THE FBA SDNY CHAPTER UNITED NATIONS REPORTER SERIES
By Alex Wang1
FBA UN Reporter
November 5, 2019
On September 27, the United Nations (UN) held their 74 th session at which Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, addressed the General Assembly during the session known as the “General Debate.” During his speech, Prime Minister Browne focused on two main topics: (a) the effects of climate change; and (b) the lack of justice and “equity” his country has suffered in the very recent past.
First, he addressed the most heated topic in the meeting that of “global warming.” During his speech, he urged the world leaders to take “bold action” toward addressing climate change rather than simply talking about it. He also talked about the catastrophic effects climate change has had on smaller countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, and the effects it will have on every country if it is not stopped. He denounced the accrual of profit through reliance on non-sustainable resources which has a disproportionate impact on the “small island states.”
He pointed out the disregard the more powerful countries have had regarding their responsibilities under international law. By way of example, he discussed a case that was settled 15 years ago at the World Trade Organization (WTO), where damages were awarded against the United States. However, despite prevailing at trial and on appeal, the money award owed is still outstanding, and the last payment made was 12 years ago. He drew a connection to the challenges that smaller countries like Antigua and Barbuda have in seeking recoveries from larger countries. Finally, he pointed out the lack of an independent authority that can hold parties to account, and the failure of such to enforce international norms.
In conclusion, he said that like all types of law, international law aims to balance competing interests. In this context, it must reconcile the needs of the often vulnerable independent states against the often competing business interests in maximizing profits.
1 Alex Wang is an LLM Student at Fordham Law School Studying ‘US Law’. He is scheduled to graduate in May 2020.