Kittitian Minister Joyelle Clarke becomes only member from SIDS to serve on UNEA-7

St Kitts and Nevis: Senator Dr Joyelle Clarke, the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, et al. of St Kitts, was unanimously elected to serve on the Bureau of the next UNEA-7 (United Nations Environment Assembly). She is the only member from a Small Island Developing State to hold a position on this prestigious bureau.

Dr Clarke's appointment is very significant and is being recognised as groundbreaking, being the only individual representing the SIDS at an international platform.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Denzil Douglas, congratulated Dr Clarke on this significant appointment and said, "This is further testament to her commitment as well as leadership capabilities in being a voice for change and reason not only in her native land but on the international stage."

Dr Joyelle Clarke also led a delegation to the Sixth Session of the UNEA-6 at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, following which she was appointed to hold this major position. During the event, St Kitts and Nevis delegation emphasised the unique challenges and aspirations of the Federation in advocating for effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste, while underscoring the nation's dedication to a sustainable future

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UNEA-6 served as a platform for the delegation as a nation to showcase the leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development on the global stage.

Following the appointment, Dr Clarke said that it was a huge privilege for her to be elected to serve on the UNEA-7 Bureau.

She added that this endorsement not only reflects the confidence of her peers in the Latin American and Caribbean States grouping but also highlights the significance of amplifying the voices of SIDS in global environment decision-making processes.

The Minister also vowed that she would take the name of St Kitts and Nevis to huge heights and added that she would ensure that the voices of small island nations were heard and respected on the world stage.