Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosvelt Skerrit, CARICOM President, said the regional body remains ready to support and encourage all partnerships that are mutually beneficial that lead to synergistic solutions and foster socio-economic growth regionally.

Therefore, I look forward to our discussions in this forum as we seek to progress in the sustainable development of member states of the global south, Prime Minister Roosvelt Skerrit added while taking the floor at the G77+China Summit being held on Friday at the Havana International Conference Center (HICC).

According to Roosvelt Skerrit, the Summit, whose main issue is Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation, provides a unique opportunity to have a frank and open talk as well as to unite behind common principles to achieve the goals of sustainability and resilience ahead of external economic crises.

While we have made remarkable progress in science and technology, we must recognize that much remains to be done to improve and support our efforts to make progress, added Roosvelt Skerrit, while warning that without strong multilateral commitments, the global south may continue to face up significant challenges in accessing urgently needed innovations.

Dominica’s prime minister said there is evidence to support the direct correlation between scientific research and development, when digital technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology and nanotechnology have far-reaching impacts and present opportunities and challenges with respect to the economy, society and the environment that are already being felt in every country.

By investing in these efforts, we can create more inclusive, democratic and just societies that value international solidarity and collaboration in areas of collective significance.

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