The President described five forces that “deeply shake the destiny of our peoples: political polarization, the resurgence of trade protectionism, the technological revolution, climate change and geopolitical competition”.  Noting that it is Latin America and the Caribbean’s turn to take up the post of the Secretary-General, he said: “Our region possesses the diversity, capacity, and experience to raise a strong voice for peace, climate justice, human rights and sustainable development.  I am fully convinced that the time has come for a woman to lead the United Nations.”  Noting that the international financial architecture does not reflect the realities of developing countries, he called for access to concessional financing, debt relief, innovative mechanisms and greater technical cooperation.

Turning to the multidimensional crisis in Haiti, he said that country is experiencing “extreme violence, institutional collapse and territorial control by numerous criminal gangs” that have been classified by his Government and the United States as terrorist organizations. The Multinational Security Support Mission, approved by the Security Council, has not yet reached the necessary scale or adequate funding, he said, expressing support for a more robust presence for the Mission.  “We stand on the brink of Haiti’s collapse,” he said, calling on countries in the region to support Haiti. The Dominican Republic will continue to protect its territorial integrity, he said, adding: “No State can be blamed for defending its borders or guaranteeing the safety of its citizens.”

In the Caribbean, the triple planetary crisis — climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution — has a face: sargassum, a devastating phenomenon affecting coasts, public health and livelihoods.  Solidarity and climate justice must translate into accessible financing, technology transfer and urgent action, he said, noting that his country is moving towards the ratification of the BBNJ Treaty.  “The seas are a source of life, and caring for them means caring for our future.”

“The eightieth anniversary should not be a ritual of nostalgia,” but a vibrant call to renew humanity’s alliance with itself, he said, adding that the UN must not limit itself to recording crises — it must be a compass in the storm and a beacon in the night.  “The world cannot continue to be a plan drawn by a handful of architects, inhabited by millions of tenants.  A world designed for a few would be a punishment; one designed by and for all would represent a horizon of shared prosperity”.