Philbert Aaron

Philbert Aaron is a Dominican academic, public servant, and diplomat who currently serves as the Permanent Representative of Dominica to the United Nations, a position he assumed in July 2023. His appointment reflects Dominica’s continued effort to strengthen its presence on the global stage, particularly in advancing the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Dominica, Philbert Aaron pursued higher education abroad, where he studied fields related to political science, economics, and international development. His academic background provided him with a strong foundation for analyzing governance issues and the global challenges faced by small island nations. Aaron’s intellectual contributions have often bridged academic theory and practical policy, making him well suited for diplomatic service.

Academic and Professional Background

Before assuming his diplomatic role, Aaron was recognized locally and regionally as an academic and commentator. He contributed to higher education in Dominica, authored articles, and engaged in public debate on issues ranging from Caribbean integration to global development. He was frequently sought after as a speaker and analyst, offering informed perspectives on both domestic politics and international affairs. His work in education and communication positioned him as a figure who could articulate Dominica’s priorities to an international audience.

Diplomatic Career

In July 2023, Philbert Aaron was appointed as Ambassador of Dominica to the United Nations in New York, succeeding Loreen Bannis-Roberts, who had served from 2016 to 2022. As the country’s chief diplomat at the UN, Aaron is responsible for ensuring that Dominica’s voice is heard in multilateral decision-making processes.

His mandate as Permanent Representative includes:

• Advocating for climate resilience and sustainable development financing.
• Representing Dominica’s position on pressing global issues within the UN General Assembly and committees.
• Strengthening alliances with CARICOM and OECS member states to advance shared regional goals.
• Building relationships with international partners to secure development assistance and investment.

Contributions and Focus Areas

Aaron’s tenure comes at a time when Dominica continues to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Maria (2017), one of the most devastating natural disasters in the nation’s history. He has emphasized the urgent need for international financing mechanisms that support climate adaptation and disaster resilience in small island nations. By leveraging the UN platform, he works to highlight Dominica’s challenges and to advocate for fair access to global funds aimed at climate change and disaster mitigation.

Role at the UN

Aaron leads Dominica’s participation in high-level debates at the UN, including those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He plays a central role in negotiations that touch on financing for development, health systems strengthening, and global education priorities. His work also ensures that Dominica remains visible despite being one of the smallest member states.

Regional Cooperation

As Permanent Representative, Aaron maintains close coordination with CARICOM and OECS missions in New York. Through collective advocacy, he helps amplify Caribbean concerns about trade, renewable energy, food security, and international financing. This regional solidarity allows Dominica to influence multilateral outcomes that would otherwise be difficult for a small state to achieve alone.

Public Engagement and Diaspora Links

Beyond his formal diplomatic duties, Aaron has engaged with Dominican communities abroad. By connecting with diaspora organizations, he strengthens cultural and economic ties, encouraging investment in Dominica’s development projects. His academic background and experience in communication also make him a relatable figure for Dominicans overseas.

Current Priorities

Philbert Aaron continues to represent government of Dominica at a time of global uncertainty, where issues such as climate change, pandemics, and economic shocks disproportionately affect small states. His role as Permanent Representative is critical to ensuring Dominica’s resilience strategy is supported internationally, particularly through funding, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.