The world is in turmoil and what is happening is understandable, but only if analysed under the right lenses. Last week I had the privilege to join UN Senior leaders and regional experts to discuss current global dynamics and they way forward. There I learnt that, in the aftermath of World War II, despite widespread destruction, there was a prevailing sense of hope and trust that fuelled the global rebuilding process. Today, the challenges we face are different. The 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have given rise to fear, leading to individualism, authoritarianism, and radicalism. Under these circumstances, closure and violence are almost natural instincts to protect ourselves and our immediate circle, distancing “us” from “them”.

The recent 2023/24 Human Development Report by UNDP emphasizes the critical need for multilateralism to overcome the dangerous gridlock caused by political polarization, inequality, and fragmented global interdependence. It highlights the importance of addressing inequalities to safeguard democracy, promoting regional integration, and fostering effective partnerships to achieve impactful development outcomes. Individuals and communities feel too far apart from decision-makers, and their voices are not heard. In this context, political and economic decentralization, empowering local communities, is a powerful tool to reduce polarization. When local communities are empowered, the ties between local, regional, and global issues are strengthened, creating a unified voice in finding solutions. Polarization, which is a reality, leads to fragmentation, while multilateralism, a deliberate choice, fosters unity and cohesion. It is through multilateralism that we can navigate the complexities of today's world, characterized by global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, or geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

In today's political climate, with unheard levels of polarization, sometimes propaganda and chaos become tools. While digitalization has virtually connected us all, the impact of fake news, misinformation, or cybersecurity attacks is certainly worrisome. This is a dangerous path where chaos and irrationality thrive. In such times, it is imperative to promote the undeniable and obvious truths that bind us together and to advocate for multilateralism as the beacon of unity and cohesion. Our response must be sensible, measured, and rational. We must avoid falling into the trap of short-term thinking and instead focus on long-term solutions. As the United Nations, we must serve as the bridge between the extremes, finding immediate solutions with a principled sense of purpose and sustainability.

Inequality is the main threat to democracy. In many countries, addressing this requires robust taxation systems for wealth redistribution and equality, as well as the protection of social, human, and environmental rights, particularly for vulnerable groups. In Latin America and the Caribbean, regional integration is critical, including financial and technical cooperation. Interestingly, in our region, progress in this direction is still limited. Mobilizing civil society is essential to promote peace, social cohesion, and reduce inequalities. Despite the absence of open wars, Latin America and the Caribbean remain some of the most violent regions in the world. 

Digitalization has changed the rules of the game, the way we interact and socialize, the way the state provides services, and the way we interact with the state. Democracy is taking different shapes and leading societies through different paths. It is a moment to find new sorts of leadership, and the United Nations should play a significant role based on the protection and respect of fundamental rights. This new world needs new leaders at all different levels—leaders with credibility, well-connected to the realities of our societies and committed to inclusion and equity for the development of the generations to come. In this context, elaborating and communicating a solid narrative of human development is crucial. We must tell the story in a way that resonates with people, unpacking key concepts so they understand the significance that overcomes fear. With ongoing crises, we are seeing how development is increasingly taking on a humanitarian dimension and, hence, a short-term approach that rarely leads to sustainable impacts.

Looking to the future, we must embrace the concept of an ecological civilization, with our feet firmly on the ground and our eyes on the horizon. New challenges require new ways of working and new partnerships where the focus is on the impact on countries and communities, leveraging comparative advantages such as technical expertise, operational efficiency, and financial capacity irrespective of who does what and the roles partners play. As the President of CAF, Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean, Dr. Sergio Diaz Granados stated during the UNDP leaders meeting in the LAC, “it doesn’t matter who leads and who follows as long as results are achieved”.

Just a month ago, Antigua and Barbuda successfully hosted the most important meeting for Small Island States that takes place every ten years. In the Action Strategy, SIDS are demanding more resilient economies, safer and healthier societies, and a secure future based on environmental protection and planetary sustainability. UNDP conversations with CARICOM and stakeholders will focus on financing for development (with more resources available for the region, ensuring better access to existing resources and more efficient use of existing resources), preparing for disasters, building capacities by connecting local talents to global opportunities, and promoting digitalization. On good governance and citizen security, there is a need to acknowledge the shared responsibilities of countries of origin, which could do more to address the root causes of citizen security. Similarly, promoting democracy will require a specific focus on youth, gender, and people with disabilities.

In our interconnected world, these themes resonate deeply in our dearest Trinidad and Tobago. As a vibrant democracy with a diverse population, the country faces unique challenges and opportunities. Addressing economic and social inequalities, enhancing opportunities for the most vulnerable groups, and fostering inclusive growth with the objective of promoting resilience through economic diversification are critical for its sustainable development. Trinidad and Tobago's commitment to regional integration and cooperation is evident through its active participation in CARICOM, the promotion of the Single Market Economy (CSME), and its genuine collaboration with the UN system in general and with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in particular. By leveraging its rich cultural heritage, strategic geographic position, and a talented, well-educated workforce, Trinidad and Tobago can play a pivotal role in driving regional progress and showcasing the benefits of unity and collaboration in strategic areas such as digitalization.

In conclusion, it is evident that our world is not in good shape and all sorts of alarms are ringing loudly. Going back to isolation is not only impossible but also impractical. Now, more than ever, is the time to seize multilateralism, and a revitalized UN should play a catalytic role. By working together, we can create a new world based on credibility, inclusion, and equity. Through sensible, rational responses and by fostering unity and cohesion, we can bring back HOPE, an essential ingredient to address the challenges we face and build a prosperous and sustainable future for our region and for our planet.