GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Claret Connor was seated prominently near the front of the United Nations General Assembly Hall on Tuesday as United States President Donald Trump delivered his address during the opening day of the high-level General Debate of the UN’s 81st session in New York.
Connor is attending the UN gathering as part of the official delegation representing the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom delegation also includes Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar “Pik” Pisas and Aruba Minister of Justice, Integration, Public Transportation and Energy Arthur Dowers, along with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and other Dutch ministers. The composition of the delegation was confirmed by the Dutch government ahead of the meetings.
Minister Connor is substituting for PM Luc Mercelina and Deputy PM Grisha Heyliger -Marten.
Connor is representing St. Maarten at the high-level engagements on behalf of Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, who had originally been scheduled to attend. Connor has already participated in UN-related meetings this week, including a high-level forum focused on sustainable procurement and its importance for small island states.
Tuesday marked the first day of the General Debate, which runs from September 22 through September 26 and concludes on September 28. The wider 81st session formally opened on September 8.
Trump delivers wide-ranging address
Trump used his approximately 37-minute address to set out several positions that quickly drew international attention. Among them was a warning that the United States could “annihilate” Iran if a peace agreement is not reached, while at the same time indicating that he believed an agreement could eventually be possible. He also defended U.S. military actions involving Iran and called for other countries to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
Trump also called on countries that are members of the International Criminal Court to withdraw from the organization, continuing his criticism of the court and its jurisdiction. In another unusual portion of his speech, Trump suggested that artificial intelligence should instead be referred to as “super intelligence,” while rejecting calls for stronger international controls on the rapidly developing technology.
His address also touched on Venezuela, Cuba, Greenland, the Russia-Ukraine war and international institutions. Associated Press reported that Trump highlighted a new strategic military agreement with Denmark and Greenland that would expand the U.S. security presence in the Arctic.
He also said the Unisted States will now refer to A.I. as "Super Intelligence" rather than artificial.
Dutch Prime Minister to address UN Thursday
The Kingdom delegation’s participation continues throughout the high-level week. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, according to the Government of the Netherlands. Jetten is in New York from September 22 through September 24 and is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and participate in events dealing with artificial intelligence, climate and human rights.
