President: The 14th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will continue its consideration of Agenda Item 8 entitled General Debate. The Assembly will hear an address by His Excellency Gaston Alphonso Browne, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Corporate Governance and Public-Private Partnerships of Antigua and Barbuda. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly.
Gaston Alphonso Browne – Antigua and Barbuda: Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today we all stand at the edge of a precipice. Never before has humanity been confronted with such stark choices to end wars or condemn humanity to endless suffering, terminate poverty or watch millions starve, to act on climate change or doom future generations to a scorched planet. The choices we make today here in this Assembly and in every institution of governance will shape the survival of entire nations and the future of our world. For small states like Antigua and Barbuda, these are not distant realities, they are existential threats. Our islands are on the front lines of a climate catastrophe that we did not cause, a debt crisis we did not create and conflicts in which we have no part. And yet, we suffer the heaviest toll. The world is at a pivotal point and inaction is no longer an option for any of us. Small island developing states are the first to suffer, but we certainly will not be the last. All will be consumed if we continue to dither and delay. SIDS have learned to fight for survival against the rising seas and violent storms. But today, we must also fight for something greater, the survival of justice, equity, peace and human dignity itself. The time for games and lofty rhetoric has passed. We demand committed, concrete action, and we demand it now. We do not do so only for ourselves, but for all of humanity. The fourth United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States, SIDS IV, is a pinnacle of monumental achievement, a milestone that marks not only our collective progress as SIDS, but also our unrelenting resolve. SIDS IV gave birth to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, the Abbas, a renewed declaration for resilient prosperity. This agenda is not just a roadmap for the future, it is a lifeline for now. For SIDS, the Abbas represents the difference between thriving and perishing. It’s our roadmap to a prosperous future. At its core is the SIDS Center of Excellence, built by SIDS for SIDS. This center is intended to be more than just an institution. It is an instrument for meaningful change, a center for groundbreaking technologies, revolutionary processes, and certainly pioneering solutions. With its global data hub, innovation, and technology mechanism, as well as the Island Investment Forum and Debt Sustainability Support Service, the DSSS, the Center of Excellence can be literally transformed the way in which we adapt to our vulnerabilities and set a path for resilient prosperity. However, this vision cannot succeed in isolation. We need the cooperation and support of the global community to ensure its success. Without global cooperation, our hope of a secure future within our countries will crumble under the weight of inaction. That is why today I call for unwavering commitment of the international community to the center’s success. Our survival depends on it. Mr. President, climate change is not an abstract or academic threat. For my people and the people of SIDS, it is a persistent and destructive reality. Intense hurricanes are now an annual terror. Coastal erosion is wiping away our productive areas for tourism and agriculture. The climate crisis is not on the horizon. It is here. Now burning through our ecosystems, flooding our villages and leaving us with fewer tomorrows. And yet, we find ourselves at an absurd situation. Continue to subsidize the very industries that are accelerating our destruction. Fossil fuel companies have become the architects of our demise while generating ostentatious profits for the owners. We must fight to end this madness and I emphasize that we must fight to end this madness in protection of our planet and the interests of humanity. We need a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty to halt the reckless destruction of our environment, to end fossil fuel subsidies and to chart a course toward a sustainable future with a negotiated and graduated transition. Let COP 29 be the moment we draw a line in the sand. Let it be known that we can no longer afford the luxury of delay. While we recognize that fossil fuels still play a vital role in the energy security of many countries and we do not expect their production to cease overnight, we should not support companies extracting oil and gas to continue generating extravagant profits at the expense of our planet. It is only fair and just that these companies pay a global levy to fund mitigation efforts and compensation for the damage that they continue to inflict. And this is not punishment, it’s climate justice. It is a moral and legal responsibility in which the polluter pays. And it is also very appropriate that the time for action is now. While we face the climate emergency, we are also drowning in a sea of plastic pollution that is choking our oceans and devastating our biodiversity. It is no longer a question if we act, but how swiftly we can mobilize against this threat. Our nations must commit to a binding treaty as required by the UNEA Resolution 5.14 to put an end to plastic pollution and safeguard our world’s most fragile ecosystems. Let us not allow this tightening suffocation of our planet to continue. Distinguished Delegates, Antigua and Barbuda in concert with other small island developing states has played a leading role in pursuit of climate justice. And I said to all of us that we cannot relent on the issue of climate justice. At COP26 in 2021, together with Tuvalu, we established the Commission of Small Island States and Climate Change and International Law Courses. Today, an expanded membership from the Caribbean and the Pacific stands united in our demand for accountability. In 2022, the Commission sought the first-ever advisory opinion from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on the obligations of states to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In May of this year, the Tribunal rendered a historic opinion, affirming that major polluters are under legally binding obligation to protect the oceans and, by extension, small island states from the catastrophic harm of climate change. This precedent sets the stage for the advisory proceedings now before the International Court of Justice, initiated under the leadership of Van Wattu, with the co-sponsorship of Antigua and Barbuda and other states. It is remarkable that the smallest nations are those driving this global response to the greatest threat to human survival. Yet despite our efforts, the COP process continues to fail us. Instead of limited global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, an essential threshold for our survival, the world is hurtling towards a disastrous 2.8 degrees centigrade rise. This is nothing less than a death sentence for small island states, but it is also a harbinger for grief for the rest of the planet. We must demand that major polluters not only respect their obligations on international law, but also compensate us for the loss and damages that we have suffered. Those who preach about a rule-based international order must now lead by example. Funds must apply equally to all, including the mighty, not just to the poor and powerless. At COP29, we expect no further delay in the capitalization and operationalization of the loss and damage fund for which we have struggled so long and so desperately. Fight For Survival is not just about climate, it’s about financial justice, reparatory justice and other injustices and inequity. The international financial system is skewed, outdated and unjust, literally punishing the most vulnerable while rewarding the already rich and prosperous with favourable terms for their financial instruments. For too long, small states like mine have been shackled by debt we did not cause. Debt that arose from recovery spending on recurring disasters that are beyond our control. We cannot achieve climate justice without addressing the structural inequities in international financial architecture. It is time to lift the burdens that keep us bound to the past and unable to invest in our future. The SIDS Debt Sustainability Support Service is a critical mechanism that can provide tailored solutions, utilising debt for climate swaps, debt relief, repurposing of SDRs and carbon pricing funding to help us escape the cycle of unsustainable debt. This is not charity, it is the justice of financial inclusion. And in the end, by remedying past injustices, it will establish a world that is fairer, more just and more at peace with itself. Excellencies, the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, the MVI, which Antiguan Barbuda was honoured to help advance in this organisation, offers a path towards correcting the imbalance of unjust treatment accorded to small and vulnerable nations. It is a vital tool, designed to acknowledge the complexities we face, not just in terms of limited economic capacity and other structural vulnerabilities and a lack of resilience, but also in our exposure to myriad external shocks. International financial institutions must act on this, integrating the MVI into their policies to ensure that support is targeted where it is most needed. The work has been done, the case has been made, the arguments are irrefutable. There can be no just and sustaining reform of the World Bank, other IFIs and multilateral banks without their effective implementation and use of the MVI. There can be no legitimate excuse for failing to utilise the MVI. As I said before, the arguments for its use are irrefutable and just. Mr President, these initiatives which SIDS have undertaken are a small component of the wider and more fundamental necessity for reform of the international financial architecture to provide greater funding accessibility and better terms to include lower interest rates and longer maturity transformations. They are part of the widened need for change to effectively address the historic imbalances against SIDS, including financial exclusion. International financial institutions and the nations that sit on their controlling boards must develop bespoke funding instruments that meet the needs of small vulnerable states and other developing countries, taking into consideration their vulnerabilities and lack of resilience. Mr President, we must also recognise that the principles of justice and equity we champion here apply equally to all nations and are conditions precedent for a peaceful world. In this spirit, Antiguan Barbuda calls for the end of the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism and for the lifting of the long-standing senseless embargo that has restricted its economic development. The time has come to cast off the chains of this outdated measure which no longer serves the interests of our modern interconnected world. Let us work together toward a future built on mutual respect and cooperation, where Cuba, like all nations, can fully participate in the global community. This is not a matter of politics, it is a matter of fairness and human dignity. The delegitimization of governments based on ideological differences, utilising misinformation and disinformation, including atrocity propaganda, serves no useful purpose but creates unnecessary tensions and conflicts. Let us embrace and respect our differences, standing in solidarity with each other in defence of global peace and prosperity. Excellencies, I wish now to address the grave issue of small arms and light weapons that are routinely exported from wealthy nations to our shores, creating havoc and instability. I call on the United States and other small arms and light weapons producing countries to put systems in place to curb the exportation of these lethal weapons to our shores. They are causing immense harm. This issue is now emerging as a public health epidemic among SIDS, to the extent that I hereby make a clarion call for a high-level meeting at the 80th UNGA to debate the threats of these weapons to peace and security and to devise effective solutions. Antigua and Barbuda cannot remain silent as innocent lives are destroyed and generations are condemned to fear and hatred. The events unfolding in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah, are deeply troubling. The violence is destabilising the entire region and reverberating across the world. Every missile fired, every life lost, deepens wounds already too many to bear. The violations of international humanitarian law are alarming. We call on all parties to end the suffering by sitting down at the table of peace, where sincere negotiations can lead to a lasting solution. We believe that the only sustainable resolution is the creation of two sovereign states with borders respected and rights upheld. It is time for the people of this region and all conflict zones to end these conflicts and to give peace a chance. Let us give peace a chance. From Gaza to Sudan, Ukraine to Yemen, the scars of conflict run deep, leaving devastation in their wake. The anguish of families torn apart by war reverberates across the globe and it is our collective humanity that bleeds. Conflict kills the victims of bullets and bombs, but it also diminishes all mankind. On September 17, inspired by the Secretary-General’s impassioned call for peace, I wrote to him proposing an initiative that transcends borders, language and conflict. With that letter, I transmitted a concept note setting out a proposal for holding international music concerts for peace across every region of the world. This initiative is intended not only to raise our global voices in a unified chorus against the horrors of war and other conflicts, but also to raise critical funds to support displaced persons and those who continue to suffer. Music is a universal language. It speaks to the soul in ways that words cannot. In moments when words fall short, music carries our collective cries for peace and justice. This would be more than a performance. It would be a global appeal, a powerful demonstration that peace is not just an ideal. It is an absolute necessity, a survival imperative for this and future generations. I call on all nations, large and small, to support the concept of international music concerts for peace. Mr. President, the world is crumbling under the weight of crises that include poverty, wars, pandemics and climate devastation. We are at a defining moment, and the choices we make now will determine the fate of every nation large and small. We can end these grave challenges, but it requires more than words. It demands decisive, concrete, unified action. Tegan Barbuda, like all small states, does not stand on the sidelines. We stand on the principles of peace and love for common humanity, and in the path of struggle against these global predicaments we did not create. Yet we fight not just for ourselves, but for a world where justice reigns, where peace endures, and where future generations inherit not a planet in peril, but one that prospers. The world must act now, for the choices we make today will resonate through history. Let us choose peace. Let us choose justice. And let us choose the survival of our one human race in our one homeland, the planet Earth. Peace.
President: On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Corporate Governance and Public-Private Partnership of Antigua and Barbuda. The Assembly will hear an address by His Excellency Edi Rama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania. I request Protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly.
Edi Rama – Albania: Our prospect for a more peaceful, just and equitable world are blurred today. Our times are challenging. A few days ago we committed to the pact of the future, a sound framework with a high level of ambition and actionable deliverables. We have made other similar major commitments in the past. We have not always kept them, to put it very mildly. We have paid the price. This is yet another chance, one we take under pressure, to make a difference for a more peaceful and prosperous future, while the time we live in could not be grimmer. Albania humbly joins this discussion after the conclusion of its mission for the first time at the UN Security Council. We aim to represent this community of countries that stand together for those values and principles that are non-negotiable and we sincerely hope to have met the expectations of many. Today, more than ever, we need tolerance and trust and an extended hand of friendship to each other. Make no mistake, by tolerance I do not mean complacency. Tolerance demands that we go beyond our comfort zones and not merely tolerate, but tolerate respectfully, actively and graciously by not simply accepting others’ views, but constantly engaging with the complexity of all our own histories. Tolerance for us Albanians is not merely the passive acknowledgement and grudging acceptance of someone’s diversity. That form of tolerance, the tolerance that Muslims and Christian Albanians expressed during World War II towards the Jews by putting their lives on the line against evil and making Albania the only country in Europe to end the war with more Jews than it had when the war began, requires its own partisan spirit. It requires engaging with the one who is different from us, accommodating disagreements with respect and continuing to build bridges so that we can continue to debate and foster further understanding and peace by putting ourselves in the others’ shoes. It also requires that we continue to challenge ourselves by reflecting on the possibility of our own biases and prejudices, by reflecting on the arbitrariness and unilaterality that we attribute to others and by constantly interrogating our own double moral standards. It is with a trust in humanity and humanism that Albania became a safe heaven for the people who escaped death after the fall of Kabul under the Taliban, who were welcomed and accepted by my country, while bigger and richer EU member states of NATO turned their back to them. In the same spirit, we gave shelter to several thousand Iranian refugees whose lives were in daily danger in Camp Liberty in Iraq, where they were raided and killed by Tehran assassins. We paid a dear price for being their hosts. The Tehran totalitarian regime engaged in a large-scale cyber attack against Albania, which aimed to bring the country to its knees by wiping out all our digital infrastructure of public services. They were very brutal, but they failed miserably. We didn’t waver, and we will not waver, in our commitment to shelter those people in our country for as long as it takes. Our hospitality was not, and is not at all, related to any political stance against Iran, but only to humanitarian belief engraved in our spirit as a nation. We recently extended a hand of help to our neighbor and special friend Italy in an effort to ease the difficulties that geography has burdened on them with one of the most pressuring phenomena of our times, immigration. Meanwhile, instead of just talking, we tried to act, without pretending to solve the huge immigration problem in Europe, but on the other hand, without just sitting around, and by trying to build and add something constructive, we just did our part. This attitude of solidarity, cooperation and good neighborly relations is the linchpin of our policy in our region, the Western Balkans. In our region, after more than a quarter of a century, the deep wounds left by the violent disintegration of the former Yugoslavia still need to be healed. But we have also seen the construction of peace, reflected above all by the vision, unparalleled wisdom and courage that led to the creation of the European Union. All of us in the Western Balkans have tried for over a decade to come together and meet and talk about the challenges and plans for our common future. It is Albania’s firm belief that we need to look at the past with the eyes of the future and not look at the future with the eyes of the past. Today, the peoples of the Balkans have a moment of historical opportunity in a context of historical danger in the wider Europe, where the Russian aggression against Ukraine should serve us all as a permanently ringing bell. I would say that the Western Balkans is in a much better position today than ever before. But we must work tirelessly and patiently among ourselves, in the region, and above all with our allies and partners to make sure that the return to the past is not just impossible, but simply unimaginable. In this context, our brotherly Republic of Kosovo is an irreversible reality as a state among the six countries of the Western Balkans, with a clear European perspective and an undisputed allegiance to the large democratic community of nations. Any artificially drawn parallels between Kosovo and the occupied areas of Ukraine are meant to distract and to confuse whomever possible under this roof and the whole international public opinion, but they can never achieve to dilute the truth, which is Kosovo is now an intrinsic part of the international reality, an inspiring member of the Euro-Atlantic community, and must not be held hostage by anyone with false pretensions and excuses, starting with a group of five EU members that still do not recognize Kosovo’s rightful place in every international forum and organization. In the third year of the unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine, we feel compelled to renew our call for Russia to stop this war. This is a war that neither Ukraine nor our community of like-minded nations choose, a catastrophe conceived by the decision of one country and indeed one delusional dreamer of an old imperial past. Rewarding an aggressor who annexes the territories of a sovereign country by disarming the victim of the aggression does not bring peace, but paves the way for more war. All those who seek peace by stopping Ukraine instead of stopping the neo-imperialist Russia’s aggression are wrong, and they should be aware of a very simple truth. A peace that defeats Ukraine would bring only further aggression and would turn our world into one ruled by might, not by right. Yes, we seek peace too, and we want peace to be made between Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible. And of course, we would support any peace attempt and format that would include Russia around the table. But we seek a just peace based on the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the resolutions of this General Assembly of the United Nations, a peace that cannot undermine Ukraine and its rights. Earlier this year in Tirana, our capital, we hosted the second summit between Ukraine and Southeast Europe and welcomed President Zelensky, a true and brave leader of resistance, which is not simply a resistance to a brutal aggression. nds, but at the same time a resistance for the very existence of democracy and the just ruled based Europe and world. Albania will continue to stand by Ukraine and support it for as long as necessary and as long as a lasting just peace is achieved. There is another war waging in Europe’s southeast too. Albania stands firm in its position that there is no place for Hamas and its likes in the world we want to live in, in a fully recognized right of the Palestinian people to have their own safe place in this world and their right to give birth and raise their children in their own state. Guaranteeing such a basic condition for millions of Palestinians is much easier said than done, just as it is much easier said than done for the Jewish people to live in their land without anyone around questioning their right to exist. We need to restore our moral compass in the Middle East, yes of course, but there is no moral compass that can relativize and God forbid normalize terror and a terrorist organization like Hamas as a part of the peace we all want between Israel and Palestine. Doing so would be like relativizing the scourge of anti-Semitism and accepting to coexist with a new vicious form of Nazism, which is the worst thing that could have happened for so many years to first and foremost the Palestinian people themselves. Nevertheless, it is not too difficult to state loudly and strongly that so much violence and destruction cannot be the long-term solution for both Israel and Palestine and should stop. We reaffirm here our national support for a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution. Albania supports the international community efforts related to this conflict through dialogue and negotiations leading to a true independent state solution, living in peace and good neighborliness, a functional state of Palestine and a secure state of Israel, which instead of being lectured from far away should be supported with no yes buts in its fight against terror, while still more than a hundred innocent people are being kept hostage in hellish holes under the face of the earth by the butchers of the last year, October 7. The rule of law stands at the heart of one of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, a goal which plays the role of the enabler and accelerator of all other Sustainable Development Goals. Its importance stands on the promise of achieving more inclusive, just and peaceful societies, without strong institutions. Access to justice and respect for human rights, progress on other goals such as ending poverty, ensuring food security, promoting health and well-being, including fighting climate change, will be limited. Albania is living proof of the radical transformation of good governance practices and mindset. Our public services are now 95% paperless and the digitalization of access and services has curbed corruption, informality and mistrust in institutions. With its unprecedented justice reform, Albania has invested tremendously over the last few years in achieving SDG 16 as a crucial tool for achieving a sustainable future for social progress, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and justice. But for a developing country, the struggle for just and fair institutions and good governance is not one that can be won within a year, through some reforms or even during a single decade. On the contrary, it is a perpetual effort to transform domestically over making to the most effective practices of providing access to citizens at all levels and instances of government. We are committed to playing our part and collaborating with the international community to ensure the successful realization of our Albania 2030 vision. Building upon the ongoing work during our previous mandate, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, we will continue to work with like-minded countries to improve the governance and institutional efficiency for the UN, as well as multilateralism and respect for human rights. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Albania is committed to the universal principles of human rights and dignity in a world where every human being can realize their full potential and live with dignity and respect. A very dear daughter of the Albanians, St. Mother Teresa, once said, I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many rebels. No better saying can mirror today’s need to work together on what is clearly the substance of multilateralism. Thank you very much.
