SVG begins Security Council observation period

Today, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines begins its three-month observation period of the Security Council (from 1 October to 31 December 2019). We will officially take up our two-year seat on the Security Council on 1 January 2020.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a small country that consistently punches above its weight in international affairs. The state uses the tools of diplomacy and multilateralism to advance its interests in the global arena. The work being undertaken at the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Permanent Mission to the United Nations is an important aspect of this strategy.

At a time when an ongoing climate crisis touches the lives of millions of people residing in low-lying coastal regions and on islands dispersed across the world, the perspective of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is crucial for ensuring that the global community considers the effects of their climate policies on our countries and peoples.

While SVG is small, the combination of our history, experiences, and perspectives – which we refer to as a “small island exceptionalism” – compels us to lift our voices and share our unique opinions on the issue of climate change and its implications for global peace and security. This is why at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), 185 countries elected Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. We consider this not only a privilege, but an important responsibility.

In this our 40th year of Independence, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is proud to be counted as an equal participant in the international community. We reiterate the position advanced by our Prime Minister that “we are not better than anyone, but no one is better than us.” Our Mission to the UN will continue to lift SVG’s international profile, as we work with our partners to uphold international law and the principles of sovereign equality. We are friends of all, and we continue to strive for a better world!