CHARLES ANGELO SAVARIN, President of Dominica, emphasizing that all conflicts must eventually end at a negotiating table, said that, as the war in Ukraine escalates, the reconstruction and recovery of that country is placed by the World Bank at $411 billion.  In this context, he endorsed the G20 joint Declaration. Recalling the Arab Spring, that — with the tacit support of the West — resulted in the removal of several Governments, he observed that the “African summer” is a “drum beat” of sanctions and military interventions.  The international community should pay heed to the wisdom of the African Union, that has opposed military intervention and encouraged diplomatic engagement, he noted, adding:  “Whose interest would a military intervention serve?  Certainly not the people of Africa.”  Also underlining that some countries will always be disproportionally disadvantaged by the actions of other States, he added:  “We live in an imperfect world by virtue of our inherent geophysical and socioeconomic characteristics.”

He said that the 2030 Agenda should enhance the role of science in decision-making and harness information and communications technology (ICT), observing that technology can create an impetus, bridge the generational gap and enable innovation.  Further, he advocated for the inclusion of young people and providing them with access to quality education, health care and decent work.  Unfair trade practices must be replaced with those that reasonably benefit primary producers and support downstream processing and manufacturing, he underlined, also noting that international resources must be targeted at the most vulnerable. Recognizing the central role of Dominica’s citizens in decision-making, he said the Government has initiated a review of its electoral system through cross-sectoral consultations.

He went on to say that the lack of assistance from development partners and international financial institutions in response to global shocks has forced Governments to borrow on unfavourable terms, resulting in high repayment costs and unsustainable debt levels, while reiterating Dominica’s support for the multidimensional vulnerability index, that can unlock necessary financing.  To that end, he expressed support for the Bridgetown Initiative as a blueprint for sovereign debt architecture restructuring.  Turning to Haiti, he said that its deep-rooted crisis is connected with the country’s post-independence relations with the international community, poor governance and the effects of the 2010 earthquake.  He also observed that the World Bank — unlike in the situation in Ukraine — has not provided an estimate of reconstruction costs after that earthquake, stating:  “If ever there was a cause deserving the full attention of the international community, that cause is Haiti.”

Recognizing that the Haiti crisis is not limited to food shortage and security, he urged the Security Council to offer support to that country in governance, education, sustainable livelihoods and long-term development planning.  Further, he called for termination of the economic blockade on Cuba, emphasizing that its inclusion in the State Sponsors of Terrorism List is unjustified. Additionally, he expressed support for the lifting of sanctions on Venezuela to enable that country to realize its potential and enhance its socioeconomic development.