President: On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania. The Assembly will hear an address by Her Excellency Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa. I request the protocol to escort Her Excellency and invite her to address the Assembly.
Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa – Samoa: Madam President, Excellencies, Tarafalawa and good afternoon. I would like to extend my congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Philemon Yang of the Cameroon on the Assumption of the Presidency of the 79th Session of the General Assembly. The theme of your Presidency is one which resonates with us as we strive to navigate a path towards a more peaceful, sustainable and resilient future for our people and the planet. Please be assured of Samoa’s support and successful execution of your mandate. The effects of climate change are being lived in real time. We’re not even at the end of 2024, yet we’ve witnessed countries in all corners of the globe endure extreme weather events, from ferocious wildfires to devastating floods and scorching heat waves. In July this year, we saw the earliest Category 5 hurricane Beryl hit the Caribbean with such ferocity, causing devastation and even in parts of Mexico, Venezuela and the USA. Our collective efforts must not end at national borders. In our most difficult times, it is easy to abandon the collective to safeguard the individual. But history reminds us of the folly of that approach. Climate change remains one of the gravest concerns for all countries, especially SIDS. Its impacts are more extensively felt due to our special circumstances and the lack of capacity to respond to climate change. Climate change is not only a threat to the environment, but it is also a threat to the economy. We must respond quickly and effectively. Unless substantial investments are made to mitigate climate change, boost adaptation and build more resilient economies, we face urgent climate and financial risks. Climate change also has significant security implications for our food, water and energy supplies, competition over natural resources, loss of livelihoods, climate-related disasters and potentially forced migration. We must do more to turn the tide. To honour our commitments and obligations and to take urgent and ambitious climate action now. Our expectations for the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan include securing an agreement on NCQG that is truly fit for purpose. It is time to review the outcomes of the first global stocktake to ensure that new NDCs due in 2025 are as ambitious as possible. Excellencies, we must keep global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is a red line for many SIDS like my country Samoa. In this era of unprecedented sea level rise, international law must evolve to meet the climate crisis and the disproportionate effect it has on SIDS. Earlier this week, Aeosus leaders adopted a declaration of sea level rise and statehood. The declaration provides affirmation that international law is based on the fundamental principle of the continuity of states. Our statehood and sovereignty cannot be challenged. No matter the physical changes wrought by the climate crisis, we will remain sovereign states unless we choose otherwise. As part of the Blue Pacific continent, Samoa is committed to ensuring that our ocean spaces, resources and ecosystems remain healthy for current and future generations. We have witnessed many demands on our marine resources from a variety of sectors. Cognizant of the threats that such demands and pressures place on these critical resources, places on these critical resources, we launched the Samoa Ocean Strategy in 2020. Our national policy framework that seeks to sustainably manage Samoa’s vast ocean and marine resources. The strategy provides bold and comprehensive integrated ocean management solutions to advance ocean stewardship and ensure that cultural and economic values that Samoans derive from the ocean continue to be available to all generations. Stewardship of the ocean extends beyond our national boundaries. In this regard, Samoa is working towards ratification of the BBNJ agreement while continuing to engage regionally and internationally on advocacy of ocean health and sustainability of our marine ecosystems, including fisheries resources. We call on our partners to continue working with us to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which deprives us of resource benefits and undermines our management efforts. We continue to engage in the work of the INC for an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. For Samoa, the need to address the global plastic pollution problem, especially in the marine environment, is a priority. Your Excellencies, we need to protect our biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. Healthy biological diversity maintains the web of life that we rely on, such as food, water, medicine, economic growth and sustainable livelihoods. The protection of our mangroves and reef systems increase the resilience to climate change-driven erosion and flooding. Supporting healthy ecosystems and the sustainable well-being of coastal communities. Our experience with COVID-19 pandemic has taught us to be better prepared for global pandemics. Non-communicable diseases are a priority concern and accounts for much of the burden of diseases in Samoa. Chronic NCDs are overtaking communicable diseases as the dominant health problem and are the leading causes of mortality, morbidity and disability. At the national level, NCDs account for almost half of the deaths and premature deaths at that in Samoa. Excellencies, food security is a priority that requires the transformation of our food systems. We must return to locally produced quality fresh foods with less reliance on processed imported foods. As important is the need to address the balance of issues of access, affordability and convenience against quality and well-being. In last May, we met in Antigua and Barbuda for the fourth SIDS conference, where we adopted the ABAS, a 10-year action plan for our sustainable development. SIDS are in the crossfire of multiple crises. Climate change, the economic and social repercussions of COVID-19, which many of us still haven’t fully recovered from. We face a unique set of vulnerabilities which impede our ability to achieve sustainable development. Most SIDS, like Samoa, face high indebtedness, compounded every time there is a natural disaster. These disasters will only increase and intensify as long as climate change remains unaddressed. The work of the systematic observations financing facility and the risk-informed early action partnership in this space is much appreciated and fully supported by SIDS. Samoa looks forward to the timely and effective implementation of the MVI by international financial institutions and our development partners as a tool to assist SIDS in accessing finance. I am determined in this call, not only as Prime Minister of my country, but as Chair of EIOSIS. In July this year, Samoa presented its third voluntary national review report to the High-Level Political Forum. Its focus is on the continued commitment of the government to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, at a pace commensurate with our prioritization, resource availability, and active engagement of our communities. We continue to place emphasis on achieving the SDGs through a balancing of the strengths of our culture and society, transformative reforms, effective resource mobilization, and the careful management of our natural environment. Your Excellencies, the Global Digital Compact has been the focus of this year’s Summit of the Future, aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for the governance of digital technologies and the internet. We request that support for SIDS include capacity building, technical assistance, and strengthening digital infrastructure through cybersecurity measures and educational initiatives for public and private enterprises. The successful implementation of the Digital Compact will require a coordinated and multifaceted approach with the assistance of UN entities and development partners in applying the principles to our national context as well as to the regional and global levels. Samoa remains a peaceful country, committed to justice and the protection of human rights. We are concerned that the wars in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza and surrounding areas are still ongoing with no resolution in sight. The terrible loss of civilian lives, displacement of people, as well as the destruction of infrastructure and the environment is something we do not condone. The provision of arms to these conflicts needs to cease. Arms and weapons only fuel more death and destruction. The UN can play a greater role in finding a path towards peace and we are committed to the collective responsibility of our global community to achieve this through international cooperation and diplomacy. 2025, being the 80th year of the UN anniversary, presents an opportunity all of us to seriously consider the reforms of the Security Council. We must consider the expansion of both the permanent and non-permanent seats of the Security Council to enhance the representation of the underrepresented and the unrepresented regions. Your Excellencies, the more things change, the more we cannot afford to stay the same. The tools of a foregone era can no longer ensure our future. The complexity of the challenges that beset us requires a greater understanding of the challenges themselves, as well as those those being challenged. Samoa remains committed to the United Nations and our conviction that it remains the foremost forum to address all international issues. Thank you.
President: On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa. The Assembly will hear an address by His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly.
Sonexay Siphandone – Lao PDR: Madam President, at the outset, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to you, Excellency Philemon Leung, on your election as the President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. I have full confidence that with your extensive diplomatic experience and wisdom, you shall successfully lead this august Assembly under the theme of leaving no one behind, acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations, which is of most importance and relevance to the current global situation. In the same vein, I would like to commend His Excellency Dennis Francis for the successful conduct of his tenure as the President of the General Assembly. Madam President, today the international community is facing multifaceted challenges taking place across various regions, such as geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, economic and financial crises, even more frequent and devastating natural disasters resulting from climate change, rising poverty and widespread social unrest worldwide, among others. These remain real threats to international peace, stability and security, and obstacles to national development efforts of Member States, as well as the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, leaving many countries that have yet to fully recover from the impacts of COVID-19 with exacerbated economic and financial difficulties. Against this backdrop, I have witnessed that the Member States have strived to enhance cooperation both through the multilateral frameworks and regional mechanisms to jointly address the pressing issues, aiming at creating an environment conducive for maintenance of peace, which is the most fundamental condition for sustainable development. However, these challenges that we are facing are much more fragile and could lead to more dire consequences and potentially reshape the current and future international peace and security landscape, especially the geopolitical tensions that are becoming more confrontational and widening division, all of which require immediate attention, including the prolongated conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and many countries in Africa. The LARPEDA is deeply concerned with the ongoing armed conflict that is gravitating towards spilling over in the entire Middle East region, which would consequence an even more humanitarian crisis for innocent civilians. Therefore, we maintain our consistent support to all international efforts aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and cessation of all violence in Gaza and the adjacent areas, as the fundamental condition for safe and unhindered humanitarian access for the people, as well as rapid peace agreement negotiation. The LARPEDA reiterates its support for the two-state solution for the Palestinian issue, where Palestine and Israel coexist in peace in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, and calls for respect for the inalienable and legitimate rights of Palestinian people for creating necessary conditions for Palestinians to become a full-fledged member of the United Nations. Madam President, many countries all over the world, including the LARPEDA, have experienced and suffered firsthand the consequences of war and solving disputes by force, which directly endanger peace and security with unpredictable destruction to innocent lives. As such, the only way to solve disputes at all levels with a view towards sustainable peace is to begin with building mutual trust along with diplomatic negotiations based on respect for sovereignty and adherence to the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. I am of the view that the international community must ascend to its required responsibility and political commitment that lead to tangible results based on international principles to address various issues at hand, as well as emerging challenges in the future. Simultaneously, we must further enhance our development cooperation and global partnership, ensuring the concrete implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, together with the outcomes of the Summit of the Future that the world leaders have just endorsed most recently, based on the promotion of multilateralism with the United Nations at its core, to adequately and timely respond to the needs of the international community. It is my view that the application of unilateral coercive measures is against the principles of the UN Charter and international law. These measures have severely and disproportionately affected the innocent people and obstructed development progress in many countries. On that account, we reiterate our unwavering support in line with the calls of the international community for ending the economic embargo against Cuba and removing it from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and removal of all unilateral coercive measures against any sovereign state. Madam President, the Lao PDR has the honour to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2024 for the third time under the theme ASEAN – Enhancing Connectivity. Building a more connected, integrated and resilient region that is able to respond effectively and timely to the emerging challenges amidst the regional and global complex and rapidly changing landscapes, thereby contributing to the global common cause of maintaining peace, stability and security, as well as sustainable development in the region and the world. Importantly, this year ASEAN is focusing on developing strategic plans in each pillar as well as the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 towards resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred community, as well as the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda. In addition, ASEAN is accelerating the accession process to admit Timor-Leste as a full member of ASEAN in the near future. On the developments in Myanmar, the Lao PDR, as the ASEAN Chair, continues to uphold the ASEAN’s commitment to assisting Myanmar in finding a peaceful and durable solution to the ongoing problem in Myanmar through the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus based on the Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led process. The Lao PDR will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, aiming at building a conducive environment to implement the Five-Point Consensus, including the Inclusive National Dialogue and humanitarian assistance. Madam President, the Lao PDR remains steadfast to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on socio-economic development together with the environment protection and reduction of poverty. Last July, the Lao PDR presented its third Voluntary National Review of the SDG implementation at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum, which demonstrated that there remains small progress and off-track goals. Among them, the implementation of the National SDG 18, Lives Saved from Unexploded Ordinance, has made progress in varying degrees. However, the Unexploded Ordinance remains a major threat to the lives of the Lao people and poses obstacles to the national development while hindering the progress of the other SDGs. We therefore take this opportunity to call upon the international community to provide predictable and adequate support and assistance to the Lao PDR in addressing this long overdue and challenging problem, in accordance with the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The Lao PDR is of the view that one of the main obstacles to implementing the SDGs is insufficient funding. As such, there is an urgent need to reform international financial architecture through the collaboration among the UN Development System, development partners and the international financial institutions, while promoting the participation of the developing countries in the international economic decision-making, norm-setting and global economic governance. Currently, it is our view that the UN Development System at all levels must enhance its roles in cooperating with and providing support to the member states, especially the least developed countries, the landlocked developing countries and small island developing states in order to help tackle their special needs and challenges. Another key factor that can help accelerate national development efforts is the role of science, technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence, in facilitating green growth and digitalization that is environmentally friendly and investment in carbon capture and storage. Thus, the Lao PDR calls on the international community to facilitate access and transfer of appropriate technology and innovation to help leapfrog the development, including support for the implementation of strategic plan and vision for the development of digital economy of the Lao PDR. Furthermore, I am of the view that human capital is another decisive factor. Presently, one-third of the Lao population are within the age range of 10 to 24, making the Lao PDR the nation with the youngest population in Southeast Asia, and those figures are projected to continuously increase for the next 10 years. At the same time, the working age population is expected to increase around 67% of the total population by 2030, as compared to 63% in 2020. The government of the Lao PDR invested in its human capital development in order to reap the benefits of its demographic dividend. As part of such efforts, the government of Lao PDR organized the first Human Capital Summit on Education in 2023 and the second Summit on Nutrition in 2024, aimed at enhancing education, quality, basic health care and nutrition of the Lao people. On graduation from the least developed country status, the Lao government has adopted the Lao PDR Smooth Transition Strategy for LDC graduation by 2026 and beyond. From the result of the tri-annual review by the UN Committee for Development Policy in early 2024, the Lao PDR continues to meet all three thresholds for graduation by 2026. However, given the current situation, we are of the view that there remains the necessity for us to continue to focus our forces and efforts to cope with external shocks and address domestic economic and financial difficulties, as well as impacts of natural disasters, including the ongoing floodings, in cooperation with the United Nations and development partners in order for the Lao PDR to be able to overcome various obstacles and continue its development momentum towards a smooth, quality and sustainable graduation from the LDC status. Madam President, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the international community for the successful outcome of the Summit of the Future, which has reaffirmed strong commitments of the world leaders to supporting multilateral systems, maintenance of peace and promotion of international cooperation for sustainable development through the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which focuses on the current challenges of the world and building a better future for the future generations. In this connection, the Global Digital Compact has set the goals to eliminate all obstacles and facilitate digital cooperation at the international level, while also ensuring that technological advancement contributes to the acceleration of the SDG’s achievement. The Lao PDR always takes into consideration our common responsibility for future generations and thus highly values the adoption of the Declaration on Future Generations, which prescribes the principles and commitments to protecting our world peace and stability, ensuring equal access to social services, information and innovation while addressing the impacts of climate change, among others. All of these will help ensure the sustainability of our planet, in which future generations could continue the utilization of natural resources in the future. Despite being one of the least emission-polluting countries in the world, the Lao PDR, like many other countries, has encountered severe consequences of climate change and natural disasters. Hence, the Lao PDR has adopted its National Strategic Plan on Climate Change and committed to contributing to the international efforts in addressing climate change. Allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate all on the success of the High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise on 25 September 2024, which has reiterated the need for strong international cooperation to address climate change. Notwithstanding the fact that the Lao PDR is a landlocked country, we stand ready to contribute to the international efforts to protect the environment. The Law PDR continues to uphold its cooperation with the Member States of the UN and regional countries to contribute to the cause of maintaining peace and security, promoting prosperity of all nations worldwide, as well as overcoming the challenges of today and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in order to provide an enabling condition for a bright future of the current and new generations. I thank you.
President: On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Assembly will hear an address by His Excellency Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly.
Feleti Teo – Tuvalu: Your Excellencies, Madam President, I am humbled and indeed honoured to stand before you today at this August Assembly for the first time as the Prime Minister of Tuvalu. I bring to the General Assembly and the related high-level symmetries the best wishes of my people and the Government of Tuvalu. I take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency President Philemon Yang for assuming the role of the President for the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Tuvalu wishes you a very successful Presidency. I also take this opportunity to congratulate the outgoing President, His Excellency Dennis Francis, for a job well done and for his exceptional leadership during his Presidency. Madam President, I applaud President Yang’s insightful vision for this session, namely leaving no one behind, acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations. The theme challenges us to work in unison to advance peace and security, sustainable development and human dignity. Considering how off-track the progress of the SGG, it is a timely and practical, a pragmatic call. We must therefore advance in unity as a family of nations. However, it is imperative to recognise the inherent disparity in our respective developmental capacities. The LDCs and the SITs trailing on the lower end of the global economic scale face persistent and significant financial challenges in their developmental efforts. For Tuvalu, a purely import-oriented economy, our economic fragility is further compounded by poor natural endowment, geographical isolation from major markets and environmental vulnerability to climatic crisis. Madam President, your vision to promote human dignity at this critical moment is highly commendable. Ensuring that all individuals have access to resources and opportunities to participate in international decision-making processes is crucial for a just and effective response to these global challenges. In that regard, it is regrettable that the Republic of China-Taiwan continues to be excluded from the United Nations system despite its significant contribution and partnership across various development sectors. The UNGA Resolution 2758 does not preclude Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system and therefore must include Taiwan so that no one is left behind. As a vibrant democracy that has made remarkable progress on the SDG, Taiwan is well-positioned to make meaningful contribution to global efforts in achieving those goals. It is also regrettable to observe that the people of Cuba continue to bear the economic burden of long-standing unilateral economic blockades. With such measures, Cuba is denied crucial international development assistance and partnerships necessary for its recovery and rebuilding efforts. Tuvalu aligns itself with member states that support the lifting of those blockades and join other member states called for the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Excellencies, Tuvalu applauds the Secretary General and his team for their tireless efforts in the organization of several important high-level meetings this week. Tuvalu also commends the commitment and constructive contribution by all member states that enabled the success of those meetings. Excellencies, Tuvalu welcomes and supports the Pact for the Future, adopted earlier this week at the Summit of the Future, together with the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact. What is needed now is robust political will and unwavering commitment to implement the provision of the pact. We are heartened by the pact’s call for a bold and comprehensive outcome document on addressing climate change at the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan. While climate change affects every nation, its impacts are disproportionately felt more by small island developing states like Tuvalu. Despite our insignificant contribution to climate change, we face the most severe consequences when climate-induced disasters do occur. We therefore urge all member states to honor their commitment to increased support for climate finance and technology transfer to help nations like Tuvalu develop and enhance their adaptive resilience. The science is very clear. Atmospheric temperatures continue to rise due to the increasing emission of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. Therefore, phasing out fossil fuels is crucial to global efforts to reduce carbon emission and to curb global warming. Towards that objective, Tuvalu and several other like-minded nations are leading the promotion for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative. The initiative is to garner international support on a binding treaty arrangement that regulates and limits the use of fossil fuel with the ultimate objective of total phase-out. And I take this opportunity to invite other member states of the United Nations family to support the initiative. And I express the sincere hope that the commitment in the pact provides the much-needed reboot to the global multilateralism architecture and the UN system generally. Tuvalu supports and looks forward to the effective implementation of the pact for the future to build a more equitable global system where no nation and no community is left behind. Excellencies, climate change-induced sea-level rise is and will always be a top priority for Tuvalu. Sea-level rise is not only a top development priority, but also a top survivability priority for Tuvalu. The Pacific Ocean that used to define us will soon engulf us and will determine our future existence if sea-level rise is not halted and the Tuvalu coastlines are not suitably fortified and reinforced. Sea-level rise is a global and a multidimensional phenomenon that requires immediate global actions. For Tuvalu, sea-level rise poses the greatest existential threat to our economies, to our culture and heritage, and to the land that nourished our ancestors for centuries. Current predictions on the rate of sea-level rise are frighteningly disturbing. The predictions are that in 26 years’ time, by 2050, more than 50% of Tuvalu’s sea-level rise will be Tshilvalu, Tshilvalu’s land territory will be regularly flooded by regular tidal surges. Fifty years afterward, in 2100, more than 90% of Tshilvalu’s land territory will suffer the same fate. The predictions do not account for severe climatic conditions like cyclones and hurricanes, which would exponentially accelerate the reaching of those thresholds. Tshilvalu therefore commends the President for the timely and successful organization of the High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise on Wednesday. Tshilvalu is heartened by the commitment of all Member States to strengthen international cooperation and partnerships for more comprehensive and effective responses to sea-level rise. We are committed to providing the Secretary-General with our national report on this issue within the suggested time frame and look forward to contributing to a concise, action-oriented and intergovernmentally negotiated declaration. The High-Level Meeting marks the take-off for our global effort to shape an ambitious declaration by the General Assembly in September 2026. The declaration, in my considered view, must be a strong pronouncement in support of the expectation of the one billion people affected by sea-level rise. The declaration shall be an unwavering commitment to our sovereignty, dignity, prosperity and rights. The declaration must be action-oriented and comprehensive and toward those objectives we expect the declaration to include the following principle. Firstly, the declaration shall ascertain the principle of statehood continuity as a tenet of international law and international cooperation and to affirm that statehood cannot be challenged under any circumstances of sea-level rise. Secondly, the declaration shall reaffirm the permanency of maritime zones established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Thirdly, the declaration shall call on the international community and regional institutions to enable human mobility pathways that facilitate movement safely, orderly and with dignity. Fourthly, the declaration shall devise concrete programs for the international community to support our efforts to safeguard our unique culture and heritage, both tangible and intangible. Fifthly, the declaration shall establish dedicated and innovative financing mechanism to support the positive adaptation journeys of the most vulnerable communities. And finally, the declaration shall underscore the importance of knowledge, data and science to anticipate and plan for the impact of sea-level rise. Excellencies, I wish to reiterate the commitment of Tuvalu to address the effect of climate change through identified science-based transformative adaptive solution. These solutions are designed to reclaim and elevate land, enhance our resilience against sea-level rise and ensure our sovereign rights to our land and cultural identity are safe and protected for our future generations. I acknowledge the efforts of the Pacific people and leaders in addressing the pressing issue of sea-level rise. The Pacific leaders in their annual meeting in Tonga last month reiterated the importance of the 2021 Declaration on Maritime Boundary Preservation and the 2023 Declaration on Statehood Continuity and Climate Change Related Sea-Level Rise. The Pacific leaders also called for sea-level rise to be a stand-alone agenda in the UNGA and other related UN processes like the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Furthermore, in 2021, Tuvalu, in collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda, established the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law. The said commission successfully secured in May of this year an advisory opinion from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, which clarifies that greenhouse gas emissions pollute the marine environment and that states have the legal responsibility to take all necessary measures to prevent, reduce and control them. This advisory opinion is a significant development as it shifts the conversation from political commitment to binding legal obligations. Excellencies, the science on climate change is comprehensive and clear, and that the climate is changing and is significantly impacting small island states through rising sea levels. Nationalized scientific data and information has allowed my government to create a three-dimensional model that specifically demonstrates the impact of climate change and sea-level rise in Tuvalu. We showcased this three-dimensional model here in New York during the High-Level Week. And I must admit it is alarming and disturbing to see how quickly Tuvalu’s entire land territory will be engulfed by rising seas as greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase. Excellencies, I am pleased to share with the General Assembly this afternoon a watershed treaty between Tuvalu and Australia titled the Falepili Union Treaty. The treaty carries the title of a treasured Tuvalu value of the Falepili, which connotes good neighborliness, care and share, and mutual respect. The treaty is firmly grounded on mutual respect of each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. The treaty prioritized three key areas, namely climate cooperation, mobility with dignity, and shared security. For the first time, there is a country, Australia, that has committed legally to come to the aid of Tuvalu upon request when Tuvalu encounters a major natural disaster, when Tuvalu is experiencing a major public health pandemic, and when Tuvalu is subjected to some form of military aggression. For the first time also, another country, Australia, is legally committed to recognize the permanency of the future statehood and sovereignty of Tuvalu despite the impact of climate change, particularly sea level rise. The treaty also provides for a mobility pathway for citizens of Tuvalu who so chooses to live, work and study in Australia. And I look forward very much to the full operationalization of the Falepili Union Treaty next year in 2025. Excellencies, let me reiterate Tuvalu’s unwavering support for the Antigua and Barbuda’s agenda for CITS, the ARBAS, that was adopted in May this year. ARBAS addresses the unique challenges faced by small island developing states through a multifaceted approach that includes climate action, economic diversification and social development. Excellencies, Tuvalu is one of the smallest states in the world in terms of its land territory and population. But it is a very large ocean state, considering the extent of its exclusive economic zone. So Tuvalu has a very – so Tuvaluans have a very close relationship with the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean sustains our daily lives and economic prosperity. The impact of climate change on fish stock migration and declining marine resources together with IUU fishing and marine pollution pose a major challenge to Tuvalu’s progress towards sustainable economic development. As a signatory to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, Tuvalu is committed to the sustainable utilization and equitable distribution of marine resources. Tuvalu is also committed to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which aims to protect the ocean. This commitment is reinforced by UNEA Resolution 5-14 to develop an ambitious international legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal. Excellencies, Tuvalu expresses its sincere gratitude to the Economic and Social Council for their consideration of deferring Tuvalu’s graduation from the Least Developed Countries category earlier this year. It is important to reiterate that while Tuvalu has met the graduation threshold for some time now, Tuvalu continues to have serious reservations about leaving this group. As one of the last remaining Pacific Island countries, in the LDC category, Tuvalu is exceptionally vulnerable to the impact of climate change and rising sea levels. Even the Committee for Developing Policy has recognised that Tuvalu’s vulnerability to climate change is not only severe, but permanent. For this reason, Tuvalu applauds the newly developed Multidimensional Vulnerability Index that could complement the traditional Gross National Income Indicator as the basis for development and climate finance access. Excellencies, Tuvalu commenced the commemoration and promotion of the International Day of the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons this year. The event served as a powerful reminder of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear testing and warfare, as well as the ongoing threat posed by these weapons. By observing this event annually, as agreed to in Resolution 78-27, reinforces our commitment to nuclear disarmament. Tuvalu is also a party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. And I am also pleased to announce that in June of this year, Tuvalu became one of the few remaining states to accede to the Biological Weapons Convention, further solidifying our steadfast commitment to creating a world safe from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. Excellencies, 12 months ago, we adopted a Declaration on Universal Health Coverage following the review of implementation of the 2019 Universal Health Coverage, titled Moving Together to Build a Healthy World. This year’s adoption of the Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance has once again unified us in a concerted global effort to build a healthier world. As unified as we ought to be, achieving equitable and adequate essential health care services for all must remain a common priority. International cooperation remains appropriate to the efforts of improving and strengthening health care systems, particularly those that are lacking. On the 5th of this month, Tuvalu celebrated its 24th anniversary of membership in the United Nations. It has been over two decades since Tuvalu joined its August body as the 189th member state. Tuvalu remains grateful for the privilege to engage with other member states in our common pursuit for the advancement of peace and security, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations. Next week, on the 1st of October, will be Tuvalu’s 46th independence anniversary. And as I prepare to celebrate this momentous occasion for the first time as the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, I wish to take this opportunity to express my special appreciation and gratitude to the United Nations and its member states, and in particular, Tuvalu’s generous traditional and emerging partners for all the support and assistance afforded to my country. Her Excellencies, in conclusion, I render Tuvalu’s unwavering support to the Pact for the Future and for the accompanying declaration and compact adopted during the Summit of the Future earlier in the week. I express the sincere and genuine hope that the commitments in the pact provide the much-needed reboot to the global multilateralism architecture and the UN system generally. The global community must seize this opportunity to reaffirm and to recommit to multilateralism and international cooperation, to the Sustainable Development Goals and to the principle of the United Nations Charter. Tuvalu calls on the global community to rally behind the pact for the future and to build a more equitable global system where no nation, no community is left behind, particularly those frontline nations to the devastating impact of climate change and the climate change-induced sea level rise like my country, Tuvalu. I thank you, Madam President, Fa’afetai Lassie, Tuvalu Mondiatua, Tuvalu for God.
President: On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister of Tuvalu. The Assembly will hear an address by His Excellency Terrance Micheal Drew, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, National Security and Immigration, Health and Social Security of St. Kitts and Nevis. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly.
Terrance Micheal Drew – St. Kitts and Nevis : Mr. President, Secretary General Guterres, esteemed colleagues, excellencies, my fellow citizens of our twin island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, and friends from every corner of our shared planet, today I rise on behalf of my island-developing state and yet in truth I speak for the many small island nations, large ocean states that know too well the high cost of inaction. We are small, yes, but our voices carry the weight of rising seas, thundering storms and livelihoods tittering on the edge of erosio. A sustainable future for SIDS demands more from us all. Let us begin by paying tribute to His Excellency Dennis Francis, whose leadership and presidency of the 78th session demonstrated the fierce determination of the Caribbean. Thank you for your service. We stand ready to drive the changes necessary for a sustainable, secure world. Thank you for your sterling leadership, Mr. President. I must also acknowledge Secretary General Guterres, who with unflinching resolve has championed justice, equity and hope. This past year tested our commitment to peace and security, yet it also revealed the vast opportunities we must seize if we are to steer humanity toward a better way. Mr. President, Phli-Lemon Yang, congratulations on your election as President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. We have great confidence in your leadership as you guide us with the theme, Unity and Diversity, for advancing peace, sustainable development and human dignity everywhere and for all. As we convene here in this hallowed hall, I recall the words of former Secretary General Kofi Annan, the future of peace and prosperity that we seek for all the world’s peoples needs a foundation of tolerance, security, equality and justice. That foundation is fragile, but it is essential. And it is crumbling under the weight of neglect, greed and abuse of power. Seventy-nine years ago, in the wake of war’s devastation, visionaries sought to build a world where diplomacy and dialogue could triumph over destructive intolerance. Yet today, we stand on the precipice of a perilous return to a world where peace is kept at gunpoint, where weapons are romanticized and violence is exalted in the pursuit of absolute power. We need more than diplomatic platitudes. We need a humanity steeped in decency, justice, equity and inclusivity. We must rise from these chambers, not resign to the idea that the children of Haiti, Congo, Sudan and Palestine are less deserving of the rights and freedoms that we enjoy. We are all one people, one world. We cannot have peace without justice, nor justice without true, solid equality. In the Caribbean, our lived reality of rising tides washing away our hopes of unforgiving heat setting ablaze our dreams. We pray for rain and receive the floods, dragging our homes and our futures to the abyss. When the guns flood our communities, tearing children from their mothers’ arms, it is a collective cry for action. When the global south starves while food wastage continues unabated, we must be shaken from our complacency. The half-truth is that the world is becoming mortally insecure. We stand on disappearing shores. We are besieged by storms, natural and man-made. Corporate greed, colonial arrogance and unchecked consumerism have torn apart our social contract with each other. We are no longer at peace with nature. The greatest delusion we feed ourselves is that security and sustainability are separate endeavors. They are, in fact, intertwined. ndo’o. We cannot build secure nations while allowing the climate crisis to rob future generations of their birthright. Security is more than an absence of conflict. It is the presence of dignity, of justice and hope. Generations ago, the labour movement in St Kitts and Nevis paved the way for people’s emancipation, an emancipation built on the principles of social, economic and human dignity. Today I echo their call. We must do better. We must be better. Our ambitions must be grander, our visions clearer. When we say leaving no one behind, acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations, it cannot be a hollow phrase. It must be a sacred commitment, a pledge to every soul, from the wealthiest nation to the smallest island state. For when the waters rise in the south, even the north will eventually drown. When the forests burn in the north, the south too will choke from the smoke, for it is one planet, one human race. The pandemic has left scars that still fester, and global economic fragmentation threatens to deepen the divides between us. From small island states like mine, the failure to meet these goals is not just a disappointment, it is a death sentence. The clock is ticking and we cannot afford to wait any longer. We must act, and we must act now. Today the Caribbean braces for an intense hurricane season facing the escalating fury fuelled by warming oceans and unprecedented storms. Our brothers and sisters in Grenada, Caricou and Petit-Martinique, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl, which became the earliest formed Category 5 hurricane on record this past July. In the Pacific, our brothers and sisters there remain exposed to the incessant battering of typhoons that ravage their islands. And as I speak, the South East United States is being pounded by Hurricane Helene. Lives and livelihoods hang in the balance as entire communities brace for the next assault. Hoteliers, for example, in my own country of St Kitts and Nevis have approached our government stating that with a sense of dread, that they may soon no longer be able to market themselves as beach resorts. Our famous beaches, once the lifeblood of our tourism-driven economy, are steadily disappearing under the relentless rise of the sea. The sands that once beckoned visitors from across the globe are now receding, swallowed by seas which continue to rise. The loss will be irreversible if we do not act, and if we do not act now. The Sustainable Development Goals were meant to shield us from such devastation, offering a progressive agenda to build resilience and safeguard all our citizens. Yet despite their promise, according to the UN’s 2024 SDGs report, only 17% of the targets are on track. Nearly half are showing minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third have stalled or even regressed. The clock is ticking, and we must do more than observe its passage. We must act before these realities become permanent fixtures in our collective future. In May 2025, the Government of St Kitts and Nevis will proudly co-host the Global Sustainable Islands Summit with Island Innovation, a pivotal event dedicated to advancing sustainable development on islands across the globe, titled Sustainable Future for Island Communities. This summit will build on the momentum of SIDS4 conference held in 2024, tackling the pressing challenges island nations face. This summit will call to action a space where we share practical solutions and partnerships that ripple far beyond our shores. Our islands are sentinels of climate change and the proving ground for sustainable development. It is with this spirit of shared responsibility and urgent action that I extend a heartfelt invitation to all leaders of island nations gathered here to come, to engage, to commit to meaningful change. A recent uncommendable stride toward equity and inclusion has been the adoption of the MVI, the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index. This serves as a powerful testament to the potential of multilateralism when it is both purposeful and effective. St Kitts and Nevis stands with the Caribbean community and the Alliance of Small Island States in welcoming Resolution 78-322, while urging this esteemed body to rally the necessary political will and resources to drive its implementation across international financial institutions and multilateral development banks. For us small island developing states, the MVI is not just another metric. It is a lifeline, offering a means to cushion the relentless blows of climatic and economic crises that disproportionately affect us. Its full implementation will demonstrate to the world that the United Nations and by extension the global system remains committed to uplifting those most vulnerable. It will restore trust in a system that must not only recognize vulnerability but actively work to address it. The time has come to reshape the United Nations, to reform its structures so that they reflect the realities of our modern world. Too many voices remain unheard. Too many nations marginalize. The UN Security Council must include representations from the region’s most vulnerable to threats to the threats of our time. Regions such as Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Nowhere is this change more urgently needed than in the international financial architecture. St Kitts and Nevis stands in solidarity with the government of Barbados in its fight for financial and climate justice, pledging our full support for the Bridgetown initiative. This bold framework demands a reformation of the global finance, making it more responsive to the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states like mine. We cannot build resilience without first ensuring that the international system works for the most vulnerable among us. In the Caribbean, we continue to call for and guard our zone of peace. The Argyle Declaration serves as a shining example of how we in the Caribbean manage security challenges. We go back to basics. We talk to each other. Specifically, the declaration has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between Venezuela and Guyana, demonstrating that even the most complex disputes can be navigated through peaceful means. This model of engagement, one of dialogue and cooperation, is the very essence upon which this institution was founded. The international community would do well to follow this approach and inject new life into our diplomacy. And to this end, I reiterate CARICOM’s call for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, to put an end to the suffering. The only pathway to peace and to secure fundamental human rights and dignity is through the two-state solution, and Saint Kitts and Nevis stand in full support. Mr. President, as we face these global challenges, we should always remember Haiti. I want to reiterate that again, Mr. President, that we should always remember Haiti. Haiti, the beacon of resilience and courage, stands at the crossroads of its next chapter. Saint Kitts and Nevis, alongside the Caribbean community, firmly supports the work of the National Transitional Council as it strives to create an environment conducive to a multi-stakeholder political solution. Haiti was there for the downtrodden of the world, lighting the path toward freedom for many. And now the world must be there for Haiti, not because it is a place of sorrow, but because it remains a symbol of human endurance and defiance against injustice. With the establishment of the multinational security support mission, the Caribbean community seeks to usher in a new day for Haiti’s families. I want to thank the government and people of Kenya for their significant contribution. And of course we want to usher in a new day for Haiti’s families, a day where schools become places of learning, hospitals are places of healing, and markets are not arsenals for gangs but havens for community and prosperity. Haiti’s future is not only one of security, but one of sustainability, and we must rally to give it the peace it deserves. Mr. President, year after year, this body sends a strong message to the people of Cuba, a message of hope and a message of support. The embargo that has isolated Cuba for decades is not right, Mr. President, and it continues to be a stain on our collective conscience. St. Kitts and Nevis joins the Caribbean community in calling for an end to this unjust embargo and for Cuba’s removal from the State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism. Cuba has long been a friend to the Caribbean, its doctors, educators exemplifying true philanthropy. And I might state here, Mr. President, that I am a graduate of the Cuban educational system. Instead of denigrating the island, we should elevate and learn from its sustainable solutions that have empowered their people and, in turn, the region. A stronger, more sustainable Cuba enhances the security and sustainability of the Caribbean. Mr. President, in the same breath, we must not forget Taiwan. The people of Taiwan have proven time and time again their firm commitment to sustainable development. The theme of this assembly, leaving no one behind, compels us to ensure Taiwan’s inclusion in the work of the United Nations system, particularly in the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Taiwan’s leadership in innovation and technology is not just an asset, it’s a necessity for the global community to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The United Nations must extend its vision to include Taiwan, a nation whose exclusion undermines the very principles we stand for, peace, sustainable development and human dignity. Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis, citizens of the world, St. Kitts and Nevis is not seeking for pity. St. Kitts and Nevis is not seeking for anyone to feel sorry for us. We are small, but as we say in our country, we are Talawa. St. Kitts and Nevis is seeking for partnerships. We are on a transformative journey to become a sustainable island state, guided by seven pillars, which are water security, energy transition, food security, sustainable industry, sustainable settlements, circular economy and social protection. We are taking bold and tangible actions by building renewable energy desalination plants for reliable 24-7 water supply, aggressively advancing geothermal energy and our sister isle of Nevis with the goal of a unified sustainable energy grid for both islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, and extending it to the rest of the Caribbean, constructing our first modern climate smart hospital, building climate smart affordable housing solutions, ensuring that our people have safe sustainable places to live and to call home, finalizing one of the Caribbean’s largest solar plus storage projects. We are on track, Mr. President, to meet CARICOM’s 25 by 25 agenda, reducing our food imports and bolstering local food production. We created, for example, a children’s medical fund to ensure that disadvantaged families can access vital medical care for their children. And may I state, Mr. President, that as a result of this policy, St. Kitts and Nevis recorded no death of any child between the ages of one to four in 2023. We continue, therefore, to advance our education beyond our universal compulsory system, promoting lifelong learning as key to national development. All of these and more we are pursuing, Mr. President, demonstrating to the world that we don’t just complain. We don’t want to be a part of just problems. We want to be a part of the solutions. And that is why we will continue to seek partnerships, Mr. President. My friends, we stand at the crossroads. We can no longer afford the luxury of inaction. We must meet the moment with the courage it demands. We must reject business as usual and embrace a new path forward. One that values people over profit. One that prioritizes the planet over power. As we gather in this assembly, let us remember, let us remember, we are all stewards of this fragile world. The rising tides do not respect borders and the fires of conflict burn without discrimination. For St. Kitts and Nevis, for the Caribbean, for every small island nation whose future hangs in the balance, I ask you to stand with us. Let our voices rise like the oceans that surround us, powerful and unyielding, calling for a future where peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice, of sustainability, of hope. Mr. President, citizens of the world, leaders, all who are present, together let us seize this moment and shape the future. Together let us stand proud and strong. Together let us act now for the moment demands it. Thank you very much.
President: On behalf of the assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, National Security, Immigration, Health and Social Security of St. Kitts and Nevis. The assembly will hear and address by His Excellency, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the assembly.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão – Timor Leste: Your Excellency, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, all protocols observed. It is an honor to address this assembly once again on behalf of Timor-Leste. This session holds a special significance for the Timorese. Last month in Dili, with the esteemed presence of the United Nations Secretary General, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our historic popular consultation. A quarter of a century ago, the people of Timor-Leste, under the auspices of the United Nations, exercised their vote for independence. With the support of the international community, we were able to return the destiny of our country to its people, the destiny of living in peace, freedom and independence, after 24 years of resistance and a forgotten war in which more than 200,000 Timorese sacrificed their lives. In 2002, when we became the 191st member of the United Nations, it was a memorable day for the Timorese people and was undoubtedly a triumph for the international system. Today I stand before you with pride, representing a vibrant democracy, a democracy that has embraced peace, dialogue, human rights and the rule of law. Although a small country and a young state, Timor-Leste is an example of this relentless pursuit of peace and has a firm disposition on the international stage. Immediately after our vote for independence, we began a process of internal reconciliation among Timorese and external reconciliation with our Indonesian neighbours. Reconciliation is a powerful mechanism for healing the past and building the future. Reconciliation and trust are the instruments of peace that the world needs. Your Excellencies, The story of Timor-Leste is a story of hope and resilience. The creation of the United Nations was founded on hope. The hope of achieving peace in all its dimensions and in all places. Promoting sustainable development. Finding collective solutions to global challenges and threats. And uniting international cooperation around these goals. However, there has never been so much hopelessness, uncertainty, instability and distrust as in today’s world. As everyone knows, global crises are numerous and complex. The Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, are due in six years. And I must say that we are far from achieving them. Some countries have lost the race even before leaving the starting line. Timor-Leste and the G7 plus countries propose the inclusion of SDG 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions in the 2030 Development Agenda. Because we believe that leaving no one behind means prioritizing the most fragile first. Peace and stability are priorities. Peace and stability are priorities for achieving sustainable development. Without peace, there is no justice, no strong institutions and no development. And without development, peace becomes fragile. Two days ago, the G7 plus held a side event here at the United Nations. Where we discussed our successes or our setbacks. But the common problem we all faced in solving internal problems was a lack of funding. A lack of funding. Timor-Leste is proud to have already made some significant progress. However, we are well aware that much remains to be done. The overlap of crises in the world has exacerbated social and economic inequalities. Hunger is the most illustrative face of inequality. And it is women, young people and children who suffer the most from this tragedy. In a world where global military spending exceeds 2.4 trillion dollars, more than 800 million people suffer from extreme hunger. Some countries report alarming levels of hunger. While others endure severe hunger in regions devastated by decades of conflict and instability. Your Excellencies, Timor-Leste, being a half island, is currently focused on diversifying its economy. With particular emphasis on agriculture and the blue economy. By investing in these sectors, we aim to improve the livelihood of our people and enhance food security. Like many other countries, Timor-Leste is grappling with climate change and unsustainable activities in the ocean. As we know, in the words of Sylvia Earle, we need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it. Because they do. Timor-Leste is located within the Coral Triangle, a magnificent area of marine biodiversity. Our seas host important ecosystems and marine life and serve as an important migratory route for species such as the incredible pygmy blue whales. Timor-Leste is pleased to share that we have ratified the agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. And we support and actively participate in negotiations on the Marine Plastics Treaty. Internally, we are committed to exploring our ocean resources in a balanced and sustainable manner, ensuring that we can develop our country while simultaneously protecting our marine environment for future generations. Your Excellencies, we recognize that small island developing states and least developed countries face enormous challenges in achieving the SDGs. During the fourth International Conference on Climate Change, in Antigua and Barbuda, I saw that we shared a perception of geographical and historical disadvantage. Without financial conditions, capacity building and technology transfer, we cannot do better. Moreover, we are trapped in international financial systems that place us at a disadvantage, burdening us with conditional aid, financial assistance and debt. The loss at sea is a major challenge. burdening us with conditional aid, financial assistance and debt. The Loss and Damage Fund, approved at COP28 in Dubai, must secure more significant contributions from the wealthy and developed countries. This commitment is urgently needed. As Secretary-General António Guterres stated during his visit to Timor-Leste last month, many of us won the battle against colonialism and the struggle for democracy, but we are still fighting for sustainable development. In his new Agenda for Peace, he also notes that the unequal suffering caused by the effects of climate change is among the greatest injustices in the world. Timor-Leste agrees. Timor-Leste agrees. We all know that we can only win this battle with genuine global solidarity and effort. Unconditional support, based on our identified needs and priorities, is required. It is with sadness that I stand before you, in a world ravaged by international conflicts and wars. A world that, if not entirely at war, is threatened by war. We possess the instruments of international law, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation to resolve disputes peacefully. But these instruments are not applied consistently and are often ignored. We call for the peaceful resolution of international disputes and conflicts, whether related to borders, sovereignty or cooperation. Timor-Leste will host the 24th Regional Conference on the Special Committee on Decolonization in May 2025. Ladies and Gentlemen, is a country that has faced political uncertainty for almost five decades. In October 1975, the International Court of Justice held that Western Sahara was a non-self-governing territory and that it should follow the parameters and principles stated in the UN General Assembly resolution for self-determination through the free and genuine expression of the will of the peoples of the territory. More recently, rulings by the European Union courts, as well as the decision of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, state that Western Sahara is separate and distinct from Morocco, without Morocco exercising any sovereignty over the territory. When in 1991 the United Nations Security Council established the United Nations mission for the referendum in Western Sahara through resolution 690, the Timorese were motivated and hopeful that one day it would be our turn too. However, in 1992, the referendum in Western Sahara was postponed. I am now calling, after dozens of Security Council resolutions, for their implementation leading to a referendum on self-determination for the Sahrawi people. I am pleased to see the presence of the Palestinian delegation as an observer member of the United Nations, and I hope that next year we will also have the presence of a Sahrawi delegation. I call for an immediate ceasefire between the Polisario Front and Morocco to pave the way for an exhaustive dialogue based on goodwill between the parties for a negotiated, peaceful solution acceptable to both sides, but which respects the will of the Sahrawi people. I call on the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to embrace this just cause of the Sahrawi people as Kofi Annan did for the Timorese cause. Your Excellencies, war cannot be an instrument of domination. It is a scourge that destroys lives, communities and nations, and it must not, and indeed does not, remain confined within borders. We must ensure that international law is respected by all, not just by some. Timor-Leste expresses its deepest concern and full support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and calls for an immediate end to the genocide, and also calls for the end to the war in Ukraine. I call for the principles of the United Nations Charter to be applied with courage and leadership. I call for more thought to be given to peoples and individuals, victims of global policies and leadership, entrenched status quo. An example of this is Cuba, a friend of Timor-Leste, without which our health sector would still be in a deplorable condition. The economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba for decades, with its implications for its people, is unacceptable. If the focus this year is on human dignity, let us not forget, please, the most forgotten people of the world. Your Excellencies, the Security Council must become more representative, and its decisions must reflect the collective will of the international community. The voices of smaller nations should not be drowned out by the interests of the more powerful states. The world’s main peace and security body must be expanded so that it is not underrepresented, and must include the permanent voice of the African continent, as well as Latin America and Asia. Timor-Leste supports comprehensive and long-term reform of the Security Council, to expand both permanent and non-permanent members, as only then will we have a solid and transparent architecture for global peace. We also believe that the General Assembly itself should have more power on security issues, to prevent Member States from becoming paralyzed in critical situations. We are encouraged by the calls of the United Nations Secretary-General to eliminate nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction before they eliminate us. Timor-Leste has ratified the comprehensive Nuclear Task Ban Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and calls on everyone to contribute to ensuring our common future, including the ratification of the Treaty by Pacific Island Nations. We call on all nations, especially the developed world, to join us in building a fairer, more equitable and more sustainable future, and in doing so, fulfill the vision of the Pact for the Future. Before concluding, I must express my appreciation to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who now also holds Timor-Leste’s nationality, for his efforts to transform the present towards a future of dignity for all generations. This vision will only be possible if all UN Member States can overcome their differences and act together for the consolidation of peace and development. Peace is a global mission. Development is a global duty. I would like to remind you that without the United Nations, our future would be even darker. Even with all its weaknesses and need for change, the United Nations is the most promising mechanism available to us to overcome the challenges of our time. Without this body, we would truly have no way out. With perseverance and the will to do good, no matter how inconvenient it may seem, no challenge is insurmountable. Thank you very much.
President: On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. The Assembly will hear and address by His Excellency Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly.
Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni – Tonga: Mr. President, warmest Pacific greetings from the Kingdom of Tonga and our blue Pacific continent. First, I wish to congratulate Your Excellency on assuming the esteemed presidency of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. I also thank your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Tennis Francis, for his able leadership during a period where global challenges continue to increase in numbers and complexity. I acknowledge the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his steadfast stewardship of our home, the United Nations, during these troubled times. Mr. President, we convene at this 79th session with the theme of leaving no one behind. My delegation pledges our unwavering support to this noble goal. At a time of escalating conflicts, near-conflict situations on the horizon, all too often triggered by political instability, economic disparities, social tension, and the security threats posed by climate change, we must rally around this goal. If we fail to do so, we will further erode world peace and fail people’s lives far and wide. The long-awaited reform of the Security Council is now urgent, crucial, and must happen swiftly. It is our responsibility to resolve adequately the security challenges of the 21st century. We must include non-traditional security issues like climate change in each agenda. Further, we must include the voice of small island developing states. In our quest to leave no one behind, we must take a hard look at a lagging process in achieving a sustainable development by 2030. This goal is equally in peril unless we change our approach. Human dignity is intrinsically built on both peace, security, and sustainability. If we cannot act now decisively and collectively, the goal to leave no one behind will be just words and will have further eroded people’s trust and hope. The key is not words. The key is our shared commitment to action. Mr. President, I commend the tireless effort that have led to the ambitious and balanced steps of the summit of the future. Not only do we stand at a critical juncture in our collective history, but it is now where we must safeguard the needs and interests of both present and future generations. The spirit of compromise and commitment demonstrated by delegation and regional groups give us hope that multilateralism can work. As our forebears, our founders did, we pledge to spare succeeding generations from the cause of war, and we commit to building a world where there is hope and they can thrive. Our commitment must be to sustainable development, to the preservation of our planet’s resources, and to the pursuit of a future that is inclusive, equitable, secure, and sustainable. We must commit to the highest value of human dignity and justice. Thus, we welcome the adoption of PACT for the future. We are resolute in our commitment to working cooperatively with member states to advance peace, sustainable development, and human dignity. We hope for action that will leave no one behind. Mr. President, last month, Tonga assumed the chairmanship of the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting. We were honored to welcome Secretary-General Guterres as a special guest. I reiterate our forum leaders and Pacific peoples’ deep credit for his in-person participation. We now look forward to continued and augmented support and tailored solution from the United Nations in our effort for our people’s lives and futures. The theme of our meeting was a resilient Pacific, built better now. The urgency of our theme certainly was underscored by the torrential rains, the flash flooding, and the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Nukalofa on the first day of our meeting. This was yet another stark reminder of our vulnerability to natural disasters. Once again, it has also demonstrated our unwavering resilience and the priority we place on the full implementation of our early warning for all initiative by 2027 and for disaster preparedness. Mr. President, the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals report before us is grim. The report reveals what we see every day on the ground, a stark diversion from the ambitious target set forth in the 2030 agenda. Climate change, escalating inequalities, and persistent conflicts are compounding challenges, leaving many countries struggling to meet even the most fundamental goals. Without urgent and coordinated global action, the vision of a more equitable and sustainable world may remain just another elusive dream. This means eroded trust in our ability to keep promises. It will jeopardize both our planet and its inhabitants. We must and we can confront this seemingly insurmountable challenges. With innovation and determination, we can no longer afford business as usual. Mr. President, decade after decade, year after year, we present to this esteemed body the existential threat that climate change poses to the Pacific, including Tonga. Our situation has become even more urgent this year. Climate change is the single greatest threat to the survival and prosperity of the blue Pacific continent. Once again, we urge the international community to promptly and dramatically act to restrict global warming to 1.3, 1.5 degrees Celsius. Industrialized nations must strengthen their emission reduction commitment. We must ensure that climate finance is speedily and easily accessible to Pacific island countries. There there be no doubt, we are teetering on the brink of a climate catastrophe. While in Tonga, the United Nations Secretary General issued a global SOS, or Save Our Seas warning of rising sea levels. The WMO echoed this urgent message, launching the state of the climate in the Southwest Pacific 2023 report. The report confirms that 2023 was the warmest year on record. The scientific consensus is irrefutable. Our climate is changing at an unprecedented rate with devastating consequences. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. Cyclones and typhoons are wreaking havoc on our communities, leaving behind trails of destruction that take years to repair. The economic toll is immense, but the human cost is far greater. Lives lost, communities shattered, hopes lost, and futures uncertain. Mr. President, the most alarming aspect of the crisis is the unprecedented rise in sea levels. The WMO report confirms that sea level rise in the Southwest Pacific is significantly exceeding the global average. In some parts of the Pacific, sea levels have risen by 10 to 15 centimeters in the past 30 years, more than double the global average. With our bold and coordinated global action to expedite assistance to the Pacific and its most vulnerable inhabitants, Tonga and other Pacific countries can expect sea levels to topple by mid-century. This will accelerate the frequency and severity of storm surges and coastal flooding. For the nation of the Pacific, these changes are not merely environmental issues. They are existential threats that jeopardize the very existence of small Pacific Island countries, including Tonga. Rising sea levels are eroding coastlines, swallowing entire islands, and forcing families to abandon their ancestral homes. This is not just about losing land. It’s about our very identities losing heritage and culture. We issued a strong call for including sea level rise as a standalone and permanent agenda in the UNGA. And Mr. President, the upcoming COP29 presents a critical opportunity to operationalize the loss and damage fund, transforming pledges into tangible support for vulnerable nations. Mr. President, our ocean, seabed, and land are simply who we are. As I mentioned earlier, the severe and irreversible threats posed by climate change-related sea level rise will disproportionately impact the lives, livelihoods, food security, ecosystem, and the well-being of our people. We have established key declaration. For example, the 2020 free declaration on the continuity of statehood and protection of persons amid sea level rise, and the 2021 declaration on preserving maritime zones against climate impacts. We have also developed and endorsed the Pacific regional framework on climate mobility and introduced a framework for resilient development in the Pacific. The latter is the world’s first regional framework linking climate change and disaster risk. Now we need to act now. We commend the United Nations for addressing this critical issue and welcome the high level plenary meeting on addressing the threats posed by sea level rise. The 2020 free declaration on the continuity of statehood takes a clear stance on protecting Pacific people’s right and sovereignty. By asserting the continual existence of Pacific Island Forum members’ statehood, sovereignty, and rights and duties, the declaration underscores our determination to safeguard both the territorial and human dimension of our states under international law. The declaration commits to protecting persons affected by climate change, ensuring that human rights, political status, cultural heritage, identity, and dignity are upheld. We call for global cooperation to achieve the declaration objectives in line with international principle of fairness, equity, and shared responsibility. Mr. President, yes, the challenges we face are immense. But they are not insurmountable. The resilience of the Pacific people is legendary. Through centuries, our communities have weathered countless storms, adapted to changing conditions, and preserved our rich culture through adversity. Now more than ever, we must draw upon this resilience. It is now that our forum island countries urgently require timely, predictable, and scale-up access to climate finance. Tung’a is proud to announce the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility, or PRF, a Pacific-led, member-owned, and managed climate and disaster resilience financing facility. Tung’a will host the PRF office, and we acknowledge the commitment and contribution received from our development partners and friends of the Pacific thus far. We call upon global partners to support our Pacific-led solutions, the PRF. The key goal is to bridge the financing gap for smaller, high-impact adaptation projects. I would like to once again thank the United Nations Secretary-General for his leadership and commitment in supporting the Pacific Islands Forum by convening a global pledging event for the PRF in 2025. We again urge multilateral climate funds, such as the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund, to establish dedicated climate finance access windows tailored to the conditions and needs of vulnerable countries like the Pacific small island developing states. Mr. President, we appreciate the support for the new 10-year program to recognize the special case of small island developing states, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SEADS, or APAS. This agenda goes beyond being a merely policy framework. This is our collective vision for sustainable growth and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. We support the allocation of resources and tailored systems to facilitate the implementation of the concrete actions outlined in APAS’ 10 thematic areas. At the same time, reforming the international financial architecture will be crucial to support this new program of action, and this includes free substantive global policy agendas, redefining eligibility for development resources, improving access to climate finance, and creating long-term debt sustainability. Implementing the APAS is a vital step towards accelerating the achievement of the SDG by 2030. We request the support of key entities within the UN to help implement the APAS. Recognizing our unique vulnerabilities by fellow Pacific Island Forum leaders, we welcome the adoption of the MVI. This practical instrument, advocated for over many years by SEADS, offer a more comprehensive understanding of the vulnerability, providing renewed hope and impetus to the 2030 agenda through a more context-responsive approach. We look forward to the operationalization of MVI in relevant MVI settings, UN settings, and urge international organizations and financial institutions to consider MVI ratings in their eligibility criteria for grant and concessional financing. Mr. President, the opinion may be that our Pacific communities are remote and small. Let there be no doubt, our economies continue to suffer, like so many, from the effects of geopolitical tension and supply chain disruption. Our people suffer from rising inflation, and we go through increased hardship and deepening poverty, particularly for the most vulnerable in our blue Pacific continent. However, at such critical times, the Pacific Island Forum is steadfast in its commitment to building a resilient Pacific region, a region of hope and prosperity that ensures all Pacific people can lead productive lives. We invite all partners to support our development aspirations outlined in our 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and our forthcoming Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development. Resilient transformation demands for Pacific peoples to have access to quality, affordable, accessible, and inclusive health and education services. Our blue Pacific region will focus on improving climate-resilient health care and education infrastructures and digital platforms to mitigate risks, manage climate-sensitive diseases, and end CDs effectively, and ensure continuity and equity in learning across our blue Pacific continent. We remain resolute in our commitment to the global fight against NCDs. We reaffirm our commitment to building stronger partnerships between government sectors and other relevant sectors to address the root causes of NCDs through a holistic whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Addressing the global plastic pollution problem, especially in the marine environment, is a priority. This is a threat to our ecosystem and health, and the Pacific Ocean is our Pacific identity. It is a vital resource for food and livelihoods, and a healthy ocean will aid in our fight against climate change. Mr. President, the actions of the Government of Tonga focus on three key thematic areas – national resilience, quality services and affordability, and progressive economic growth. Our goal is to enhance national resilience by creating stronger platforms to tackle natural disasters and address the persistent issues brought about by climate change. We aspire to alleviate related poverty and improve the quality of social protection measures. We will also mobilize national and international responses to reduce the supply and use of illicit drugs and address harm reduction processes. We aim to enhance education for everyone, prioritizing safer schools, tackling drop-out rates, advocating for gender equality, and expanding vocational training opportunities, all while ensuring quality services and affordability. Our efforts are also directed towards improving access to health care that is both affordable and of high quality, with a particular emphasis on addressing COVID-19, NCDs, and preventative measures. Our focus is on developing governance services that are of exceptional quality and can be easily accessed by all. This entails enhancing access to high-speed broadband technology and ensuring that energy communication, drinking water, and a clean environment are more affordable. Our main objectives for fostering progressive economic growth include giving priority to trade and private sector development, enhancing the quality and accessibility of public infrastructure, and forging stronger partnerships to drive development. Mr. President, as I conclude, allow me to close the circle and come back to the critical element of this session’s theme, leaving no one behind. This aspiration must be our guide for eradicating poverty, ending discrimination, and upholding the fundamental rights of individuals, reducing inequalities and vulnerabilities that not only undermine our shared humanity, but also leave too many without hope. The advancement of one community or nation cannot occur in isolation from the well-being of others. By embracing a fair and equitable playing field, we foster a more resilient and harmonious global society, advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity. We must travel the path to ensuring peace and sustainable development with a sense of urgency, just as others have done before us. In this, let us be guided by shared values of justice and human dignity. Our collective endeavour to leave no one behind must ensure every person’s potential is recognised, their rights upheld, and so we must bridge gaps, dismantle barriers, and amplify voices that have historically been marginalised. This is what we owe present and future generations. I thank you, Mr President, and may God bless Tonga, and may God bless the United Nations.
President: On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga. The Assembly will hear and address by His Excellency Hamza Abdi Barre, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly.
Hamza Abdi Barre – Somalia: Your Excellency, President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Excellencies, Heirs of State and Government, Distinguished Guests, Distinguished Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Allow me to begin by congratulating you, Mr President, on your election as President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Please be assured of Somalia’s full cooperation as you undertake the responsibilities entrusted upon you during your tenure. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank your British sister, His Excellency Denis France, for the successful precedence of the last session. Mr President, this session of the General Assembly convenes amid a rising number of global challenges. Nguyen, from Escalating Transnational Conflicts and Humanitarian Crisis to the Existential Threats of Climate Change and Growing Economic Inequalities. This resonates profoundly for our theme of this year, Leaving No One Behind, acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations. In the spirit of our unity and shared responsibility, we must confront the persistent and escalating conflicts that continue to cause immense human suffering and destabilize entire regions. Today we are facing with crises that test our collective conscience and our commitment to peace. In Sudan, the conflict has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and ravaging communities. Civilians endure indiscriminate violence and widespread gender-based assaults. We urgently call for immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and adherence to international humanitarian law. It is crucial to ensure safe and restricted access for humanitarian aid and to foster inclusive dialogue that respects the rights and aspirations of all Sudanese people. In Gaza, the situation has reached catastrophic levels, driven by the persistent blockade and relentless cycles of violence that have created one of the most severe humanitarian disasters of our time. Despite the senseless killing of tens of thousands of men, women, and children since last October, over two million Palestinians are trapped in open-air prisons, where access to basic goods, services, and medical care is severely restricted. Children in Gaza have particularly suffered the most, with the many enduring unimaginable trauma, malnutrition, and lack of access to education and health care. They live under constant fear, as their homes, schools, and hospitals are repeatedly targeted and destroyed. The ongoing conflict has not only destroyed the physical infrastructure of Gaza, but also crashed the hopes of an entire generation. The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye on this gross injustice and the continuous violations of international law by the Israeli government. We call on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to reinforce an unconditional ceasefire, to lift the inhuman blockade, and to recommit to a political process that ensures a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, thereby restoring the rights, dignity, and future for the Palestinian people. In Ukraine, the war now in its third year has inflicted a devastating toll on civilians, destroying homes and critical infrastructure, and leaving millions without essential services. The legacy of trauma and displacement will affect generations. We urgently call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, a ceasefire, and adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law, including avoiding attacks on civilians, critical infrastructure, and nuclear facilities. It is essential to open channels for dialogue and achieve a lasting political settlement. The international community must act swiftly to prevent further escalation and support efforts for peace. Mr. President, while international crises demand our attention, we must not overlook regional threats that directly challenge national sovereignty and stability. Somalia currently faces a serious threat from Ethiopia’s recent actions, which flagrantly violate our territorial integrity. Ethiopia’s attempts to annex parts of Somalia under the guise of security access are both unlawful and unnecessary. Somali ports have always been accessible for Ethiopia’s legitimate commercial activities, reflecting our commitment to regional trade and cooperation. However, Ethiopia’s aggressive maneuvers, including its controversial agreement with one of our regional administrations, undermine Somali sovereignty and embolden secessionist movements threatening our national unity. These actions not only serve division at a time when Somalia is striving for peace and cohesion, but also serve as propaganda for terrorist groups like Shabaab, who exploit Ethiopia’s provocation to recruit and radicalize vulnerable individuals. Such destabilized behavior poses a significant risk to the security and stability of the entire Horn of Africa. Somalia asserts its sovereign right to defend its territorial integrity and calls on Ethiopia to cease its provocations and adhere to international law. We urge the international community to stand with Somalia in condemning these violations and upholding the principles of international sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are the cornerstones of international peace and security. Regional stability depends on mutual respect for these principles, and Ethiopia must be held accountable for actions that threaten to destabilize the Horn of Africa. Mr. President, while the conflict may capture the headlines, we must not lose sight of other pressing global challenges that demand our immediate attention and collective action. Somalia’s experience underscores the importance of sustainable funding for peacekeeping. For over 15 years, we have hosted key African Union missions like AMISOM and ATMIS, which have been critical in countering Shabaab and supporting state building. As a new mission, AUSM takes over with the focus of counterterrorism and capacity building. Its success depends on reliable funding. Peacekeeping is about creating lasting stability, not just maintaining peace, and we urge the international community to support innovative funding solutions to ensure these missions fulfill their vital roles. Mr. President, climate change is a global crisis that touches every life and every community, but nowhere is its impact more deeply felt than in vulnerable nations like Somalia. We endure relentless droughts, devastating floods, and rising temperatures that tear apart our communities and threaten our very survival. While the recent COP28 conference made important strides with the creation of a loss and damage fund and the commitment to expand renewable energy, there remains a significant challenge accessing these funds. For many developing countries, the reality is that complex bureaucracy, rigid criteria, and lack of necessary resources often stand in the way they receive the help they so desperately need. It is not just about making promises. It is about ensuring that those promises can reach the people who need them most. We call on the global community to simplify access to these crucial funds so that countries like Somalia can build resilience, protect our people, and secure the future where everyone has the chance to thrive. Mr. President, reforming the United Nations Security Council is essential to ensure it reflects today’s geopolitical realities. The current structure no longer adequately represents the voices and concerns of world nations, particularly those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We support the Isilwini Consensus, which calls for a more representative and inclusive council. This reform is necessary to enhance the UN’s credibility and effectiveness in addressing the full spectrum of global challenges, from peace and security to development and human rights. Reforming international financial institutions is also crucial to building a fairer global economy that promotes inclusive growth and sustainable development. The existing international financial system is heavily scourged, a wafer of view, perpetuating inequalities and restricting the ability of developing nations to thrive. We call for reforms that make these institutions more accountable, transparent and responsive to the needs of the world’s poorest and the most vulnerable. Mr. President, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is not an ambitious, it is a necessary. With only six years left, the world is far behind on our collective promise to end poverty, protect our planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. We must urgently renew our commitment by increasing funding, creating innovative partnerships and focusing on reaching the most vulnerable. As Somalia takes its seat on the UN Security Council, we stand ready to work with all nations to address these challenges, strengthen cooperation and promote multilateralism and build a world where no one is left behind. Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Somalia has come a long way on its journey toward stability and development. This past year has been particularly significant, marked by critical milestones that signal Somalia’s rising trajectory. We have successfully completed the debt relief process, allowing us to reclaim our economic sovereignty and integrate into a global financial system. Additionally, Somalia’s accession to the East African community marks a new era of regional integration, trade and cooperation. We have also made a historic stride in lifting a longstanding armistice embargo, a step that will further enable us to safeguard our sovereignty and security. Security is fundamental to development, and Somalia has prioritized the fight against terrorism with remarkable success. In the past two years, our national security forces have reclaimed more than two-thirds of the territory that was once under the control of a Shaba terrorist group, significantly diminishing their operational capability. Mr. President, With marked progress in governance, democratization and political stability, Somalia stands on the brink of significant economic growth, with fast and tight resources and strategic locations along major maritime trade routes. Our arable land offers great potential for agricultural protection, and our livestock sector is already among the strongest globally. We also have one of Africa’s highest potentials for renewable energy, particularly in onshore wind power. And our extensive coastline provides rich opportunities for sustainable fishing and other sectors of the blue economy. To capitalize on these assets, we are drafting a national transformation plan that outlines our vision for leveraging our resources to achieve stability, self-reliance and prosperity. We welcome international investment and cooperation to help us realize this potential, integrate into the global economy and contribute to regional peace and stability through strong partnerships. Mr. President, As we look ahead, Somalia is determined to be defined not by the hardships of its past, but by the possibilities of its future. Let us act now to build a future where every nation, every community and every person can thrive in dignity and peace. I thank you for your attention.
President: On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The Assembly will hear an address by His Excellency Christian Ntsay, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Republic of Madagascar. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the Assembly.
Christian Ntsay – Madagascar: Mr. President, Heads of State and Government, United Nations Secretary General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have come here with a profound sense of honour and responsibility to address you today with the mission entrusted to me by His Excellency, Mr. Andri Rajolina, President of the Republic of Madagascar and on behalf of the Madagascar people. I wish to applaud the election of Mr. Philemon Yang, His Excellency, to the Presidency of the 79th Session of the General Assembly. Your exemplary parkour and your wealth of knowledge in terms of global affairs are undeniable assets to guide our work. Rest assured, Your Excellency, of the support of Madagascar in the fulfilment of your noble mission. Madagascar, as newly elected Vice-President of this General Assembly, is honoured to serve for this term 2024-2025. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, The theme of this session of the General Assembly, Leaving No One Behind, Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations, particularly resonates today in this time of grave uncertainty in the world and for the world. Today we are strongly reminded of how interconnected the different global challenges are and how important it is to engage in a collective response with solidarity and being resolute. Indeed, peace, the fragile foundation of a world that faces divisions, is today being jeopardised by many different crises, a multitude of crises with dangerous and profound geo-strategic ramifications. Far from being a regional conflict, the war in Ukraine is shaking the international order and exacerbating geo-political tensions, worsening food and energy insecurity and putting global peace and security in peril. Terrorism and transnational crime continue to sow terror and distress, affecting in a disproportionate way the most vulnerable populations. The proliferation of weapons and drugs, in particular in conflict zones, are feeding a hellish cycle of violence and instability, thus hindering the long-term development objectives and mortgaging off the future of entire generations. The climate emergency has become a tangible and devastating reality. The multiplication of extreme climate events, the degradation of ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity are all warning signs that should push us to act with a sense of determination and clear-sightedness. Glowing inequalities across the world make fertile ground for social tensions, for conflicts and for instability. The Covid-19 pandemic, far from having been a great leveller, has exacerbated existing gaps, shedding light on how vulnerable healthcare systems are and social protection systems are in many countries and further widening the gap between rich countries and developing countries. President, ladies and gentlemen, faced with these challenges, we cannot give in to fear or to fatality. Multilateralism as embodied by the United Nations remains the best weapon that we have available to us and remains our collective instrument to build a more safe and peaceful world. However, and unfortunately, we must note and we must realise that the multilateral system now that was created in the post-war period is struggling to effectively respond to the challenges of a world that is so swiftly and significantly changing. A courageous and ambitious reform of the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, is the only way to achieve this. to guarantee the well-being of future generations. To this end, the President of the Republic of Madagascar, Mr. Andrew Radjalina, recalled during his statement in Glasgow at the COP26 conference that took place in 2022 how important it is to ramp up the mobilization of $100 billion in line with the Paris Agreement in order to finance the energy transition policy in Africa. The fight against climate change can therefore not be decoupled from development issues. It’s essential to support developing countries in their transition towards a green and resilient economy by providing them the financial and technology resources that they require while recognizing their right to development. It is essential and urgent to promote a development model for a more inclusive and more equitable world that leaves nobody behind. Above and beyond words, now is the time to act. It is time now to turn our commitments into concrete actions, especially for Africa, by investing massively in education, in health care, in drinking water, in social protection for all, in infrastructure and innovation, and in job creation, in particular for young people and for women. For inclusive multilateralism, it is time to promote more just and more equitable international trade and to promote and guarantee equitable access to knowledge and to technology and to the finance and investment systems. They need to be fairer as well, and the same goes for social justice and sustainable peace in the world. President, ladies and gentlemen, Madagascar, aware of these global challenges and of how urgent it is to bring concerted and lasting solutions, is committed with a sense of determination alongside the United Nations and its member states to build a more just and sustainable world with more solidarity. The Fiha Wanana, which is a national way of living together, is profoundly rooted in Malagasy culture and guides our action. It brings across our profound aspirations to live in harmony with mutual respect and solidarity, ensuring we leave nobody by the wayside and never forgetting the most vulnerable, working thus for a more fair society. The general policy of the state of Madagascar, implementing the vision of His Excellency Mr Andrew Rajolina, President of the Republic, places human capital as the main key pillar for development. Over the last five years, we’ve invested enormously in education, in training, health, security, innovative and inclusive social programmes, the fight against malnutrition, and in infrastructure in order to catch up with our development deficits and thus break the vicious cycle of poverty. The country continues to invest massively in these areas, which are the main foundation of our actions to foster human development. True to our country’s tradition of being a peaceful and tolerant people, Madagascar has made democracy, the respect of the rule of law and good governance, key tools to maintain stability, to strengthen peace and security, and to consolidate our path towards sustainable development. Of course, this is shown and very clearly proven explicitly in our classification in the Global Peace Index that has placed Madagascar in second place. So that’s the second most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024. Of course, we do nevertheless have many challenges, however, the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Andri Radjoulina, President of the Republic, is in line with the hopes of our compatriots who entrusted him with a new term in 2024 to engage in agricultural and industrial transformations for Madagascar to create more jobs and decent income for young people and rural people, to bring added value to the Madagascan economy, and to bring more peace and sustainable development for the country. Today, Madagascar is the third largest rice producer in Africa, however, our ambition is to become number one with new policy guidance for regional development coming from the government to optimize farming in the rice paddies of our country, focusing on new knowledge and new technology in terms of using agricultural inputs for all farmers and to improve irrigation infrastructure in order to double, even triple productivity on the short term, focusing on the so-called agricultural aggregation to better attract private investment in intensive rice production and also other crops like potatoes and dry grains, etc. When it comes to development challenges, Madagascar intends to bolster its tireless efforts to improve our road network by building the flagship Sunshine Road project, the Routes du Soleil, that connects the regions on the east side of our great islands, and this is going to bring about more growth and investment, public and private investment, more fluid trade to develop tourism in our regions and to rapidly transform regional economies and strengthen peace and security in the country. These efforts on our road network are also part of our government’s priority actions to carry out large infrastructure projects. Renewable energy is thus one of the priorities that my government has today to achieve its industrialisation plan and its many actions seeking to improve the living conditions of our population, in particular the rural population, by substantially reducing the state budget in a lasting way by subsidising the cost of electricity production to carefully support the development projects. In this regard, we are now ramping up our solar energy project with 47 different solar panel projects in the country and we are also starting to build hydroelectric power stations and solar power stations with private investors and development partners that will allow us to reach additional production of more than 500 megawatts over the next four to five years. The goal that we seek is to double the shares of the agricultural and industrial sectors in Madagascar’s GDP in order to bring about real growth that creates jobs and sustainable income for youth and for rural people, thus transforming our economy and substantially reducing poverty to enable the development of our great island to soar. Aware of the climate change challenges and the challenges that that causes for peace, security and development, Madagascar, although we are one of the most vulnerable to climate change, is a very low greenhouse gas emitter and we are facing harsh blows from cyclones, drought, coastal erosion and loss of biodiversity and this risks considerably reducing, even annihilating economic and social progress made through agricultural and industrial transformations that we’ve been engaging in thus far. Since Madagascar is one of the few countries that is actually saving the planet with a negative carbon footprint thanks to our forests, we’re actually one of the real green lungs of the African continent, in light of this I urge the international community to ramp up and to accelerate climate adaptation finance for the most vulnerable countries, in particular island countries like Madagascar. Madagascar is determined to preserve our precious natural assets for future generations. President, ladies and gentlemen, by way of conclusion, Madagascar more than ever now is appealing for strengthened multilateralism that is more just and that is based on dialogue, cooperation and solidarity. Madagascar will continue to work tirelessly alongside the United Nations and its member states to build a world of peace, development and dignity for all. Thank you for your attention.
President: On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Republic of Madagascar. I now give the floor to His Excellency Filip Ivanovic, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro.
Filip Ivanovic – Montenegro: Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to address to you today on behalf of Montenegro and to reiterate our unequivocal support and commitment to the goals and principles of the UN Charter, as well as the overall mission of the World Organization, as we are confronted with unprecedented challenges across the globe, not only in terms of international peace and security, but in other domains as well. Allow me to extend due acknowledgement and gratitude to the President of the previous session of the General Assembly, His Excellency Denis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago, for his achievements and guidance through these unsettling circumstances. Furthermore, I would like to express our best wishes to his successor, His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon. We wish him a successful tenure, and we welcome the choice of this year’s debate team, as it faithfully portrays the very mission of the United Nations, and you can count on the full support of the Montenegrin delegation. Ladies and gentlemen, leaving no one behind while acting together for peace and security, sustainable development and human dignity are the key challenges lying before the United Nations, to which unfortunately, as a community, we still have failed to provide an effective and a comprehensive response. Achievement of a peaceful and sustainable future against the backdrop of one-sided, arbitrary and authoritative actions of a handful of international actors, but whose actions are jeopardizing the peace and welfare of the majority, will insist on our full-scale vigilance and awareness, and put our words and our rhetoric to a practical test. Even though the occurring geopolitical developments have clearly demonstrated that our efforts have fallen short and that we must do much more, and not just more, but much better, there is a solution and an alternative. Multilateralism, at its best and strongest, led by a more powerful United Nations, at the helm of international cooperation and global response, if we are to have a peaceful and prosperous global society. Dear colleagues, national-based narrow approaches, instead of global solutions, still dominate the international environment. And rather than uniting in joint endeavours with positive global circumstances, we are losing ground to authoritarianism and unilateral behaviour. In addition to the crisis in the Middle East, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, civil war in Sudan, instability in the Horn of Africa, Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Haiti, we are facing a number of other issues, including the climate emergency, growing food insecurity, erosion of democracy and human rights, growing terrorism and violent extremism, cyber threats and backsliding on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, only contributing to an already alarming global situation. We commend and support the Secretary-General’s new Agenda for Peace, which offers and identifies indeed the needed tools and measures for generating a quality response to the ongoing challenges, especially through disarmament, more investments in diplomacy and mediation, mitigation of geopolitical influence on the population, prevention of further fragmentation of global trade rules, effective tackling of the climate change issues, as well as prevention of violence and human rights violations. As we are all very much aware, the pace of the SDGs’ implementation is not at the percentage we hoped for. Member States need to commit to the realisation of the 2030 Agenda as the best possible way to build long-standing peace and prosperity. However, we need to take into consideration that the developing economies are not able to sufficiently finance policies to implement the SDGs, especially in the light of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. We are committed to the promotion of good governance and strong institutions at all levels as key enablers of sustainable development, peace and security, and we strongly advocate for reforms towards a more inclusive and representative international financial architecture. Therefore, we support the Secretary-General’s appeal for a wholesale reform of the financial architecture, which at the moment does not offer developing countries the affordable financing needed to achieve the SDGs, and we join the UN in calling upon the international financial structure to finance these countries in a form of eligible credit arrangements. Within its capabilities, Montenegro will continue to fully support the transformation based on accelerating the implementation of the goals and objectives of sustainable development, with the aim of achieving continuous, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, while protecting natural resources, improving the state of human resources and strengthening social inclusion. Excellencies, in view of the volatile situation in the Middle East, I would like to express Montenegro’s deep concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian situation in Gaza with the destruction of infrastructure, lack of water, food and healthcare. We call upon all the parties to de-escalate and engage in a meaningful dialogue. Our position is clear. We have condemned the indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel from October 7, 2023. At the same time, however, we also condemn every act of violence against the civilian population, as well as the interruption of water, food and energy supplies in the Gaza Strip. It is of absolute importance that the humanitarian corridors are opened and humanitarian aid provided to civilians. Any response to a terrorist attack must be undertaken in accordance with international humanitarian law. We call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, during which negotiations would be conducted towards a two-state solution, as only a two-state model guarantees lasting a sustainable peace in the region. Again, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, the international law must be upheld by all the parties to the conflict and all hostages still in captivity, released immediately and unconditionally. Montenegro also reiterates its strong condemnation of the destruction that the Russian aggression has caused in Ukraine, including the killing of civilians, as well as unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure, sexual and gender-based violence, and reports of child abduction. We emphasize yet again that there can be no impunity for war and other heinous crimes, and that we must ensure responsibility as a precondition for ensuring a durable peace. In this regard, we support all accountability initiatives to fight impunity and ensure justice. As the aggression has been particularly devastating for children, we call on the Russian Federation to fully respect the international humanitarian law and to immediately implement measures to protect children. In addition, we call on the Russian Federation to cease attacks on civilian infrastructure and allow aid to the affected civilian population, including areas under temporary Russian military control. I would like to reconfirm our support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Montenegro will continue to support Ukraine and will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic aid. Like the entire international community, we want to see a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter and the adopted resolutions of the UN General Assembly. Dear colleagues, I believe we can all agree that the ongoing global crisis represents one of the gravest challenges to international peace and security since the creation of the World Organization. The world ought to be united as ever before in defending democracy, human rights, the freedom of choice, rule of law, and ensuring peace and prosperity, but above all preserving human lives. The international community must also do significantly more in the fight against climate change with decisive actions much needed, such as the full implementation of the Paris Agreement and the resolution of the interconnections between the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are needed while strengthening climate action. Sustainable development goals and the fight against climate change are fundamentally linked to peace and security and human rights. Without peace, all other goals, from human rights and gender equality to addressing climate change, water and energy, and food security, will not be achieved. The increasing number of conflicts, as well as ever-growing threats to international peace and security, require a change in the current global practice and the application of a holistic and coordinated approach within the UN system based on prevention. It is in this context that we must take a better advantage of the preventive capacity of the Human Rights Council. As a member of the Council for the term of 2022-2024, we fully recognize its contribution to the early warning system when it comes to prevention of violence and mass violations of human rights. Unfortunately, as it is the case with other forums, I am afraid we do not use them properly and to the fullest scope of their potential. Nevertheless, Montenegro remains a dedicated defender and promoter of human rights and freedoms, their universality and indivisibility, which we must not take for granted. Advancing and supporting the integration of human rights and the gender perspective in all aspects of the work of the United Nations and preserving the universality and independence of the human rights system remain our absolute priority. and in that light, further strengthening of the Human Rights Council role in responding to situations of serious human rights violations globally. Excellencies, there are still far too many places in the world where peace, stability, human rights, and even basic necessities are a luxury. This is something which we cannot be proud of. On the contrary, we more often place emphasis on reactionary humanitarian response rather than on a preventive one. Nevertheless, although of vital importance for the affected population, the humanitarian aid needs to be followed by an adequate political solution representing the best way to sustainably end violence and to establish long-term peace. Europe is firmly committed and determined to actively and constructively contribute and support collective efforts to preserve world peace and security, and in this line supports the new Agenda for Peace as an opportunity to shape new responses to old and emerging threats, including strengthening prevention, adapting UN peacekeeping forces to this new environment, and strengthening the peace-building architecture, including ensuring adequate predictable and sustainable financing for peace-building and implementation of Agenda Women, Peace, and Security in all its dimensions, as well as the Agenda Youth, Peace, and Security. At the same time, Montenegro continues to actively participate in peacekeeping missions, aware that only a safe neighborhood can provide a guarantee of our own security and prosperity. Furthermore, we hope the new Agenda for Peace will contribute to the preservation, implementation, and further strengthening of the global architecture for arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation, as well as multilateral export control regimes, strengthening at the same time multilateral capacities to address the challenges of terrorism and violent extremism, hybrid threats, as well as cyber risks. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the solution to all of these challenges must go hand in hand with the reform of the UN system, in line with the reform Agenda of the Secretary-General. In particular, as a small country, we are interested in strengthening the authority and role of the General Assembly, as well as its efficiency, but also of other main UN bodies. The reform of the UN system presupposes a flexible attitude of all participants in the negotiation process, especially in the process of reforming the Security Council. We believe that the reform of the UN Security Council, as the guardian of international peace and security, is necessary, with the expansion of its membership achieving a more equal representation of regional groups, which would thus enable more effective maintenance of international peace and security. In order for the United Nations to maintain and strengthen its central position in the global governance system, it is vital that the organization is reformed and adapted to the geopolitical realities of the 21st century and modern democratic values. Excellencies, in the conditions of an increasingly sharp international polarization, fragmentation and instability, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, it is our common responsibility to show the true value of the United Nations and effective multilateralism as a global solution to global challenges. We can either choose further isolationism and erosion of trust, growing xenophobia, nationalism and extremist ideas, or we can make a breakthrough by choosing a future based on the highest civilizational values of equality, justice, responsibility and solidarity, and not on retrograde ideologies, selfishness and unscrupulous populism. As John Adams once said, every problem is an opportunity in disguise. It is precisely what we have at our hands, a unique opportunity to use the current deteriorating international environment as momentum for building a more equal, just and sustainable world with a revitalized multilateralism based on fair and humane globalization, respect for human rights and dignity of all. We must act for peace and progress now, while we still have a chance built on achieving a just and quality of life for all. Montenegro, proud of its centuries-old multi-ethnic and multi-confessional tradition, remains steadfast on the course of a Euro-Atlantic future, good neighborly relations and multilateralism. Being a geographical part of Europe, values as well as principles-wise, we are convinced that only the acceleration of integration process and the stronger incentive of our EU partners can bring about stability and prosperity of the region, which is undoubtedly an important asset and contribution to the overall security and stability of Europe. Montenegro will continue to tirelessly pursue and promote those policies with undiminished commitment to the values of multilateralism, open and friendly cooperation. To conclude, ladies and gentlemen, the very core principles of the United Nations Charter are not just being compromised, but essentially nullified. We cannot act as innocent stand-byers as we are not. We must rise to the challenge, raise our voice and stand up for those in need, and demonstrate that our common values are not subject to interpretation, but that those who violate these principles have to be held accountable. Too many people have already lost their lives in recent conflicts across the globe. They have lost their loved ones and their homes, and in most cases forced to flee their countries. This must not happen in the 21st century. This is not what our predecessors fought for. We are better than this, but we must show it. This cannot be a heritage we wish to leave to our children. We must do better for the sake of the generations to come. I thank you.
