PM to attend UN General Assembly

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar leaves for New York for 68th Regular Session of United Nations General Assembly

The Honourable Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, will depart Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday 24th September, 2013 to attend the 68th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising all 193 Members of the United Nations, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations.

During the visit to New York, the Honourable Prime Minister will participate in several bilateral meetings including a meeting with the Secretary General of the Organisation of American States, Mr. José Miguel Insulza.

Trinidad and Tobago was signatory to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) when it opened for signature in June 2013. Given the pivotal role played by Trinidad and Tobago during the negotiations which gave rise to the ATT, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar will participate in a High Level Treaty Event – “Deposit of Instrument of Ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty” and is expected to speak at the High-Level Side Event entitled “The Arms Trade Treaty: Towards Entry into Force”.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will also address the General Assembly Debate on 26th September, 2013 on the theme “Post-2015 Development Agenda: Setting the Stage!”

While in New York, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar will speak at the Clinton Global Initiative’s 2013 Annual Meeting. The general theme of the  CGI’s 2013 Annual Meeting, “Mobilising for Impact”,  looks at how members of the GGI and member organisations could effectively mobilise people, resources, organisations and partners to effect global change.

Commenting on her visit, the Honourable Prime Minister said that she was looking forward to “participating in the global discussion and exchange of ideas from which Trinidad and Tobago will surely benefit.”

During the Prime Minister’s absence, Minister of Legal Affairs, the Hon Prakash Ramadhar, MP will act as Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is scheduled to return to Trinidad on 26th September, 2013.