Saint Kitts and Nevis Reaffirms Commitment to Multilateralism and Regional Cooperation at the 56th OAS General Assembly
Washington, D.C., June 30, 2026 — The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to multilateralism, democratic governance, regional security, and sustainable development during the 56th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), held in Panama City, Republic of Panama, from June 22–24, 2026.
The Federation was represented by Her Excellency Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin O.B.E, Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the OAS, who delivered the national statement on behalf of the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Held under the theme, “The Americas United on the Bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama,” the Assembly brought together Ministers of Foreign Affairs and senior officials from across the hemisphere to reaffirm the shared values of democracy, human rights, security, and cooperation. Member States adopted the Panama Declaration on Firm Multilateralism, reaffirming their collective commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights, and coordinated action to address hemispheric challenges.
In her national statement, Ambassador Henry-Martin emphasized that meaningful regional progress can only be achieved through collective action.
“Multilateralism is not merely a diplomatic practice; it is the foundation upon which real hemispheric unity is built and sustained”, Ambassador Henry-Martin stated.
The Ambassador underscored that no nation, regardless of its size, can confront today’s interconnected challenges in isolation. She reaffirmed Saint Kitts and Nevis’ support for strengthening the Organization of American States as a forum for dialogue, cooperation, and consensus-building among the nations of the Americas.
Addressing the unique challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the Federation highlighted the urgent need for greater climate action and equitable access to development financing. The statement reiterated that resilience financing remains an existential necessity for vulnerable states and called for international financial systems that recognize vulnerability as a key measure of development need.
Saint Kitts and Nevis also welcomed the Assembly’s emphasis on strengthening democratic institutions, protecting human rights, and enhancing hemispheric security. The Federation supported renewed regional cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, illicit firearms trafficking, narcotics smuggling, cybercrime, and human trafficking, while reaffirming its continued support for regional and international efforts to restore security, democratic governance, and humanitarian conditions in Haiti.
On behalf of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Ambassador further welcomed progress toward the proposed Declaration on the Rights of Peoples of African Descent in the Americas, reaffirming its commitment to advancing equality, justice, and human dignity throughout the hemisphere.
Concluding her address, Ambassador Henry-Martin urged Member States to translate shared aspirations into meaningful action, reminding delegates:
“History will judge us not by the declarations we adopt, but by our demonstrated unity and our willingness to act together in addressing the defining challenges of our time.”
The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis welcomes the successful conclusion of the 56th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly and remains committed to working with Member States to advance a hemisphere that is more democratic, resilient, secure, inclusive, and sustainable. Through principled diplomacy and constructive engagement, Saint Kitts and Nevis will continue to advocate for policies that promote peace, sustainable development, climate resilience, and shared prosperity for all the peoples of the Americas.
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