I am happy to greet the participants in this Caribbean regional seminar on decolonization.

I thank the Government and people of Ecuador for again hosting this important seminar, which is being held in the context of the United Nations Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

This year, you have gathered to review recent developments as well as trends that are likely to influence developments in the upcoming period.

First and foremost, you will focus on the Special Committee’s role in advancing the United Nations decolonization process.

Enhanced dialogue and communication among the Special Committee, the elected representatives of the Non-Self-Governing Territories and the administering Powers are essential.

When I addressed the Special Committee in February, I suggested that it identify possibilities for change and promote priorities for decolonization. 

Your gathering in Quito is designed to facilitate informal exchanges and brainstorming to help the Committee to accomplish this important task at its substantive session less than a fortnight away.

I encourage you to use this seminar to show how statements of principle can be transferred into action.  Let us build on the many successes of decolonization.  Let us also retool and rejuvenate our methods of work and become true “enablers” of the decolonization process.

Please accept my best wishes for a productive seminar.