PORT OF SPAIN: 26TH SEPTEMBER 2025
Day four of High-Level Week unfolded with a full slate of engagements for the Trinidad and Tobago delegation. The Honourable Sean Sobers, M.P., Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, delivered Trinidad and Tobago’s National Statement at the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Wellbeing. He highlighted the severe impact of NCDs and mental health challenges, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and emphasized the urgent need for equitable, integrated health systems. Minister Sobers called for tailored international support and reaffirmed the commitment of Trinidad and Tobago to prevention-focused strategies, including strengthening primary health care, promoting healthier lifestyles and improving data systems. Reflecting the priority placed on this issue, he also Co-chaired a multi-stakeholder panel entitled ‘Tackling the Determinants of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health and Wellbeing through Multisectoral and Effective Governance and Collaborative Action’.
The Honourable Minister also delivered his inaugural address to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during its Open Debate on ‘Artificial Intelligence and International Peace and Security: Addressing the Complexities, Multifaceted Impacts and Responsible Use’. Minister Sobers underscored the need for human-centred governance, inclusive participation and global capacity-building to ensure Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developed and deployed in a manner that is safe, ethical and firmly anchored in international law. He affirmed that AI must be a force for peace rather than a weapon of chaos and pledged the commitment of Trinidad and Tobago to working with all Member States to build a coherent, legally grounded framework that safeguards humanity while harnessing innovation.
Key among the one-on-one interfaces was Minister Sobers’ meeting with His Excellency Albert Ramdin, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS). During this discussion, Minister Sobers reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to the OAS Charter, emphasizing sovereignty, democracy, rule of law and regional cooperation.
Additionally, Minister Sobers held productive bilateral discussions with longstanding partners, including His Excellency Miao Deyu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China; Her Excellency Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines; His Excellency Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore; and Her Excellency Ana Isabel Xavier, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal.
The G20 also convened during High-Level Week under the chairmanship of Brazil, bringing together the world’s major economies. Trinidad and Tobago was represented by Mr. Randall Karim, Permanent Secretary and Head of the Foreign Service who addressed the high-level meeting, emphasizing the country’s commitment to inclusive, equitable and sustainable solutions to various global challenges and reinforcing Trinidad and Tobago’s active voice on the world stage.
On Friday 26th September 2025, the Honourable Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah of the State of Kuwait and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.
The Honourable Prime Minister will also address the United Nations General Assembly at approximately 5:00 pm which will be carried live on TTT.
