By Prior Beharry
TRINIDAD and Tobago Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Dennis Francis is elected as the 78th President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
It is the first time that a nominee from T&T has been elected UNGA President.
The election of the President of the 78th session of the UNGA took place on Thursday in the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Dr Amery Browne said he was delighted that T&T’s effective and strategic campaign was rewarded.
He said, “Ambassador Francis is one of our best and brightest, and all citizens should be proud of his accomplishment.
“This is the first time that a national of our twin island Republic has held this prestigious position.”
Contacted for an immediate response, Dr Browne said, “I was pleased to be present in the General Assembly Hall for today’s election, and to immediately deliver a Statement to the General Assembly expressing thanks to all Member States for their support for Trinidad and Tobago’s candidature.”
A release from the UN Country Team stated that the UNGA President presides over high-level meetings, shapes the priorities of the General Assembly and plays a crucial role in facilitating negotiations among member states.
It noted that the presidency of the UNGA is therefore a prestigious platform for a country to promote international cooperation, build consensus on key global issues and raise the profile of its own multilateral priorities on the global stage.
T&T continues to be a leading Caribbean voice championing the needs and challenges of Small Island Developing States, it stated.
The release added, “This hallmark of T&T’s global advocacy dovetails seamlessly with the stated priority of President-elect Francis to facilitate, among other conferences, the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States taking place in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024.
“The watchwords of ‘peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability’ chosen by President-elect Francis as the pillars of his one-year presidency also resonate deeply with the overarching commitment of Agenda 2030 to Leave No One Behind.
“The UN Country Team acknowledges with deep appreciation the recent statement by Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr the Honourable Amery Browne, that Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to seek election as UNGA President is testament to the country’s unshakeable commitment to multilateralism and to the United Nations as a convener and facilitator of the multilateral process. We congratulate the Honourable Minister for leading a successful country campaign for the UNGA Presidency.
“The UN Country Team stands ready to support Trinidad and Tobago through the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs as it works with President-elect Francis to chart this historic journey. We extend best wishes to President-elect Francis for a successful stewardship of the UNGA.”
Dr Browne said Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley conveyed his profound congratulations after he was informed decision via telephone.
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