Mia Mottley Calls for Global Reset at UN General Assembly Amid Ongoing Polycrisis

New York — Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley took the stage at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), delivering a powerful call for global unity and immediate action in the face of what she described as a “polycrisis” gripping the world. Highlighting the convergence of multiple challenges—climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, war, rising costs, and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance—Mottley warned that the future of humanity is at stake if world leaders do not act swiftly.

Speaking passionately at the UN headquarters in New York, Mottley emphasized the need for urgent solutions to address the global crises. “We need a reset,” Mottley declared in a tweet following her address. “For years, the world has faced a polycrisis: the Climate Crisis, COVID-19, war, rising costs, and a silent pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance. We must act now. The future of our people and planet depends on it.”

We need a reset.

For years, the world has faced a polycrisis: the Climate Crisis, COVID-19, war, rising costs, and a silent pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance.

We must act now. The future of our people and planet depends on it. #UNGA79 https://t.co/cEfhrm2LzQ

— Mia Amor Mottley (@miaamormottley) September 27, 2024

In her speech, Mottley pointed out that the climate crisis continues to disproportionately affect small island nations like Barbados, urging larger countries to honor their financial and environmental commitments to curb carbon emissions. She also called for better pandemic preparedness and a strengthened response to the “silent pandemic” of antimicrobial resistance, which she described as an increasingly deadly global health issue.

Her remarks come as world leaders at the UNGA discuss key topics, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, international security, and the state of the global economy.

Prime Minister Mottley’s call to action has garnered significant attention online, with her tweet reaching over 22,000 views within hours. The message resonated widely, reflecting the growing sense of urgency to tackle the myriad challenges facing the international community.

The UNGA, which brings together heads of state and government from across the globe, continues to be a critical platform for addressing pressing global issues. With Mottley’s address, Barbados has once again taken a leadership role in advocating for justice, equity, and sustainability on the world stage.

As global leaders deliberate, Mottley’s message serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action in a world increasingly fraught with challenges.