Speeches

First and foremost, I deeply appreciate the invitation and the opportunity to participate in this highly relevant Forum, particularly at a time when the world is facing interconnected crises and an imminent shift in geopolitical dynamics, with effects already being felt economically, socially, and environmentally.

From Latin America and the Caribbean, and particularly from the Greater Caribbean, we see this scenario not only as a set of challenges, but also as a window of opportunity. An opportunity to build strategic partnerships that strengthen our resilience and allow us to move toward truly sustainable development—without compromising our sovereignty or autonomy.

In a global geopolitical landscape marked by tensions, the region must act with caution, but also with pragmatism. We are a region of peace in a world marked by confrontation, and that is a strength we must preserve and project. From that foundation, we can attract sustainable investments, promote knowledge exchange, and support strategic projects that generate real value for our people, always with full respect for the environment, while strengthening our industries, tourism, and culture.

Unique and strategic partnerships. Despite the challenges posed by a changing world order, this is the moment to diversify our alliances and re-examine our cooperation models through a lens that places dignity and social justice at the center. It is urgent to foster partnerships that avoid new forms of dependency and to promote South-South and triangular cooperation schemes that build capacity, facilitate knowledge transfer, and support multi-country projects that generate shared well-being.

The potential of the Greater Caribbean. We are a unique region. As I mentioned, a region of peace but also one rich in natural resources and cultural diversity. This combination positions us as a strategic actor on the global stage and a model of coexistence that can offer solutions in a fragmented world. Now more than ever, the potential of the Greater Caribbean must be recognized and supported.

The aspiration for sustainable development is a shared goal and an urgent necessity for many countries in the Greater Caribbean, where climate resilience and environmental justice are not merely policy priorities but matters of survival. Addressing them requires investments that are not only profitable for Latin America and the Caribbean but for the world.

A stronger economic partnership with Europe can enhance the region’s global position, expand access to technology and capital, and reduce dependence on a single external partner laying the foundation for more resilient and diversified economies.

On the other hand, this renewed EU approach offers a valuable opportunity to highlight our region’s strengths and expand interregional cooperation. However, it is crucial to reformulate the terms of this relationship, so they align with Latin America and the Caribbean’s realities and aspirations grounded in economic justice and sovereignty, and moving beyond outdated dependency dynamics that have too long defined the region’s place in the global economy.

Regarding the EU–Mercosur Free Trade Agreement: while it may benefit certain countries in the region, any agreement of this kind must be accompanied by genuine commitments to sustainability and community rights, in order to support regional transformation without reproducing dependency or prioritizing profit alone.

Initiatives like Global Gateway, which emphasize democratic values, sustainability, transparency, and mutual benefit, show how a shift toward deeper strategic partnerships can move us beyond traditional models of trade and aid and toward urgent solutions such as green energy, digital transformation, and social inclusion. These are setting new benchmarks to reshape global and regional economic dynamics.

The world is undergoing a series of transformations, and Latin America and the Caribbean are not exempt. Politically, the region has sought to strengthen integration, enhancing its collective negotiating power in the international system to address shared challenges such as climate change, food security, and fair trade. The impact of global changes on our region will depend on our ability to negotiate from a place of unity, with autonomy and a development vision centered on people.

From an economic standpoint, ECLAC has warned our region about the "low-growth trap," which limits our capacity to close structural gaps. Added to this are challenges such as the growing informal labor sector, which disproportionately affects youth, women, and rural communities, as well as the lasting effects of the pandemic and extreme climate events, all of which have deepened structural inequalities and poverty across several countries.

In light of this, rethinking partnerships requires new dynamics that promote inclusive growth and reduce inequality. A fundamental condition is that these alliances help countries escape aggressive debt cycles. It is urgent to avoid falling back into protectionist trade policies often coming from the Global North and to instead diversify partnerships and strengthen South-South cooperation.

In this context, it is also essential to make use of strategies such as friendshoring, nearshoring, and public-private partnerships, to advance the recovery of economic sovereignty, attract sustainable investment, and generate more and better jobs. The region must seize these tools to build more just and resilient economies.

Latin America and the Caribbean maintain dynamic relationships with multiple global actors as it should be in a globalized world. While these relationships carry certain risks, they can be minimized if we remain focused on building partnerships grounded in mutual respect and respect for sovereignty. At the same time, these relationships offer vast opportunities. Our region has enormous potential, putting us in a position to pursue stronger, more strategic and diversified partnerships that serve our own sustainable development priorities.

Regarding electoral processes, particularly in a country like the United States, it is clear that there are implications. However, this region firmly believes that integration, diplomacy, and multilateralism must be the answer. We cannot continue to operate under the logic of a unipolar world. It is clear we are moving toward a new global governance dynamic toward multipolarity. It is from that space that we must face and navigate these impacts.

In this context, initiatives such as the CELAC–China Forum have become key platforms for political dialogue and comprehensive cooperation, strengthening multilateralism as a tool to respond to the region's evolving challenges. The relationship with China has brought significant opportunities, particularly through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, which has supported investment not only in physical infrastructure but also in digital, energy, education, financial, and cultural connectivity.

One point that must not be overlooked is this: the present and future of this important region cannot be determined by political changes in a single country, no matter how powerful, or by the tensions between major powers. It must instead be defined by our ability to build strategic partnerships that drive a sustainable development agenda rooted in people, equality, human rights, and well-being. From the ACS, we reiterate our commitment to effective diplomacy that contributes to a fairer and more cooperative international architecture.

Regional integration is not merely a technical or economic option it is a deeply political and strategic decision, and one that is more necessary than ever. For Latin America and the Caribbean, it represents a real opportunity to build collective sovereignty, greater resilience, and a development model centered on life and human dignity.

And we are on that path. Mechanisms such as CELAC, CARICOM, SICA, SELA, and the ACS have proven that regional cooperation is not only possible it yields results. In a context of economic fragmentation and global tensions, strengthening our ties and collective efforts to build a more cohesive, resilient region with international influence is one of our most powerful tools.

The Greater Caribbean, with its diversity, commitment to peace, and vast potential in natural and cultural resources, is a concrete model of cooperation in action. This year, Colombia will host the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Greater Caribbean, under the theme: “United for Life, for the Sustainable Development of the Greater Caribbean” a clear call to project, from the Caribbean, a shared vision for the future of all Latin America and the world.

At the ACS, we believe diplomacy and multilateralism must not remain rhetorical exercises detached from the realities of our people. People do not measure the success of diplomacy by joint communiqués or signed agreements, but by real improvements in their lives. That is why we reaffirm our commitment to demonstrating that diplomacy and multilateralism remain powerful tools to change the world to confront global challenges through cooperation, solidarity, and shared responsibility. Our region has a voice, has proposals, and has a legacy that positions it as a key actor in contributing to a fairer system of global governance.

Thank you very much.