President Simons discusses labour migration and AI during UN visit

The 81st session is centred on “Restoring Trust, Managing the Transition: A UN that Delivers for Everyone”. President Simons will address the General Debate on behalf of Suriname on Tuesday, September 22. According to Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation Melvin Bouva, she is scheduled as the fourth speaker in the second session of the day.

Before her departure from Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, Simons stressed to the Communicatie Dienst Suriname (CDS) the importance of Suriname’s presence at the annual gathering of world leaders.

According to the head of state, smaller countries in particular benefit from a strong international legal order. Suriname does not possess the political or military power position of large countries and is therefore largely dependent on international rules and agreements.

“We do not have great power to display our strength. We must depend on rules,” Simons said.

The peaceful resolution of regional and international disputes will also feature in her message. Against the backdrop of wars and other international tensions, Suriname wants to once again stress the importance of complying with international rules, according to the president.

Climate back on the agenda

Climate change also forms an important part of Suriname’s message. Simons states that countries worldwide continue to struggle to fulfil the commitments needed to limit the effects of climate change.

According to her, it is therefore necessary for world leaders to keep placing the climate issue on the agenda during international meetings.

Talk with Dutch prime minister on labour migration

In addition to the official UN programme, several bilateral talks are planned. Suriname will consult with the Netherlands, among others. According to CDS, President Simons will hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, during which, among other matters, the departure of workers from Suriname to the Netherlands will be discussed.

The outflow of workers is important to Suriname because of the consequences that the departure of skilled personnel may have for various sectors.

A meeting with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on artificial intelligence (AI) is also on the agenda. Discussions will focus on how countries in the region can deal responsibly with AI and on the opportunities and potential problems the technology brings.

President Simons says she hopes the various meetings will lead to concrete partnerships that benefit Suriname.