UN General Assembly
2023

When observing the island of Hispaniola from space — which can be done from a cell phone using Google Earth — a palpable and heartbreaking difference can be seen: a green and flourishing half that is the Dominican Republic, which has prioritized the conservation and sustainable management of its natural resources. The other half, devoid of that rich forest cover, reflects Haiti’s dramatically deforested landscape. That natural boundary is not only a geography lesson but also a powerful reminder of what awaits the world if we continue to ignore nature’s alarms. Haiti today is suffering from not only an environmental tragedy but also political and social instability that could become a threat to the entire region. I am not happy to recall the call I made two years ago to the General Assembly, when I said: