Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 23, 2022 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis has pledged to continue working to advance gender equality and youth empowerment within the local population and in the international arena as it vigorously pursues Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Goal 5 advocates for member states to “Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls.”
Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, made the commitment as he addressed the 77th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Friday, September 23, 2022. He used the auspicious occasion to highlight the impressive strides in gender equality made by his government, which was elected to office 44 days ago. Among these accomplishments is the recent appointment of a female Governor-General’s Deputy in the person of Her Excellency Marcella Liburd, as well as the inclusion of three women in the Federal Cabinet. The Honourable Minister Marsha Henderson is an elected representative, while the Honourable Minister Dr Joyelle Clarke and the Honourable Junior Minister Isalean Phillip are appointed.
“Mr President, as part of my government’s thrust to mainstream empowerment across all sectors and policies, St Kitts and Nevis will continue to put women and youth at the forefront of our social development and all of our pursuits, including the advancement of the digital economy,” Prime Minister Dr Drew stated. “We are confident that our active inclusion of women and youth in public life through their appointment in our parliament, diplomatic and senior civil service [posts] and other decision-making fora will bear much fruit.”
These commitments have resulted in Prime Minister Dr Drew and his government embracing new initiatives and events at the UN such as the Summit of the Future high-level event proposed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The UN’s top official characterized the Summit as a “once in a generation opportunity” and said the Summit should consider the current complex context for global governance and advocate for a more inclusive and networked multilateralism landscape to achieve effective solutions.
While addressing the delegates at the General Assembly Debate, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister said “… We pledge our support to the ongoing process of the Declaration of Future Generation that will culminate in the Summit of the Future next year and I pledge, as its leader, my country’s active commitment to meeting Goal 5 of the SDGs and surpassing or meeting the goals of Bélem do Pará in achieving gender equality now and for future generations.”
Prime Minister Dr Drew identified education as a key component to achieving this agenda and enhancing opportunities for all.