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U. Narine: Address to Peace Summit 2023, Session III-B
Written by Hon. Ubaj Narine, Mayor, City of Georgetown, Guyana
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Address to Peace Summit 2023
May 2-5, 2023
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, I am honored to speak to you today about one of the most pressing issues facing our world today: contemporary challenges to global order and the need for a world culture of peace, with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean region.
The Caribbean region is known for its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and unique heritage. However, it has also faced its share of challenges, including political instability, economic inequality, and regional conflict. Despite these challenges, the Caribbean has remained committed to maintaining a zone of peace.
The establishment of the Caribbean region as a zone of peace was a historic moment, demonstrating the commitment of Caribbean nations to peace, stability and prosperity. It was a collective effort by the region’s leaders, who recognized the importance of working together to address the challenges facing the region.
However, the Caribbean region’s commitment to peace is being tested by contemporary challenges to global order. These challenges include geopolitical tensions, economic inequality, climate change, and transnational crime.
Geopolitical tensions have always been a challenge for the Caribbean region. The region is strategically located between North and South America and has historically been a site of competing interests. Today, these tensions are exacerbated by the global competition between major powers, including the United States, China and Russia. The Caribbean region must navigate these tensions carefully, maintaining its independence and neutrality while also seeking to build mutually beneficial relationships with these powers.
Economic inequality is another major challenge facing the Caribbean region. Despite the region’s natural resources and rich cultural heritage, many Caribbean nations remain underdeveloped and economically disadvantaged. This inequality is fueled by a history of colonialism and exploitation, as well as by contemporary economic policies that benefit multinational corporations at the expense of local communities. The Caribbean region must work to address this inequality, promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth that benefits all members of society.
Climate change is another major challenge facing the Caribbean region. The region is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events. These impacts threaten the region’s ecosystems, economies and communities, and require urgent action to address. The Caribbean region must work together to promote climate resilience and adaptation, while also advocating for global action to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Transnational crime is also a major challenge facing the Caribbean region. The region is a major transit point for drugs, weapons and human trafficking, and is also home to a significant amount of money laundering and other financial crimes. These activities threaten the region’s stability and security and require coordinated action by regional and international actors to address.
Despite these challenges, the Caribbean region has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining a zone of peace. This commitment is reflected in the region’s efforts to promote dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among its member states. It is also reflected in the region’s active participation in regional and international organizations, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the United Nations (UN).
To maintain the zone of peace, the Caribbean region must continue to build on these efforts. This includes promoting dialogue and cooperation among member states, as well as with regional and international partners. It also includes promoting regional integration, sustainable development, and human rights, while addressing the underlying causes of conflict and insecurity.
The Caribbean region must also continue to promote international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. This includes advocating for the rule of law, promoting transparency and accountability, and supporting regional and international institutions that promote peace and security.
In addition, the Caribbean region must continue to promote disarmament and non-proliferation, including efforts to address the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. This includes promoting the Arms Trade Treaty and supporting regional initiatives to control the flow of weapons and ammunition.
In conclusion, the contemporary challenges to global order require a world culture of peace that fosters dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among nations. The Caribbean region, with its commitment to maintaining a zone of peace, has demonstrated the importance of these values in promoting stability and prosperity.
Guyana, as a member state of the Caribbean region, is committed to maintaining the zone of peace. This commitment is reflected in Guyana’s active participation in regional and international organizations, its promotion of regional integration and sustainable development, and its advocacy for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
To maintain the zone of peace, Guyana has implemented mechanisms that promote dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law. These mechanisms include the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice, which provides a regional forum for the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the promotion of the Arms Trade Treaty and other international agreements that promote disarmament and non-proliferation.
As we face the challenges of the 21st century, we must continue to promote a world culture of peace that fosters dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect among nations. Guyana, as a member state of the Caribbean region, remains committed to this goal and will continue to work with its regional and international partners to maintain the zone of peace and promote stability and prosperity in the region and beyond. Thank you.
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