St. Vincent and the Grenadines is set to host the prestigious Eighth Summit for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on March 1, 2024, at the Sandals Resort in Buccament. This landmark event, led by CELAC President Pro-Tempore and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, will welcome 32 Heads of State and Government along with their delegations for a day of pivotal discussions.
Since assuming the presidency of CELAC in January 2023, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been preparing to facilitate what is anticipated to be the largest diplomatic gathering in the nation’s history. The summit aims to culminate in a declaration that will reflect the collective priorities and objectives of the member states. This gathering is likened to a General Assembly of the United Nations in its scope and importance.
During the summit, key addresses will be made by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Additionally, Minister of Foreign Affairs Keisal Peters will present a report highlighting the achievements under SVG’s tenure as the Pro Tempore President of CELAC. The event will also feature cultural activities showcasing local talent, further elevating SVG’s profile on the international stage.
The presidency of CELAC is set to transition from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Honduras in February 2024, marking a significant moment for the Central American country. Honduras’ Foreign Minister, Eduardo Enrique Reina, emphasized the importance of this role in recognizing President Castro’s leadership and Honduras’ diplomatic efforts within the Latin American and Caribbean region.
The upcoming summit and presidency handover underscore CELAC’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation among its member states. The joint declaration from the recent EU-CELAC Summit highlights a shared resolve to address global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities through collaborative action.
As St. Vincent and the Grenadines prepares to host this historic summit, the nation stands poised to strengthen its diplomatic presence and contribute meaningfully to the collective efforts of CELAC and the international community in addressing pressing global issues.
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