such diseases is a great cause of concern that needs immediate attention.
The President said, “we need joint efforts to tackle the danger of NCD. Any single country, especially poor, underdeveloped, or developing countries, cannot fight this (NCD)alone.” She also called developed countries to lead the fight against common global issues and honor their commitment.