Our world is at a crossroads, confronted by a convergence of crises that demand immediate and collective action. I believe, now more than ever, that we need a global reset—a fundamental rethinking and restructuring of our international systems to address the pressing challenges we face. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Debate.
Challenging Neocolonial Structures and Institutional Discrimination
I reflect on the global polycrises we face: climate change, the enduring legacy of the pandemic, war, rising costs of living, and the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance. These crises know no borders, no class, no race, and yet, the systems we have in place — institutions built on foundations of old world orders — continue to perpetuate inequalities, exacerbating the very challenges we seek to overcome.
Neocolonial structures, designed in an era that sought to divide and control, still linger. They do not serve the interests of billions but rather reflect a world order characterized by racism, classism, and misogyny. These systems actively hinder the development and growth of our people. We speak year after year of trust and credibility, yet we have institutions that treat people from different nations as first- and second-class citizens, reinforcing a crisis of confidence in the international order. This must end.
It is time for a global reset. This reset must see the end of all forms of discrimination. It must dismantle the rules and institutions that create these divides, restoring faith in the international community by fostering transparency, inclusion, and fairness. We cannot afford to perpetuate the colonial legacy, where some nations control the fate of others while ignoring their legitimate aspirations for development, justice, and equality.
Advocating for Reparations and Addressing Historical Injustices
This is why the Caribbean Community, and indeed my own country, Barbados, join the growing call for reparations for slavery and colonialism. The scars of these historical injustices run deep. They are not merely a distant memory but an ongoing reality for descendants of African people across the globe. Reparations are not simply about financial compensation. They are about justice, recognition, and development. The debt incurred by Britain for compensating slave owners was repaid in this century, almost 200 years later. This is a stark reminder that the burden of history does not fade with time. Therefore, the solution to reparations must be multigenerational and grounded in development.
As the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent comes to a close, we must acknowledge that while progress has been made, the recognition, justice, and development promised by this decade have not yet been fully realized. It is imperative that we proclaim a second decade to continue the unfinished work. We owe it to future generations to right these wrongs, to address the profound impact of slavery and colonialism, and to begin the long-overdue journey toward healing and restoration.
Our global institutions must evolve. We must ensure that developing countries, especially small and vulnerable states like mine, are given a seat at the table where decisions are made. We must become active agents in our own cause, leading our development paradigms and determining our futures. This is not just a matter of fairness; it is a necessity for our survival in this interconnected world.
Embracing Our Shared Humanity and Building Hope
At the heart of these calls for change is the principle of Ubuntu — “I am because you are.” This ancient African wisdom reminds us that our well-being is inherently tied to the well-being of others. Our shared humanity, our connection to one another and to Mother Earth, is the foundation upon which we must build this reset. Without it, we will continue to be divided, consumed by conflict, inequality, and injustice.
In this moment of crisis, there is hope. The seeds of reform are beginning to sprout, but we cannot lose sight of our ultimate goal. We must change the rules of the international financial system, shock-proof vulnerable economies, and augment financing to build resilience. These steps are essential if we are to secure the global public commons — the air, water, and ecosystems that sustain us all. If we do not act now, we will fail not only ourselves but the generations yet to come.
The reset I call for is not just about reforms in institutions and policies. It is about a change in attitudes and behaviors. It is about recognizing the inherent value of every human life and building a future based on equity, justice, and sustainability. It is about understanding that the challenges we face — from the climate crisis to global inequality — require collective action, rooted in our shared humanity.
We cannot afford to wait any longer. The time to act is now. Let us embrace this opportunity for a global reset, one that reflects and reinforces the values of justice, equality, and shared prosperity. Together, we can build a world where all people, regardless of race, nationality, or status, have the opportunity to thrive.
The road ahead is long, but with hope, courage, and determination, we will succeed. As a voice from my homeland reminds me: “Roll with the pain and roll with the strife, for today is the start of the rest of your life.” Let today mark the beginning of a new chapter for humanity — one where we confront our history, embrace our shared future and build a better world for all.
This article is based on the address delivered by Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Debate.
