Jamaica is actively seeking representation on the councils of three major international organisations that play pivotal roles in global policy development, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith.
During a diplomatic briefing at the Ministry’s downtown Kingston office on Tuesday, June 3, Johnson Smith outlined the country’s current candidatures, noting their alignment with Jamaica’s national development goals and its longstanding engagement in multilateral affairs.
“First up is Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the term 2026 to 2027. We’re also seeking to be elected to the Executive Board of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for the term 2025 to 2029. And we are seeking to be elected to the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for the term 2025 to 2028,” she shared.
The Minister underscored Jamaica’s history of active participation in all three organisations. Since its first election in 2007, the country has served eight terms in Category C of the IMO Council. This category consists of 20 states with special interests in maritime transport or navigation and ensures geographic balance in representation.
Jamaica has also served six terms on UNESCO’s Executive Board, beginning in 1970 and most recently from 2017 to 2021. The country has been a member of the FAO since 1963 and held a seat on its Council from 1977 to 1980.
Smith emphasized that these candidatures are strategic and demonstrate Jamaica’s commitment to playing a meaningful role on the world stage.
“We do believe, and we are confident, that if we continue to be at the table, we will continue to play our part in shaping global policies and forging partnerships in our shared development objectives,” the Minister emphasised, while urging members of the diplomatic corps to support Jamaica’s candidatures.
