Saint Kitts and Nevis Participates in Rising Nations Gala Dinner Celebrating Adoption of the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise

21 September 2026New York, USA

Saint Kitts and Nevis last evening joined Heads of State and Government at the Rising Nations Gala Dinner held at the Harvard Club of New York during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week. The event celebrated the adoption of the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, a landmark achievement that elevates sea level rise as a central priority of the international agenda.

Saint Kitts and Nevis, together with the Republic of Palau, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Maldives, served as co-conveners of both the Rising Nations Initiative and the Gala Dinner. The Initiative, launched in 2022, has been central to global efforts to elevate sea level rise as a defining international priority and has now culminated in the establishment of the Rising Nations Institute. The Gala brought together leaders of Small Island Developing States, low-lying coastal nations, champion countries, and representatives of international and regional organizations.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew served as a Co-Convenor of the Initiative and the Gala Dinner, reflecting the Federation’s leadership and sustained engagement over the past two years. Earlier this year, Dr. Drew traveled to Berlin to advance the Initiative’s objectives and strengthen international partnerships supporting the Declaration. His continued advocacy has focused on securing global recognition of the existential threat posed by sea level rise and the need for coordinated international action.

The work leading to the adoption of the Declaration was strongly supported by the lobbying and technical leadership of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Joyelle Clarke. Dr. Clarke played a central role in shaping the policy direction, negotiating with partners, and ensuring that the priorities of vulnerable communities were reflected in the final text. The Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis in New York also provided essential diplomatic support throughout the process, facilitating engagements, consultations, and negotiations that contributed to the successful adoption of the Declaration.

Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley led the Saint Kitts and Nevis delegation to New York for the Gala Dinner and related engagements. During the event, Acting Prime Minister Dr. Hanley was privileged to present the Rising Nations Global Leaders Award to President Emmanuel Macron, recognizing his leadership and commitment to advancing global action on sea level rise. His participation ensures continuity of the work initiated by the Government and reinforces the country’s commitment to the implementation phase now underway.

The Gala also marked the official inauguration of the Rising Nations Institute, a new multilateral platform dedicated to supporting countries on the frontlines of sea level rise. The Institute will advance implementation of the Declaration through innovative solutions, including rapid-response financing for locally led adaptation, coastal regeneration initiatives, digital preservation of cultural heritage, climate risk insurance for vulnerable households, and enhanced data and analytical capabilities.

The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis expresses its appreciation to the Global Centre for Climate Mobility and the Communities Climate Adaptation Facility for their sustained partnership and technical leadership throughout the development of the Rising Nations Initiative. Their support has been essential in shaping the integrated solutions and financing mechanisms that will guide implementation of the Declaration.

The Government further acknowledges the strong inter-ministerial collaboration that made this achievement possible. The Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Environment, worked closely to ensure that the Federation contributed meaningfully to the development of the Declaration, the Rising Nations Initiative, and the establishment of the Rising Nations Institute. The support of the Permanent Mission in New York was also integral to sustaining momentum and ensuring effective representation throughout the process.

Saint Kitts and Nevis remains committed to championing the resilience, heritage, and future of communities most affected by sea level rise and will continue to support global efforts to translate the Declaration’s ambitions into tangible action.

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