President: I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro. I now give the floor to His Excellency Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
Rashid Meredov – Turkmenistan: Your Excellency, Madam Chair, distinguished heads and members of delegations, first of all, allow me to congratulate you on the beginning of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. I congratulate Mr. Philemon Yang on his election as the President of the General Assembly and wish him every success. I would also like to express my gratitude to Ambassador Dennis Francis for his effective leadership of the General Assembly during the 78th session. Ladies and gentlemen, strategic partnership with the United Nations and cooperation with member states are the main approach of Turkmenistan in addressing the pressing global issues and challenges. The key condition and main criterion in this work for Turkmenistan is adherence to the UN Charter, international legal norms, and recognize beneficial models of relations based on equality, sovereignty, and mutual respect among all participants in international affairs. In this logic, Turkmenistan supports the global mission of the United Nations as a conductor of the collective mandate and the balance of interests of member states. This position was reaffirmed at the meetings of the UN Secretary General with the President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people during his visit to Turkmenistan this summer. For the 79th session, Turkmenistan has decided to follow four priorities, which are peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, humanitarian issues. All of these areas are closely interconnected. This means that their implementation must be comprehensive, based on unified principles and approaches. In this context, Turkmenistan advocates for equal, fair, and balanced approach that would ensure the UN pays the same attention to all key areas of the international agenda. In matters of ensuring peace and security, Turkmenistan’s efforts at the current session will be aimed at strengthening peace and trust, enhancing the role of preventive diplomacy mechanisms, and furthering peacebuilding processes in line with the new agenda for peace. When it comes to global security, Turkmenistan is specially promoting model of neutrality within the United Nations, which is capable to provide the world community with practical tools to resolve existing and prevent potential conflicts and contradictions. Next year, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary. of the UN General Assembly Resolution on International Recognition of Neutral Status of Turkmenistan. Over the past years, our neutrality has demonstrated its alignment with the high ideals, basic principles and goals of the United Nations. The unanimous adoption in 2015 of the corresponding resolution of the General Assembly has demonstrated that neutrality became a heritage of the entire world community. During the 79th session, our country will be promoting further support of the political and legal foundations of neutrality and their application across a broad range of UN activities. Preventive diplomacy holds an important place here. We are convinced that the time has come to reflect on the significance of neutrality for global politics and its potential in the current strategic landscape. In this regard, Turkmenistan puts forward the initiative to provide neutral countries the status of priority partnership with the United Nations in its peacekeeping efforts. We are confident that this will serve as an effective impetus for the international community to more actively utilize the tools of neutrality and preventive diplomacy. One of the essential aspects of the United Nations security agenda is the practical implementation of the General Assembly resolution declaring 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. Naturally, as the country that initiated the resolution, Turkmenistan will take on the leading role in organizing relevant events next year. At the same time, we rely on the support of all member states, the UN Secretariat and its leadership to ensure that the International Year of Peace and Trust becomes a manifestation of the goodwill of the international community, its desire for peace and harmony, overcoming differences, conflicts and rejection of dividing lines. In the regional dimension, the most important aspect of ensuring security is cooperation in the Afghan direction and support for the people of Afghanistan in their aspirations to begin peaceful, constructive work to rebuild the economy and social sphere and solve humanitarian problems. In this context, I would like to highlight major infrastructure projects in Afghanistan being implemented by our country together with international partners. Among them is the construction of the strategic Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline. Just two weeks ago, we began a new stage of construction of this pipeline on Afghan territory. Other significant projects include the construction of power transmission and fiber-optic communication lines along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan route, as well as a new railway from Turkmenistan towards the Afghan direction. Turkmenistan’s humanitarian aid to the Afghan people will continue, including the free construction of social facilities there and the education of Afghan students in our country’s educational institutions. Thus, Turkmenistan in practice confirms its strong position of solidarity with the people of Afghanistan. In addressing the global climate agenda, Turkmenistan will be focusing on protection of the environment in Central Asia and Caspian Sea region. In this regard, our country advocates for more active and extensive UN involvement in saving the Aral Sea. Turkmenistan initiated the adoption of two recent UN General Assembly resolutions on cooperation between the UN and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Furthermore, in 2023, ISCAP adopted a resolution on the modalities for creating UN special program for the Aral Sea Basin. Among other specific problems of Central Asia, which have much broader consequences and impact, we highlight desertification and the reduction of water resources. All of this requires more active cooperation with the UN and the presence of its resident offices in the region on a permanent basis. Turkmenistan is ready to work on this. As a concrete step, in cooperation with the UN, our country is promoting the establishment of a specialized structure, the Regional Center for Climate-Related Technologies. Another topic that has gone far beyond regional borders is the Caspian issue. In this regard, we especially emphasize that preserving the Caspian Sea as a unique natural complex are not just the internal affairs of the littoral states, but a global-scale problem and challenge. The approaches to solving them should be appropriate. Therefore, Turkmenistan appeals to the UN, its relevant agencies such as UNEP and UNDP, financial institutions, environment funds, primarily global environment facility and green climate fund, and other structures, urging them to move towards systematic and targeted cooperation with the Caspian states to combat the sea’s shallowing destruction of its ecological balance, reduction of biodiversity, and other ecological and climate issues affecting the Caspian Sea. The President of Turkmenistan at the last session of the UN General Assembly proposed the Caspian Environmental Initiative. We are ready to start the active dialogue on this topic and hope the full support of the General Assembly. In matters of sustainable development, we propose moving forward with a number of specific initiatives from Turkmenistan. In particular, we are talking about developing a global framework program for the transition to a circular economy. Other initiatives include the creation of a global atlas of sustainable transport connectivity and alliance for global energy security and sustainable development. In cooperation with the UN, we are ready to begin developing algorithms for joint work on these proposals. Turkmenistan will continue to work with the UN to overcome the consequences of the humanitarian crisis, address population issues, protect motherhood and children, and safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities, refugees, and stateless persons, among other topics. I would like to note that our country has done significant work in reducing and preventing statelessness. Currently, more than 32,000 people, including refugees and stateless persons, have been granted Turkmen citizenship. It means that this year we have fulfilled a five-year international action plan to eliminate statelessness. Ladies and gentlemen, next year, the entire world will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. We are approaching a milestone where responsibility, foresight, and realism must guide all our thoughts and actions. It is time to reflect on the paths traveled, assess the experience, correct mistakes and shortcomings, and together move forward in improving the work of our organization and its institutions. One thing must remain unshakable. It is commitment to the values, principles, and goals of the United Nations, because they have proven their viability. nd Alignment with the Fundamental Long-Term Interests of Humanity. Around this fact, now more than ever, it is necessary to combine all responsible forces. Turkmenistan believes in the United Nations and its huge creative potential. For our country, the United Nations has always been and remains the unique international organization with universal legal status. The voice of the United Nations must remain strong in ensuring global peace and security, sustainable development and solving humanitarian problems. Turkmenistan will continue to contribute its efforts in addressing the global challenges for the future of the world through realization of its priorities. Thank you for your attention.
President: I now give the floor to His Excellency Tae-yul Cho, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. Madam President, Distinguished Delegates,
Tae-yul Cho – Korea: I would like to extend my congratulations to His Excellency Philemon Yang on assuming the presidency of the 79th session of the General Assembly. Let me also pay tribute to Secretary-General António Guterres for his dedication to global peace and prosperity. The year 2024 has sadly earned the distinction of being the most conflict-ridden year since World War II. Across the globe, from Ukraine to the Middle East, conflict and division have torn at the fabric of human dignity. Two billion people, or roughly one in four, reside in conflict zones, 310 million people require humanitarian assistance worldwide, and more than 120 million, or one in 70, are refugees. Meanwhile, records suggest that we are brushing dangerously close to the critical threshold of 1.5 Celsius degrees. Most worrying of all, the international community seems to be losing the sense of what these numbers really stand for. Real lives disrupted, families displaced, futures lost, and a planetary crisis looming. As the war of aggression against Ukraine drags on to its third year, as seemingly intractable challenges mount with no end in sight, cynicism and powerlessness are hardening in some quarters. There is growing belief that multilateralism is ineffective and the United Nations is no longer relevant. But I stand before you today to affirm that this is not true. My nation’s very existence as a free, democratic, and prosperous country is the proof that the United Nations in action works. It was the first ever UN-led coalition that defended the freedom and democracy in the Republic of Korea, ravaged by war in the early 1950s. Our journey from devastation to democracy and prosperity was made possible by the continued support of the international community, particularly through UN agencies and programs. The story of the Republic of Korea provides the antidote against paralyzing defeatism. It is a story of what we can achieve when good men and women choose to act together. There is concrete evidence that a multilateral system can make a real difference. If global challenges are mounting, then we must double down on multilateralism. We need more of the UN in action, not less. This is why I applaud the timely and proactive initiative of Secretary-General António Guterres to convene the Summit of the Future this year. As we prepare to mark the 80th S-Session of the UN General Assembly next year, we must ask ourselves what will be the UN’s role in the decades to come? Where do we see ourselves in the 90th and 100th sessions of the UN General Assembly? The Pact for the Future is the culmination of all our soul-searching at the Summit of the Future. It galvanizes our resolve to act not just for the present, but for the future generations as well. Mr. President, now the onus is on each and every one of the UN members to fulfill the commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. Earlier, I mentioned that UN in action works, but we must not forget UN in action actually means UN members in action. Under the foreign policy vision of President Yoon Sung-ryeol, the Republic of Korea seeks to be a global pivotal state, recognizing both its indebtedness to the multilateral systems and its growing ability to be their champion. The Republic of Korea is committed to do its part as a UN member by serving three functions, a facilitator, a supporter, and an initiator. First, in the global efforts to build sustainable peace, the Republic of Korea will act as a facilitator. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the sustainable presence of security and opportunity. The Republic of Korea understands this deeply, having endured the trials of war and division. Today, the Republic of Korea is one of the core contributors to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts around the world. Its troops and experts serve in some of the world’s most volatile regions, providing not just security but hope. To ensure that peace is durable, however, it is important to go beyond the individual efforts of contributing countries. The Republic of Korea advocates strengthening the UN’s peacebuilding architecture with the Peacebuilding Commission at its core, fulfilling its unique mandate to bridge all three pillars of the United Nations to bring greater coherence and a more integrated approach. We will actively participate in the Peacebuilding Architecture Review next year, with a focus on how to strengthen the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus. We will also align our humanitarian aid and development cooperation programs with the United Nations activities to promote peace and security around the world, and collaborate with the United Nations to identify multifaceted challenges and address their root causes in a coherent and holistic manner. At the heart of our mission as a facilitator is our role as an elected member of the Security Council for the 2024-25 term. Our focus is on peacekeeping and peacebuilding, advancing the UN peace and security agenda, and addressing the complex relationship between climate and security. However, we must also face the dysfunctions that have hampered the Council’s effectiveness. It is increasingly difficult to justify the current structure when a permanent member continues its war of aggression on its neighbor, challenging the fundamental tenets of the UN Charter it is tasked with upholding. The misuse of its right to veto is putting deadlocks on important and urgent work. As we seek to find practical solutions by actively building common ground amongst the diverging views of the Council members, we will also work with all UN Member States to achieve a comprehensive Security Council reform in the international intergovernmental negotiations. Expanding elected membership under equitable geographical distribution and through regular elections will contribute to a more democratic, effective, transparent, representative, and accountable Council. The compromise proposal of longer-term re-electable seats deserves due attention in this regard. The Republic of Korea will also actively address the surging demand for humanitarian aid in the midst of ongoing conflicts. This year, the Republic of Korea has committed US$200 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and we also plan to provide US$100 million to tackle the humanitarian crisis by this year’s end, including US$30 million for civilians affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Sadly, conflict in the Middle East is now being further escalated, especially in the Israel-Lebanon border. The Republic of Korea joins the United States, France, and many others in urging the parties to pause their fighting and instead give diplomacy a chance to succeed. Second, the Republic of Korea will play a role as a supporter for the Global South in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. e, and Siaosi. As the first country to transition from an aid recipient to a donor nation, we firmly believe that we can and should be the tide that lifts other boats. This philosophy underpins our approach to official development assistance, which has grown by 30 percent this year from last year and quadrupled since 2010. With only six years left to meet the SDGs and only 17 percent of these goals on track, we also wish to be smart about how our ODA is put to use, however fast-growing it is. Our initiative to serve as a green ladder through our Green ODA demonstrates the commitment to tackle the nexus of climate change and the SDGs. Recently, the Republic of Korea has committed an additional $300 million to the Green Climate Fund, $7 million to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, and has plans to continue expanding its Green ODA. But financial support is only part of the occasion. We are buttressing our funding with intangible support by sharing our unique developmental know-how and by building wider and more sustained partnerships. The inaugural Korea-Pacific Islands Summit held last year, as well as the first-ever Korea-Africa Summit held in June this year, were landmark events which highlighted our commitment to deepening mutually enriching partnerships with these regions. At the June Korea-Africa Summit, we pledged to increase our ODA to Africa up to $10 billion by 2030 and to collaboratively address global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and supply chain disruptions. We put a particular focus on empowering the youth of Africa, the youngest continent in the world, to drive sustainable development through initiatives like Tech for Africa. Next year, we plan to organize the inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit where sustainable development will again take center stage. All of this would only be a half measure without Korea’s own green transition. We will remain fully committed to carbon-free energy initiative. Third, the Republic of Korea will act as an initiator in the global efforts to install new norms and governance for human dignity and well-being. The exponential growth of technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, has not only opened new frontiers, but also poses potential risks to human rights and dignity. Meeting such a new challenge requires new norms and governance fit for our time. To that end, my president, standing in this very hall last year, pledged to lead the global discussions on AI governance, and we have since spearheaded efforts to establish frameworks that ensure AI is developed and used in service of humanity. The Seoul Declaration for Safe, Innovative, and Inclusive AI, adopted during the AI Seoul Summit in May, marked a significant milestone in building the norms for civilian AI. The adoption of Blueprint for Action during the second summit on responsible AI in the military domain earlier this month in Seoul further laid the groundwork for norms for military use of AI. We are also dedicated to addressing cyber threats and promoting an open, free, and safe cyberspace that respects human rights. Leveraging its expertise in cybersecurity, the Republic of Korea has actively participated in global efforts to establish comprehensive norms, including the UN Convention Against Cybercrime. Our work extends to the UN Security Council, where, as an elected member, the Republic of Korea is helping to lay a solid foundation for the Council’s effective and agile response to cybersecurity issues. Another area of concern is plastic pollution, a global crisis that threatens both ecosystems and human health. The Republic of Korea will host the fifth and the last session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution in Busan in November this year, where we hope to work with the UN members to reach a binding agreement to end this pollution. Mr. President and Madam President, the heartbreaking tragedy is that, just miles from Seoul, we find cynicism at its bleakest. North Korea continues to pose threats to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond, with its ongoing development of nuclear and missile capabilities, as shown by the recent disclosure of uranium enrichment facilities, as well as provocations that have swooped down to despicable levels, such as sending trash balloons into the South. Moreover, North Korea has been engaged in military cooperation with Russia, providing it with missiles and millions of ammunitions. It is indeed deplorable that Russia, a permanent Security Council member and one of the founding states for the non-proliferation regime, is engaging in illegal arms trade with North Korea, and in April of this year, vetoed the extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on sanctions against North Korea, which had been functioning effectively for the past 15 years. The heart of the matter is that North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and egregious human rights abuses are two sides of the same coin. North Korea is only able to develop these weapons of mass destruction with impunity by repressing the human rights of its people and diverting scarce resources from its starving populace. What Pyongyang offers is not a vision, but a cold and self-serving calculus, a calculus that only sees two indeficits persisting indefinitely, a deficit of peace on the peninsula and a deficit of freedom in North Korea. Madam President, the August 15 Unification Doctrine unveiled by President Yoon Sung-ryeol last month presents a vision of a unified Korean peninsula that is free, peaceful, and prosperous. Recognizing that achieving sustainable peace is an unfinished task on the peninsula, we firmly believe that the road to peace runs through the expansion of freedom and through the unification of the Korean peninsula. This peace will contribute to global peace and security. Under this vision, freedom, which has underpinned the Republic of Korea’s independence, growth, and prosperity will at last be fully unlocked in the North, restoring the human rights of each and every Korean. Achieving this vision requires the international community to advocate the freedom and human rights of North Koreans who have no voice. The Republic of Korea is committed to working together with the international community to steer North Korea towards making the right decisions. Madam President, nearly 75 years ago, founders of the United Nations stood together, bound by faith in multilateralism, to defend freedom and sovereignty and uphold the UN Charter. As we approach the 80th session of the General Assembly next year, we must recommit ourselves to the principles that brought us together. Multilateralism is not an outdated concept. It is the only path forward. To stand idle in the face of today’s challenges would be to abandon both the vulnerable today and the generation of tomorrow. Thank you very much.
