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In a powerful address to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley made an impassioned plea for a global “reset,” urging world leaders to confront a series of mounting “poly-crises” that threaten humanity’s future.

“We continue to wrestle with the climate crisis as a human family; we grapple with the legacy of the pandemic,” Mottley declared. “We are now regrettably confronted by multiple theaters of war and scenes of horror and famine flowing from that war.” The Prime Minister emphasized that global conflict, citing Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, has diverted attention from the real needs of citizens, including economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.

Mottley’s message was clear: “If ever there was a time to pause and to reset, it is now.” She appealed to leaders across the world to prioritize the well-being of their people by addressing crises that stifle progress and erode hope. She noted the urgent need for fresh opportunities and solutions that can reinvigorate economies and restore faith in the future.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the deepening inequality that persists across the globe. She called for a comprehensive overhaul of global rules and institutions to end systems that create first- and second-class citizens based on national origin. According to Mottley, an inability to reset will breed “a crisis of confidence in the existing international order,” which she argued must become more inclusive and responsive.

Reflecting on the end of the UN Decade, Mottley reiterated Barbados and the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) call for a second UN Decade dedicated to addressing reparations for slavery and colonialism, highlighting the unfinished work in global justice.

Mottley also directed sharp criticism toward the UN Security Council, asserting that its outdated configuration no longer serves the 21st century. “There are few areas where the world is more in need of the United Nations acting as the United Nations to secure the objectives of the Charter than in the area of peace and security,” she stated, emphasizing the UN’s critical role in ensuring global stability.

While painting a sobering picture of the world’s current crises, Mottley ended on a note of optimism. She praised the adoption of the Pact for the Future, a global commitment to fostering sustainable development, peace, and stronger governance, offering a glimmer of hope that progress is still achievable.

“Above all else,” Mottley concluded, “we need a global reset on peace. There needs to be global peace. It can’t be too difficult to work for peace.”

As the world faces daunting challenges, Mottley’s call to reset echoes the desires of many citizens who yearn for a fairer, more peaceful world.