Georgetown, Guyana – February 26, 2025 – Guyana has opened a crucial retreat for the A3+ group (Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana) of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Taking place in Georgetown from February 26 to 28, the gathering provides a forum for these nations to strengthen their collaboration on security and diplomatic affairs concerning Africa and the Caribbean.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd, delivered opening remarks at the event, which marks Guyana’s increasing role within the A3+ Mechanism. The initiative allows African states in the UNSC to coordinate their positions and collectively advocate for regional interests in global security discussions. Since its establishment in 2013 at the Oran Seminar in Algeria, the mechanism has served as a unified voice for African nations in the Security Council.
The A3+ Mechanism took shape in 2020 when Saint Vincent and the Grenadines joined forces with the A3 during its tenure on the Security Council. The addition of a Caribbean nation built on historical ties between Africa and the Caribbean, fostering greater diplomatic synergy. With Guyana now being the second Caribbean state to take part, the mechanism extends its influence beyond Africa to encompass Latin America and the Caribbean in Security Council negotiations.
Throughout 2024, the A3+ coalition issued 106 joint statements and contributed to various UNSC actions, including four press statements and a Presidential Statement. The ongoing retreat in Georgetown is expected to refine strategies for future council engagements and reinforce a cohesive approach to international peace and security.
