Hylton

Jamaica has called for a reform of the United Nations to make it more accountable and responsive to the interests and concerns of all its members.

"The reformed United Nations should result in a principled, inclusive and democratic forum to the extent that it provides full opportunity to all states to participate in and to benefit from the global system," said Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Anthony Hylton.

Making his contribution to the State of the Nation Debate in the Senate on Friday, Mr. Hylton said "Meaningful reform implies that all the organs of the United Nations, including the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council are strengthened, renewed and revitalised, so that they become effective in the discharge of their mandates."

Opportunities

Senator Hylton said Jamaica would continue to pursue multilateral opportunities through the Non Aligned Movement and Group of 77 (G-77), so as to further the country's interests.

"Jamaica, for example, used the opportunity at the 14th Summit of the Non Aligned Movement in Cuba this year, to promote and gain political support from its developing country partners, for issues that are critical to our interest, namely energy, security and sustainable development."

He said collaboration with other developing countries was not always easy, but "members of the G-77, which in fact now has 131 member states and China, have always recognised that their common interests far outweigh their differences".

Plan of action

He added: "We experienced that firsthand when Jamaica had responsibility to coordinate and lead the negotiation for the Group in 2005. The second G-77 Summit in 2005, under Jamaica's chairmanship, resulted in among other things, a comprehensive plan of action for south-south cooperation."

The Foreign Affairs Minister also said that Jamaica would be broadening its network of bilateral partnerships, as part of the process to advance the country's development.

'Jamaica would be broadening its network of bilateral partnerships, as part of the process to advance the country's development.'