Barbados, like every other country on our planet, has not been left unscathed by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As you will be aware, this modern-day crisis of global proportions has resulted in the postponement of practically every major international conference and event scheduled to have been held over the course of 2020 and 2021. Regrettably, UNCTAD 15 was no exception, itself suffering two postponements and most recently a shift to a virtual format. 

The challenges of the past year have, however, not dampened the enthusiasm of the Government and people of Barbados for hosting UNCTAD 15, even as current circumstances dictate that delegates must join us by digital means, rather than in person. Neither has it daunted our determination to give you a flavor of the best our island has to offer, even if that means extending our hand of friendship and welcome across cyberspace and sharing our Barbadian hospitality, culture and cuisine with you through virtual reality. Barbados remains committed and eager to do so.

The occurrences of the past year have taught us some valuable lessons. Not least among these is the absolute necessity of always innovating, always adapting, and not being afraid to pursue the creative and the unconventional when circumstances so dictate.  A virtual UNCTAD 15 provides us with immeasurable scope to increase the global reach of the Conference. We therefore embrace the opportunities afforded by web-based conferencing technology and look forward to continuing to work with the Secretariat and with our fellow Member States in making the Conference a resounding success, regardless of the novelty of its format. I am convinced that once we set our collective minds to it, our deliberations will be no less enriching in the virtual environment, than they would have been in the physical.  

And when the virtual UNCTAD 15 closes, the work of the next quadrennium begins and the trauma of the pandemic finally recedes, I extend to you an open invitation to come visit us, if only for a brief respite, to enjoy in person the special island hospitality of the Barbados that we introduced you to online.