Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (Press Secretary, PMO)– The Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, recently participated in an insightful and engaging dialogue with a group of Columbia University students.
The exchange took place in New York City at The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, with students from across the globe including the United States of America, Germany, Indonesia, and India.
During the dialogue, Prime Minister Drew emphasized the critical role of small island nations like Saint Kitts and Nevis in advancing sustainable development and combatting climate change. He highlighted the vulnerability of island states to the adverse effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events, and discussed his government’s efforts to build resilience and promote sustainable practices.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of finding innovative solutions to global issues. He praised the students for their dedication to creating positive change and expressed his optimism about the potential impact of their contributions.
The discussion covered a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on environmental policy, healthcare, funding mechanisms, global solutions, climate action, sustainable island state agenda, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Prime Minister and the students exchanged ideas on strategies to protect fragile island ecosystems and promote sustainable resource management and explored ways to enhance healthcare systems in island nations, especially considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister and the students explored ways to align national efforts with the United Nations’ SDGs. Discussions were centered on securing funding for sustainable development projects and initiatives, while participants suggested ways in which global cooperation and partnerships could lead to effective solutions for shared challenges.
The Prime Minister stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and discussed his government’s commitment to renewable energy and climate resilience through its Sustainable Island State agenda.
The dialogue also delved into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by island nations in achieving sustainable development.
The event concluded with a sense of optimism and appreciation for having the opportunity to dialogue with the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis and a request for the Prime Minister to sign the University’s flag, to which he inscribed “Become the change we need!!”.
Also present at the meeting were members of the Prime Minister’s delegation, Ms. Naeemah Hazelle, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office; Ms. Ghislaine Williams, Minister Counsellor/Charge de Affairs ad interim at Saint Kitts and Nevis Permanent Mission to the United Nations; Mr. Samuel Berridge, Senior Foreign Service Officer; and Mrs. Adelcia Connor-Ferlance, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis.