It was an honor and a pleasure for the leader of the AVP faction, Jennifer Arends-Reyes, in her capacity as Chair of the Committee on Kingdom Affairs and Foreign Relations, to deliver remarks, answer questions regarding Aruba’s developments, and simultaneously guide the IPKO meetings as the host country.
In her presentation, Arends-Reyes emphasized the concrete progress Aruba is achieving in education, social security, elderly care, the economy, and opportunities for youth. Aruba continues to implement a vision of sustainable and inclusive development, with clear policies aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens.
In 2025, Aruba achieved a budget surplus of more than 135 million, along with a reduction of public debt to approximately 61% of GDP. This strong financial base serves as a foundation for investing in people, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Tourism remains the main driver of our economy. Through the Aruba Tourism Authority, Aruba focuses on quality and sustainability, opting for high-value tourism instead of mass tourism. Our natural heritage, including Arikok National Park, is protected as a legacy for future generations.
At the same time, Aruba is focusing on diversification in sectors such as renewable energy and green innovation, the digital economy, maritime and logistics services, and investment in human capital. “Tourism is our engine; diversification is our security,” Arends-Reyes emphasized.
In the field of education, Aruba shows an adult literacy rate of nearly 98% and 99.5% among youth between 15 and 24 years old. The implementation of PEN 2030 strengthens the connection between education and the labor market, in collaboration with ROC Mondriaan, Colegio EPI, and SGB MBO Bonaire.
With nearly 18% of the population aged 65 or older, Aruba is also investing in long-term care, home care, and structural support for families with members requiring special care, ensuring a sustainable and responsible social system.
For youth, Aruba encourages international mobility, while also working on return perspectives to promote “brain gain.” Job opportunities in the care sector, education, sustainability, and digitalization, as well as promoting local entrepreneurship, form an integral part of this strategy.
In her capacity as Chair of the Committee, Arends-Reyes reaffirmed that Aruba sees the Kingdom as a partnership based on trust, responsibility, and mutual respect. “A modern Kingdom is a network of strength, where every country contributes from its own capacity.”
The AVP faction reaffirms its commitment to continue working toward a financially stable, socially just, and internationally strong Aruba, together with our partners in the Kingdom.
