On September 29, 2024, Grenada's Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell addressed the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the critical role of small island nations in leading efforts for climate resilience. He underscored the urgent need for action on climate change and invited international collaboration with Caribbean nations to enhance disaster preparedness strategies, such as the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility. Mitchell articulated that resilience is essential for the 16 million people in CARICOM, highlighting the importance of education, particularly digital education, in building future resilience [0c79cbe1].
In his address, Mitchell also called for the removal of Cuba from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list and urged developed nations to fulfill their pledge of $100 billion in climate support. He concluded with a vision of resilience as emerging stronger from the challenges faced by the region [0c79cbe1]. This call to action aligns with ongoing efforts within CARICOM to deepen economic integration and strengthen foreign policy coordination, as highlighted by Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett earlier in 2023. The region continues to advocate for sustainable development and climate action, aiming to protect and promote the socio-economic interests of its member states [15b574aa][821ee04d].