Last Updated on September 24, 2026, 12:58 PM AST by Anthony Morris
The Acting Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis attended the High-level Segment of the United Nations General Assembly commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development. Dr Hanley addressed the gathering of high level officials on behalf of fourteen member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
In his address, Dr Hanley talked about the developmental challenges that the small island developing states in the Caribbean region continues to face. He talked about climate related disasters, the high burdens of debt and limited fiscal space.
The Acting Prime Minister of the country addressed the issues such as restricted access to concessional financing for small island states on the international stage.
Dr Hanley argued that the Caribbean nations’ contribution to global greenhouse emissions is minimal and yet the region faces the consequences of climate change at its worst. He said that these effects of climate change are capable of destroying and erasing years worth of progress for a country.
The Acting Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis said, protecting the right to development must come with greater international cooperation. He also called for an international financial system that can respond more effectively to the realities of vulnerable developing states, especially SIDS. He further said, the promotion of the right to development must come with resilience building and use MVI and other measures of progress for a country beyond traditional GDP measurement.
Hanley also said that the right to development must also come with overall reform of the international financial architecture
During his address, Dr Hanley highlighted that a fair and rules-based international trading system is important for the growth and development of the country. In the CARICOM statement, Dr Hanley highlighted the importance of greater opportunities being given to small states to diversify their economies and strengthen productive capacity.
He also called for responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence for the growth of the island.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the international community to ensure that the right to development can be realised well and beyond aspiration.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
