Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama is urging Africa and the Caribbean to speak with one voice on the global stage, saying stronger cooperation is essential to reform the United Nations (UN) and international financial institutions to secure fairer treatment for developing countries.

Addressing a joint sitting of Jamaica’s Parliament, Tuesday during his State visit, Mahama argued that the historic relationship between Africa and the Caribbean must now evolve into a strategic partnership capable of influencing international decision-making, reducing global inequality and creating greater economic opportunities for developing nations.

Rather than allowing the relationship to remain rooted solely in a shared history of slavery and colonialism, the Ghanaian leader said the two regions should work together to influence policies on climate change, global finance, trade, food security and public health, areas in which he believes developing countries have long struggled to make their voices heard.