Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, emphasized that the UN80 initiative is an opportunity to strengthen a multilateral system that requires urgent reform and revitalization to meet today’s needs. “We must build a system that is more democratic, representative and responsive to evolving challenges”.  He advocated a future in which multilateralism works for all, “no country is too small to be heard,” and the benefits of globalization are equally shared.  He underscored that climate change is a daily reality for small island developing States like Jamaica, setting back decades of hard-won progress.  Jamaica has shown leadership in climate action despite limited resources, including being committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and implementing a National Adaptation Plan with specific measures to build resilience.  But predictable and accessible finance is needed.  Developed countries must honour their commitments.

He noted that the global finance system is “fundamentally flawed”, penalizing reforming economies like Jamaica with high borrowing costs while ignoring its vulnerabilities.  Despite improved debt ratios, Jamaica remains locked out of concessional financing because of outdated metrics based only on per-capita income.  Jamaica supports the application of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index that more accurately assesses countries' development needs and their eligibility for concessional financing.  Constructive dialogue and engagement are the best path forward for the people of Cuba to fully participate in the global economy.  Jamaica condemns the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel and deeply regrets the devastating humanitarian consequences of the counter-offensive in the Palestinian territories.  There must be a just and peaceful resolution through diplomacy and dialogue.  He supports the call for a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.

On the crisis in Haiti, he urged Member States, especially in the Council, to operationalize the Secretary-General’s recommendations for a transition to a more robust hybrid mechanism to address the situation.  He called on Member States to provide the financial and logistical support to ensure the success of this initiative.  Governance deficits and a fragile institutional framework in Haiti must also be addressed. Once stability is restored, the international community must help rebuild democratic institutions, ensure free and fair elections, expand humanitarian relief and invest in infrastructure to support long-term stability.  “Haiti’s recovery requires sustained global support”.

Turning to transnational crime, he said, criminal networks trafficking arms, narcotics and people are existential threats that destabilize institutions.  He called for a “global war on gangs” — a coordinated international campaign to cut off the flow of weapons, money and influence that sustain them.  He welcomed cooperation with all partners in this fight, including through the interception of drug trafficking vessels, provided that operations are carried out with full respect for international law and human rights, and with the coordination and collaboration of countries in the region. He called for a united front against transnational crime, “with the same urgency, resources, and coordination the world has applied to terrorism”.