Dominica: President Sylvanie Burton addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Sept 25, 2025. At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, she addressed the nation under the theme ‘Better Together: 80 years and more for Peace, development and Human Rights’.
Burton majorly highlighted the issues of global inequalities, that are impacting vulnerable nations. Small Island Developing States who are facing challenges due to climate change and conflicts. Wars, embargoes and power-driven systems which are harming weaker countries.
She also mentioned that the world needs fairness, empathy and justice. She reaffirmed that Dominica stands with Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela, and strongly demands for sovereignty and peace.
President Sylvanie Burton also expressed that UN should support the small nations and adopt climate resilience actions. She concluded her address with a call for compassion, unity and peace.
Burton also quoted the timeless message of Charles Dickens from A Tale of Two Cities, specifically pointing at the idea of selfless sacrifice for the greater good. Dickens writes, individuals who, despite being dismissed or powerless in society, act courageously to help others, is far better than the other things he has ever done.
In her addressal speech President Sylvanie Burton used this message as a metaphor for global leadership and responsibility, as Dickens character sacrifices personal safety for another, the nations especially the powerful, are called upon to act selflessly, prioritising justice, equity and climate resilience over dominance or self-interest.
Burton explained that it is a call for empathy, moral courage, and choosing collective well-being over individual or national gain. This reminded the leaders that real progress comes when they act for benefit of all, not just the few.
Reportedly, President Sylvanie Burton joined the world leaders in discussions at the 80th UNGA, that began on Sept 09, 2025. The UNGA High-Level Week was observed from Sept 22 to 26, 2025.
The 80th Anniversary of the United Nations Foundation is a great opportunity to remind the organisation again about its founding mission of promoting peace and security around the world. In 2025, the US focusing majorly of three themes through the engagement at the United Nations: Peace, Sovereignty and Liberty.
During her address at the UNGA in New York, she flashed light on global issues faced by the international communities at global level, which includes poverty, inequality, peace and injustice, climate change and resilience, also the decline of multilateral cooperation.