Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Denzil Douglas attended the inaugural Brazil-Caribbean Summit on June 13, 2025. During the summit, he delivered a powerful and visionary address to the regional leaders who also attended the summit and represented the resilience of the twin island nation in creating its own future with determination.
In his address, Minister Douglas reiterated the country’s unyielding position towards achieving unity and sustainable development during climate and economic issues. Furthermore, he called for greater cooperation within the Caribbean and Brazil that comes from common goals and equity, not from acts of generosity.
Strengthening Caribbean – Brazil relations and sustainable development
Notably, the Brazil-Caribbean Summit was convened by the government of Brazil under the theme “Moving Closer to Unite.” This summit brought together regional leaders from across the Caribbean to strengthen bilateral ties with Brazil and address mutual issues.
Minister Douglas described the summit as an ongoing historical relationship. “In Saint Kitts and Nevis, we are advancing what we call the Sustainable Island State Agenda to achieve our Sustainable Development Goals. It is our own green print for transformation,” stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
He also reported that they are out to build a nation that is shaping its own destiny, investing in renewable energy, strengthening food security, advancing healthcare, and preparing for the climate issues that increasingly define their own existence.
Addressing global challenges and promoting resilient governance
In his role as the current Chair of COFCOR, Minister Denzil Douglas praised Brazil’s G20 presidency and as an important step in the country’s role as a leader in the “Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.” He described hunger as a great moral failure in a world of plenty that humanity faces.
Further, he described the Federation’s school feeding programmes as important interventions in terms of improving child nutrition and building social resilience in line with Sustainable Development Goal Two (2) Zero Hunger.
Regarding climate change, Minister Douglas reported that the small island developing states are struggling with rising sea levels, intense and more frequent hurricanes, and extended periods of drought.
“That is why we must align our efforts to regional frameworks and partnerships on energy transition, climate financing, and the development of resilient infrastructure,” he added.
Expressing optimism toward Brazil hosting COP30 in November 2025, Minister Douglas expressed his anticipation of co-hosting with Brazil to champion ‘ambition, equity, and urgent action’ which he dubbed as the Brazil-Caribbean COP.
In addition, he responded to the impact of disasters, pandemics, and economic shocks on the Caribbean nations and highlighted the governance and partnership improvements needed within the Sendai Framework.
“Our people deserve systems that can withstand shocks while delivering quality care in both good times and bad,” shared Minister Douglas.
He also emphasized connectivity in terms of physical, diplomatic, or digital, for trade, education, and the transfer of technology. As he said, it is those spaces of connectivity where trust is established and prosperity is shared.
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.
