President Jennifer Simons called for strengthening multilateralism and consistent compliance with international law during the 81st General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA). According to the head of state, smaller countries such as Suriname in particular depend on a stable, rules-based international order.
Simons addressed the General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. She stressed that compliance with international law and strong international institutions are necessary for preserving peace and security, protecting human rights and promoting sustainable development.
“Let us therefore reflect anew and commit ourselves to multilateralism and the UN Charter, building on a foundation to truly make a difference,” the president said.
CARICOM chairmanship
Regional cooperation also received attention in the speech. Suriname is preparing for the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 2027. According to Simons, this will focus on concrete regional issues.
Priorities include food and energy security, climate resilience, improved connections between countries and facilitating the movement of skilled persons, goods and services.
Reparatory justice remains on the agenda
During the CARICOM chairmanship, Suriname also wants to continue drawing attention to reparatory justice in connection with slavery, colonialism and the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans.
According to Simons, the international discussion is increasingly shifting from the question of whether slavery and colonialism have had lasting consequences to the question of what form reparations should take and who is willing to assume responsibility for them.
According to the head of state, Suriname will continue to advocate for this issue within regional and international forums.
United Nations reform
Simons also spoke out in favour of reforming the United Nations. According to her, Suriname wants a Security Council that is more representative and accountable, and better able to respond to international developments.
The country supports the call from Africa for fair permanent representation on the Security Council. Suriname also believes that small island states and low-lying coastal countries should be better represented within the international system.
The emphasis on multilateralism is in line with Simons’ broader message during her UN address. For Suriname, a well-functioning international legal order is of particular importance, because unlike major powers, the country is highly dependent on international rules and institutions to protect its interests.
