The Bahamas Marks United Nations Day 2025: “UN80: Shaping an Inclusive and Resilient Bahamas Together.”
NASSAU, The Bahamas. 24th October, 2025 — On Friday, 24th October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in celebration of United Nations Day 2025, under the theme “UN80: Shaping an Inclusive and Resilient Bahamas Together.”
To commemorate the occasion, the Ministry actively participated in a townhall forum hosted by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, at the Performing Arts Centre, at the University of The Bahamas. The event served as a platform to bring together representatives of the Government, the United Nations system, civil society, students and youth. It provided an opportunity to reflect on
eighty years of the United Nations’ contribution to global peace, security, and development, and to explore how multilateral cooperation continues to shape a more inclusive and resilient Bahamas.
The town hall commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Dennis Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator, and Dr. Maria Oriakhi, Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of UB Academic Affairs, setting a collaborative tone for the day. The discussions were moderated by Ms. Aneesah Abdullah, United Nations Country Coordination Officer for The Bahamas who also provided key insights.
Director General Ali (second from right) giving remarks at the town hall
A highlight of the programme was the dynamic panel discussion featuring distinguished speakers. Representing the Government of The Bahamas, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Jerusa Ali, and Deputy Director General, Head of Multilateral and Political Bureau, Gian Dean delivered compelling remarks on the topic: “The Bahamas and Multilateralism: Why the UN Still Matters”, further underscoring the Ministry’s active engagement in multilateral affairs. The esteemed panel also included Ms. Sumayyah Cargill, Acting Deputy Managing Director of The Bahamas Development Bank; Ms. Keisha Ellis, Executive Director of Hands for Hunger, representing the voice of civil society; Ms. Michelle Brathwaite, Regional Director for OHCHR/CARICOM; and Mr. Fredtano Swann, a School of Social & Educational School Senator and Student Government Association representative, offering a valuable youth perspective.
Discussions focused on the importance of the United Nations, the role of multilateralism in advancing The Bahamas’ diplomacy and development priorities, and the value of partnership in addressing national and global challenges such as climate resilience, sustainable development, and social inclusion.
The townhall also encouraged interactive dialogue between panelists and attendees through a moderated question-and-answer segment as well as an engaging trivia exercise, fostering deeper engagement and understanding.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ remains committed to robust civil outreach. This dedication is exemplified by the appointment of High Commissioner Philip Smith, who has been assigned as a thematic ambassador with responsibility for civil social outreach. High Commissioner Smith’s role is critical to ensure that the diverse voices and priorities of Bahamian communities are effectively integrated into the nation’s foreign policy and multilateral engagements, strengthening the link between national development and international cooperation.
As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, the event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of multilateral efforts and of The Bahamas’ continued commitment to promoting peace, and progress at home and abroad.
Ambassador Ali took a moment to recognise the legacy of the Honourable Vaugh Peterson Miller, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Minister Miller gave strong political support for two agreements that The Bahamas is now party to: The Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean “Escazú Agreement” and The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction “BBNJ Agreement”. As we mourn him, Ambassador Ali said, let us remember his passion for the environment and commitment to multilateralism.