Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton D.A.H., President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, will join world leaders in New York for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week.
The Session is being held under the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for
Peace, Development and Human Rights.” President Burton will address the General Assembly on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
The President will focus on the critical global challenges confronting the international community, including poverty, inequality, peace and justice, climate change, and
resilience, as well as the weakening of multilateral cooperation. She will also speak
to the consequences of underdevelopment, conflict, wars, and the negative effects of
economic sanctions and trade restrictions, which weigh most heavily on Small Island
Developing States such as Dominica.
President Burton is leading Dominica’s delegation to the Assembly, accompanied by
her spouse, First Gentleman, Mr. Gilbert Burton; the Honourable Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson, Dominica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Philbert Aaron, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Kelvar Darroux, and Consul, Mr. Sheldon Anthony Peter. Through her participation at the United Nations General Assembly, President Burton will reaffirm Dominica’s commitment to advancing dialogue, strengthening global cooperation, and ensuring that the voices and concerns of small island nations are heard on the world stage.
In the absence of President Burton from the State, Her Excellency Josette Matthew
will discharge the duties of Acting President of the Commonwealth of Dominica.