The delegation of the Dominica Maritime Administration is honored to attend the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD’s) 15th conference – UNCTAD15, hosted online by Barbados from 3 to 7 October, 2021. We are proud to represent the Commonwealth of Dominica, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) and are looking forward to participating in important conversations that will be started.
We believe that there must be equal opportunities for all involved in the maritime industry. Our values fit the theme of this year’s UNCTAD15 conference, which is, “From inequality and vulnerability to prosperity for all.” Discussions will be focused on how access to trade works for all can reduce inequality and vulnerability.
The Dominica Maritime Administration’s international maritime registry prides itself on providing sustainable, cost-effective, safe and secure compliance tools to ensure the safety of the global maritime shipping, yachting and seafaring community.
UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. As a part of the United Nations Secretariat, which deals with trade, investment, and development issues, UNCTAD’s purpose is to promote the interests of developing states in world trade.
During the conference’s Opening Plenary and Ceremony, United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres spoke about the need for global efforts to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. “We need a bold, sustainable and inclusive global recovery that benefits the many, rather than the few.” Guterres stated that if we come together on a global level, it is possible for all – not just some – to recover from the damage that COVID-19 has caused.
Guterres spoke about how COVID-19 has prevented trade from contributing to economic growth. He called upon the need for open and fair trade rules, so that all countries have a fair chance at competition and growth, no matter their level of development.
Guterres also called upon the need for modern infrastructure and trade flows, specifically in the shipping industry, “which transport 80% of global merchandise. Automation and digital solutions can reduce bottlenecks and help this vital industry decarbonize.”
Overall, Guterres’s remarks pointed out the global need for fair and equal trade opportunities through modern infrastructure and open and fair trade rules, to thus promote a global blue economy.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are those most impacted by global climate change. The world must come together and commit to the creation of a sustainable blue economy to ensure that SIDS have equal opportunities to participate in the global economy.
Some of the topics to be discussed at UNCTAD15 include, “Inequality: Is the COVID-19 crisis really a game-changer?,” “Reshaping global and regional value chains,” “Regional integration for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future”, “Harnessing frontier technologies for shared prosperity” and more.
To watch Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres’s speech at the UNCTAD15 Conference Opening, see here:
