Dr. Leslie Wade Appointed CARICOM Permanent Observer to the United Nations

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has announced the appointment of Dr. Leslie Wade as its new Permanent Observer to the United Nations (UN). Dr. Wade, a distinguished national of St. Kitts and Nevis, officially presented her credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on December 5, 2024, in New York. This marks a significant milestone for the region as Dr. Wade steps into a pivotal role to strengthen CARICOM’s representation and advocacy at the global level.

A Distinguished Career in International Diplomacy

Dr. Wade brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having dedicated nearly four decades to the United Nations system. Her extensive career spans from 1985 to 2023, during which she held several prominent positions. Most recently, she served as Director in the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development within the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). In this role, she was instrumental in fostering collaboration among UN member states to advance sustainable development goals.

Her previous roles include Senior Liaison Officer at the New York office of the World Health Organization (WHO) and a key position in the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa and the Least Developed Countries (OSCAL). Dr. Wade has also worked extensively with the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), focusing on regional economic integration and trade in Santiago, Chile; Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; and Mexico City, Mexico.

Dr. Wade’s career also includes contributions to global peacekeeping and electoral assistance missions. She played vital roles in Namibia (1989-1990), Cambodia (1992-1993), El Salvador, and Mozambique (1994). These experiences underscore her deep commitment to peace, democracy, and development.

Pioneering Contributions

Among her notable achievements, Dr. Wade was a driving force behind the proposal for the creation of the ECOSOC Ad Hoc Advisory Group on African Countries Emerging from Conflict. This initiative, developed as part of the General Assembly’s follow-up to former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s 1998 report on the causes of conflict in Africa, has had a lasting impact on peacebuilding and sustainable development in post-conflict regions.

Building on a Legacy of Representation

Dr. Wade becomes the fifth individual to hold the position of CARICOM Permanent Observer to the UN. Her predecessors include Mr. Hamid Mohamed (1995-2005), Mr. Miles Stoby (2005-2006), Ambassador Noel Sinclair (2007-2014), and Ambassador Missouri Sherman-Peter (2014-2023). Each has played a crucial role in advocating for the region’s interests and strengthening CARICOM’s voice on the global stage.

About CARICOM

Established on July 4, 1973, with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, CARICOM stands as one of the oldest and most enduring examples of regional integration in the developing world. The Community comprises 15 Member States and six Associate Members, representing approximately 16 million citizens, 60% of whom are under 30 years old. CARICOM’s four main pillars—economic integration, foreign policy coordination, human and social development, and security cooperation—serve as the foundation of its mission to create a “Community for All.”

Headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana, the CARICOM Secretariat plays a central role in advancing the Community’s goals and ensuring effective coordination among its members.

Looking Ahead

As the new Permanent Observer, Dr. Wade is poised to strengthen CARICOM’s engagement with the United Nations, ensuring that the region’s priorities are heard and addressed on the global stage. Her appointment underscores CARICOM’s commitment to fostering diplomatic ties and advancing sustainable development for its member states and beyond.

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