UN General Assembly President, Mr. Dennis Francis to undertake official visit to home country, Trinidad and Tobago

New York, 2 August 2024

The President of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), His Excellency, Mr. Dennis Francis will undertake an official visit to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, from 4 –7 August.

While in Port of Spain, the PGA will hold separate bilateral meetings with H.E. Nigel de Freitas, Acting President; H.E. Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister; H.E. Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs; Senator the Honourable Dr. Muhammad Yunus Ibrahim, Acting President of the Senate; and Mrs. Bridgid Annisette-George M.P., Speaker of the House of Representatives.

A citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, the PGA assumed the role in September 2023 with full support of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and subsequent endorsement by his regional group. This will be his first official visit to Port of Spain in this capacity. He will use the opportunity of his visit to exchange views with the leadership of Trinidad and Tobago on the state of multilateralism and, among others, ongoing preparations for the Summit of the Future and the High-Level Meeting on sea-level rise, both in September.

The PGA is further expected to hold discussions with the UN Country Team in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as meet with the Network of Rural Women Producers. A staunch advocate for education and its role in elevating and empowering young people, the PGA will also engage with students and staff at the Woodbrook Secondary School, his Alma Mater.

Furthermore, the PGA will participate in a roundtable discussion on #ChooseSustainability: Building Resilient and Prosperous Societies, which will delve into the vital role of the General Assembly and its support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) amidst a polarized multilateral landscape. This will present a unique opportunity for Students of the Institute of International Relations of the University of the West Indies to engage with the PGA and gain insights into the significance of global sustainability efforts.

Taking into consideration that World Steelpan Day which was designated by the General Assembly will be marked on 11 August, the PGA will also engage with the University of Trinidad and Tobago to appreciate their music programmes, particularly in relation to the steelpan and undertake a tour of steelpan sites.

The PGA’s delegation includes his Chef de Cabinet, a Special Adviser, a Senior Advisor, and a Communications Adviser.

Travel costs for the visit are jointly covered by the OPGA’s Trust Fund and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.