NEW YORK – Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten will be represented next week as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands delegation at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Curaçao’s Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas will travel to the United States from September 21 to 28 to attend the high-level conference.

Also taking part are Sint Maarten’s Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Aruban Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor Geoffrey Cicilia. The Caribbean leaders are scheduled to speak at various events focusing on youth, health, women’s rights, and climate.

A central theme for the delegation will be the role and challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with an emphasis on the vulnerability of small islands and their contribution to sustainable development.

The Kingdom delegation will be led by Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who will attend the opening reception hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as a reception by U.S. President Donald Trump. Schoof will also hold meetings with other heads of government.

On September 25, Schoof will address the General Assembly. He is also scheduled to participate in side events covering the war in Ukraine, artificial intelligence, and climate change.

With the presence of both European and Caribbean officials, the Kingdom will showcase its full diversity at the UN. For the Caribbean countries, the summit offers a vital platform to highlight their specific interests and priorities on the international stage.