The importance of collaboration among Caribbean states

For the Collectivité of Saint Martin, these meetings are an opportunity to develop new partnerships that will promote economic development, resilience and the attractiveness of the territory. In response to certain rumours circulating on social media, the Collectivity would like to clarify that this trip was organised at the invitation of the AEC and was entirely funded by the World Government Summit 2026 (airfare, local transport and accommodation).

World Government Summit: new models of governance

The World Government Summit 2026 is a major international event dedicated to transformations in public action and new models of governance around the world. This year, Alain Richardson had the honour of delivering the opening speech for one of the sessions entitled "Shaping the Future of Government in the Global
South". Dedicated to the future of governments and public policy in countries and territories in the Global South, this forum provides a space for strategic dialogue on how governments are modernising public administration, mobilising new technologies, developing human capital and responding to the institutional and financial constraints faced by many territories. In his speech, the Vice-President highlighted three priorities: education and the strengthening of human capital for better governance, the use of technology as a performance tool, and finally the vital role of partnership and cooperation for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The Vice-President also highlighted the fact that "small territories can serve as a bridge between different geopolitical spaces, as is the case with Saint Martin in the Caribbean basin". 
The forum brought together government representatives from many countries and territories in the Global South, including Panama, Indonesia, Mauritius, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, the Philippines, the United States, East Timor and Kyrgyzstan.

International Cooperation Conference: Caribbean Issues

Alain Richardson also participated in the 10th International Cooperation Conference, which took place as part of the previous event. As an associate member of this cooperation platform, the Collectivité of Saint Martin actively participated in strategic discussions between ACS member states, associate members, observers, key partners and donors on the ACS's priority initiatives, in line with the ACS Strategic Plan for 2035. The priorities selected focus on sargassum management, mangrove restoration, cultural heritage-based tourism and short sea shipping.
The presence of donors should make it possible in the short term to implement the thematic project proposals presented during the discussions. 
Vice-President Alain Richardson spoke at the round table on territorial investments and emphasised the importance of tackling these priority challenges by presenting a united front, particularly in the implementation of thematic projects. He also pointed out that "in order to generate tangible regional impacts in the short and medium term, a pragmatic prioritisation is needed, based on the urgency of the issues and their capacity to produce systemic benefits. In the short term, the management of Sargassum appears to be the immediate priority."
Another key point highlighted by the Vice-President was "the decisive role of maritime transport as a cross-cutting lever, the importance of preserving mangroves in the ecosystem, and the need for economic diversification, to which cultural heritage could contribute. Alongside
Guadeloupe, Martinique and the Caribbean states present in Dubai, Saint Martin has asserted its place at the regional and international discussion table at a time when the balance of power and cooperation in our sphere of influence are being redrawn. Link to all WGS and AEC conferences: https://www.youtube.com/@WorldGovSummit/streams