“No small accomplishment.”
Those are the words of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the opening of the second session of the 13th Parliament, following a major diplomatic victory at the United Nations.
Winning the support of 181 voting nations, Trinidad and Tobago defied its size to claim a prominent seat at the world’s most influential decision-making table.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar described the historic United Nations Security Council seat victory as a resounding vote of confidence in Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership, credibility, and growing influence within the international community.
“For the next two years, T&T will have a seat at one of the world’s most important decision-making tables, alongside some of the most influential countries on earth. In today’s interconnected world, international decisions affect our security, our jobs, trade, investment and economic opportunities. This seat will strengthen our nation’s voice and influence, create new opportunities for investment and strategic partnerships, and help secure a safer, stronger and more prosperous future for our citizens.”
Far from just a symbolic presence, the intention is to use the platform to drive global consensus.
“Guided by our campaign theme, ‘Building Consensus for the Realisation of Sustainable Peace and Security,’ T&T will seek to foster dialogue, bridge differences, and promote consensus in an increasingly complex international environment. We intend to place particular emphasis on advancing Women, Peace and Security Agenda.”
The agenda will also tackle the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, a nod to a UN resolution previously championed by the Prime Minister, alongside modern global challenges.
“We will also examine the implications of artificial intelligence for international peace and security. These are issues of direct relevance, not only to the international community, but of course, also to T&T. This election sends a powerful message to the international community: the voice of small states matters. Size, population and wealth do not determine influence. Small states bring essential perspectives to global discussions, and Trinidad and Tobago now has an opportunity to ensure these voices are heard.”
Pointing to the country’s history of defending human rights and the rule of law since independence, the Prime Minister promised a steady, strategic approach to global diplomacy.
“Our tenure on the Security Council will be balanced, principled, pragmatic and constructive as we work with all nations to advance consensus and address the challenges facing international peace and security.”