President: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia.
Penny Wong – Australia: President, friends, steeled by the horror of the most catastrophic conflict in history, humanity forged our United Nations. Its purpose often defined not as taking us to heaven but saving us from hell. Yet we convene this week with so much of the human family enshrouded in darkness. More conflict than any time since World War II. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, Gaza, and now Lebanon. Brutal, degrading conflict, ingraining hate and division, pushing peace into the unseeable distance and pulling neighbours into an endless, reflexive cycle of blame and retaliation. Such entrenched violence has its own gravity. More violence becomes the path of least resistance. Seeing past hatred is hard, building trust is hard, compromise is hard, making peace is hard, but the future otherwise is not worthy of our children and the present not worthy of ourselves. We must remember why we built this institution. The United Nations system is where the world comes together to agree and uphold standards and rules to protect all of the world’s peoples and the sovereignty of all nations. These rules always matter and never more so than in times of conflict when they help guide us out of darkness back toward the light. Back on a Path Towards Peace, Stability and Prosperity Not long after we last gathered here, Israel was attacked by the terrorist group Hamas, which killed 1,200 people. This was the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, and Hamas continues to hold hostages. It was an attack that cannot and should not be justified. Like many countries, Australia has imposed sanctions on Hamas, its leaders and financial facilitators. In Israel’s response, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, more than 11,000 children, nearly 2 million Gazans displaced, some many times over, more than 2 million facing acute food insecurity. This must end. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas. All lives have equal value. Last month, we marked 75 years since the world established the Geneva Conventions, the foundations of international humanitarian law to limit human suffering in conflict. War has rules. Every country in this room must abide by them, even when confronting terrorists, even when defending borders. Israel must comply with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice, including to enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale. Australia shares the frustration of the great majority of countries more than 77 years since this General Assembly adopted Resolution 181, a plan for two states, side by side, one Jewish, one Palestinian. Seventy-seven years later, that Palestinian state is still at the end of a peace process that has ground to a halt. The world cannot wait. We must all contribute new ways to break the cycle of conflict. Earlier this year, Australia voted in the General Assembly in support of Palestinian aspirations for full membership of the United Nations. We have sanctioned Israeli extremist settlers and will deny anyone identified as an extremist settler a visa to travel to Australia. But individual country actions alone are not moving the dial. The international community must work together to pave a path to lasting peace. The world cannot keep hoping the parties will do this themselves. We cannot allow any party to obstruct the prospect of peace. As I have said for many months, Australia no longer sees Palestinian recognition as the destination of a peace process, but a contribution towards momentum, momentum towards peace. Australia wants to engage on new ways to build momentum, including the role of the Security Council in setting a pathway for two states, with a clear timeline for the International Declaration of Palestinian Statehood. Because a two-state solution is the only hope of breaking the endless cycle of violence, the only hope to see a secure and prosperous future for both peoples, to give the Palestinian people the opportunity to realise their aspirations through self-determination, to strengthen the forces for peace across the region and undermine extremism. A two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, is the opposite of what Hamas wants. Hamas does not want peace, and it does not want security for the state of Israel. Any future Palestinian state must not be in a position to threaten Israel’s security, and there can be no role for terrorists, and it will need a reformed Palestinian authority. Right now, the suffering across the region must end. Hostages must be released, aid must flow. Australia has provided more than $80 million in humanitarian aid to support civilians who have been devastated by this conflict, but humanitarian aid is not a long-term answer. It is now nearly 300 days since Australia and 152 other countries voted for a ceasefire, and today I repeat that call. Just as I repeat Australia’s call for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for parties to fully implement Resolution 1701, Lebanon cannot become the next Gaza. We know Australia is not a central player in the Middle East, but we seek to be a constructive voice for peace and the upholding of international law, including the protection of civilians. In order to protect civilians, we must also protect aid workers who deliver the food, water and medicine civilians need to survive. Aid workers are the best of humanity. Their selfless devotion to improving the lives of others should not cost them their own. Yet 2023 was the deadliest year on record for aid workers, and 2024 is on track to be even worse. Gaza is the most dangerous place on earth to be an aid worker. Australia felt this deeply with the IDF strike against World Central Kitchen Vehicles which killed Australian zombie Frank Hom and her colleagues. This was not a one-off incident. More than 308 workers have been killed since the start of the conflict. This week, Australia has convened a group of ministers to pursue a new declaration for the protection of humanitarian personnel. This declaration will be developed over the coming months to demonstrate the unity of the international community’s commitment to protect aid workers and to channel that commitment into action in Gaza, in Sudan, in Ukraine and in all current and future conflicts. All countries will be invited to join the declaration and I want to thank my fellow ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom and the humanitarian leaders who have partnered with us in this. As zombie Frank Hom’s family said this week, people like zombie are rare and their bravery and selflessness should be not only celebrated but protected. They can’t be brave at any cost. The world’s peoples are counting on all of us here to rededicate ourselves to international humanitarian law and the rest of the rules we have agreed to preserve peace and security. Russia continues its vicious assault on the people and sovereignty of Ukraine in flagrant violation of the UN Charter. Aside from terrible damage and loss of life in Ukraine, Russia’s invasion is also propelling the global crisis in food and energy security, raising the cost of living for working people all over the world. This year we saw Russia end the mandate of the Security Council’s panel of experts on the DPRK after 14 years of unanimous support. The DPRK continues its unlawful activities with impunity, conducting illegal arms transfers to Russia and threatening our region, including the Republic of Korea and Japan. And we are concerned that Russia is sharing nuclear and space information and technology with Iran. Rules are being blurred, undermined and at times blatantly violated. We must rally to defend these rules that protect us all. These rules that form the character of the world we want. A world where Australia and other countries have the freedom to decide our own futures without interference and intimidation. A world where we can find collective solutions to our toughest problems. These problems are evolving and changing. But the commitment of some states to the rules underpinning the international system has not evolved for the better. Whether cyber attacks, interference, disinformation or economic coercion, some states circumvent the rules, putting further out of reach collective approaches to counter new and emerging threats. Pressing challenges like climate change, technology, poverty, reform of financial architecture and increasingly necessary peace building work. We need reform of the UN system to better serve us all. But reform cannot become a means for disruptors to dismantle protections for smaller countries. No state should pretend the rules don’t apply to them. Ignoring international rulings, using might over multilateralism, ruling by power alone, not by law, favouring impunity rather than facing accountability. Forcing outcomes by economic coercion or military muscle rather than on the level playing field we have established so carefully. We see some states trying to set us against each other when the challenges demand that we come together, that we stand together in support of the security, prosperity and sovereignty of all countries. Australia has a different vision for the world. One where no country dominates and no country is dominated. When disputes inevitably arise, we insist those differences are managed through dialogue and according to the rules, not simply by force or raw power. It’s why we have consistently pressed China on peace and stability in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. And why we have welcomed the resumption of leader and military level dialogue between the United States and China. Some countries may dismiss the rules as a western construct. Well, our Asia Pacific region tells a different story. Take the agreement between Vietnam and Indonesia to delimit their exclusive economic zone after 12 years of negotiations, an example of how long-standing maritime disputes can be resolved in accordance with international law. Take Vanuatu’s landmark international court of justice initiative on climate change, or Fiji and Solomon Islands maritime boundary agreements. Take the Bay of Bengal arbitration where states peacefully resolved long-standing and sensitive claims under UNCLOS, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Or Australia and Timor-Leste, initiating the first ever compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS, leading to the signing of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. We are now proceeding to the resolution of our Maritime Boundary Dispute. We see it in the Philippines’ decision to go to the arbitral tribunal constituted under Oteyongklos and its unanimous clear ruling in the South China Sea arbitration between the Philippines and China, which is final and binding on the parties. These cases in our region illustrate how international law has been built, defended and promoted by small and medium countries from different traditions. The countries of our region have embedded the rules that serve us all and we make an ongoing contribution to maintaining and promoting them. Together we want to pursue peaceful ways to resolve disputes. We know this doesn’t happen on its own. All of us help make it happen. Australia is doing this by being active, by exercising agency and by contributing our efforts to the balance of power in our region and in the world. Our candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the term 29-30 reflects our deep commitment to contributing to international peace and security. The Security Council is a foundation of our collective peace and security. But we must reform it. Australia wants greater permanent and non-permanent representation for Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific. This body must represent the world as it is in the 21st century. We must also reform the peacebuilding and conflict prevention architecture. It’s not working. That will be the focus of our coming term on the Peacebuilding Commission. We will support national prevention strategies in our term, essential for local peacebuilding. And we are providing additional resources and staff to the PBC’s support and secretariat bodies. We will increase our voluntary contribution to the UN Peacebuilding Fund to $15 million a year because we are committed to doing all we can to de-escalate and prevent conflict. We do this by responding when we or our neighbours are coerced or have sovereignty threatened. We do this by supporting our region’s security, as we did at the Pacific Islands Forum this month when we stood side-by-side with Pacific leaders to announce a Pacific-led, Australia-backed Pacific policing initiative. We do this by backing the call of Fiji’s President for a cessation of ballistic missile testing in the Pacific. We do this by combining reassurance and deterrence, by working with our friends and partners openly and transparently, so no potential aggressor thinks the pursuit of conflict is worth the risk. But there is so much more to do. Friends, for peace to be truly durable, it must be built by and for all of society, including women. Yet here in the world’s premier peace forum, only about one in ten speakers so far this week have been women. Gender equality is a primary predictor of peace, even more so than a state’s wealth or political system. That is why Australia champions the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. We support initiatives we know are working, like the Southeast Asia Women Peace Mediators, who link stakeholders to enhance the potential for constructive dialogue. Like the Pacific Women Mediators Network, a locally-led, vibrant, inclusive platform to support women’s political leadership. And earlier this week, with Germany, Canada and the Netherlands, Australia invoked Afghanistan’s responsibility under international law for the violations of the rights of women and girls. The Taliban have erased women from Afghanistan’s self-portrait. Effectively imprisoning half their society’s population immediately halves their country’s potential, depleting the soul and the prospects of a nation. Any country that wants to develop fully must encourage the full participation of all its people. So we can’t pursue only parts of the 2030 Agenda. We must achieve all of the Sustainable Development Goals. And yet, with just over five years to 2030, over a third of the SDGs are stalled or regressing, and finance targets are not being met. In times of scarcity, we need every development dollar to count. This is why we need to strengthen the global financial architecture, and this is why Australia is backing the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and the Bridgetown Initiative. This is why Australia is championing reforms that make the MDBs more responsive to global shocks and build sustainability and resilience, particularly in the smallest and most vulnerable countries. This year, Australia committed AU$492 million to the Asian Development Fund, working with Japan to unlock a record AU$5 billion in new assistance to the region’s most vulnerable countries over the next decade. Financial pressures are further strained by the trend of trade being used as a point of leverage rather than an opportunity, as economic interdependence is misused for political and strategic ends. Nearly every country in this room depends on open trade, with transparent and predictable rules. So we must keep working together to uphold these trade rules that underpin our economic growth and the livelihoods of our peoples. Of course, it’s not just finance and unfair trade arrangements that threaten development. Climate change is causing more disasters, reversing years of development gains overnight. Extreme weather threatens food and water security, with grave implications for global stability. Australia is acting at home, enshrining our ambitious emissions reduction targets into legislation, 43 per cent by 2030, net zero by 2050. We are transforming our economy. Within this decade, 82 per cent of our electricity generation will be renewable, up from just 32 per cent when I first addressed you two years ago. We are building new industries to accelerate our economic transition and to export reliable renewable energy to the world. And we are acting internationally to respond to our partners. By the end of 2025, Australia will offer climate-resilient debt clauses in our sovereign loans. And the groundbreaking Australia Tuvalu-Fallipili Union Treaty entered into force on 28 August. Friends, it is the first time. Two nations have recognised in a legally binding treaty, continuing statehood and sovereignty notwithstanding the impacts of sea level rise. And this agreement supports Tuvaluans to live and thrive at home through land reclamation and investments in infrastructure, education and health. At the same time, Tuvaluans have the choice to live, study and work in Australia. Mobility with dignity means ensuring people have a genuine choice to stay. Pacific voices have demonstrated sustained, clear and innovative leadership as well as tremendous resilience. This is why we are bidding to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific. We want to show the world the unique climate challenges facing our regions and amplify the voices of small island developing states, the custodians of the world’s oceans. President, we know that along with climate change, technology will define the multilateral system and development goals for decades to come. We want safe, accessible technology that is used for the global good, not as a tool for censorship or surveillance or exclusion or division. From the start of negotiations for the Global Digital Compact, Australia has advocated that all states should boost access to digital technologies that offer benefits to our world. We know that if countries don’t have digital infrastructure, they’ll miss out. That’s why we’re building sustainable South-South connectivity, including submarine cables across the Pacific. We also know not all knowledge is new. First Nations peoples’ deep knowledge must be preserved and it must be protected. Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been innovators, inventors and knowledge holders for over 65,000 years. Whether it’s fire stick farming used to sustainably manage country or the engineering of great stone fish traps across rivers and seas, that unbroken line of innovation has continued to this day. Earlier this year, Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People helped bring countries together to finalise the World Intellectual Property Organisation Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. It’s a treaty that acknowledges the link between traditional knowledge and innovation and intellectual property. It helps First Nations communities identify and protect the use of their knowledge by others, which in turn will spur collaboration between researchers, innovators and communities opening up new opportunities for First Nations entrepreneurship. But friends, this treaty is remarkable for another reason. You see, it serves as a source of optimism. 193 member states agreed on new rules to the world’s intellectual property system. That’s an extraordinary achievement. As I said at the outset, the international outlook is framed by entrenched division, where consensus often seems a lost cause. But we collectively move the intellectual property system a step forward, just as we collectively move forward this week with the pact for the future. And these recent wins remind us of the gains we’ve made that we all need to protect. Of the ways our lives are being… ndi, and many others who have lived in a harsher, more dangerous world, who built this UN system to confine horrors of the past to history and to give us all a better life. We have no option, and we have no excuse, but to find a way through our challenges today, immense as and intractable as they are. We must work together. We must drive change where it is needed, transparently, together. We must drive change to include all the world’s peoples, to deploy the collective agency this forum provides so we combat climate change, poverty and coercion, so we negotiate peace. President, friends, we must not allow others to divide us for their own gain, to dilute the protections that are inherent in the UN Charter, that are codified in the Geneva Conventions. Rather, we have to reinforce those protections in the interests of all states and civilians. That is what Australia is for, a peaceful, stable, prosperous world for all, where sovereignty is respected and where civilians are protected. I thank you.
President: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Alva Romanus Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of St. Lucia.
Alva Romanus Baptiste – Saint Lucia: Distinguished Mr. President, I find it more than proper to set in motion my address to this 79th session of the UN General Assembly by invoking the wisdom of one of America’s most outstanding orators, the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, and I quote, We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action. Mr. President, over the decades, we the representatives of small island developing states have come to this hallowed chamber to state the case for fairer treatment of our developmental needs and our challenges by the international community. We have argued for special and differential treatment because we are indeed different, indeed special and indeed unique in our sizes, our economies, our finances, our social circumstances, our vulnerabilities. Mr. President, we are indeed severely disadvantaged by an unfair global financial system that has amplified inequities by the measurements and standards it has employed to assess our development. And despite our best efforts, it seems that we were simply engaging in odds to the death because there has hardly been the type of concrete and fundamental responses and actions to change the rules and the systems that have been suppressing our developmental aspirations. However, Mr. President, we have persisted in our advocacy. We have not abandoned our faith in the strength and advantages of multilateralism. And so today we are pleased to applaud two recent decisions by the international community that provide an expectation that the unique vulnerabilities and special circumstances of St. Lucia and all the small island developing states will receive the particular attention they deserve. I speak first of the fourth international conference on small island developing states recently held in Antigua and Barbuda, which adopted a new 10-year plan of action for seeds. The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Seeds is a bold new plan to give priority at the international level to the sustainable development needs of seeds over the next 10 years and maps out the nature of the support which the international community must deliver in order to achieve them. Through this agenda, the economies of seeds can be transformed and so there must be absolutely no delay in its implementation and in delivering on the commitments made to bring life to its provisions. This cannot wait. The second decision that we applaud is the recent adoption by the United Nations of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, MVI. While we note that the resolution advancing the MVI calls for its voluntary adoption, St. Lucia urges the international community to speedily adopt and implement the MVI. It took the international community 32 years to develop and adopt this vital and necessary tool for sustainable development and global equity. Let us not wait another 32 years to test and implement it. The MVI must be brought into use today. This cannot wait. It is urgent because the challenges facing our small, open and vulnerable economies are quite complex. Caribbean economies have over the past two decades been plagued by a number of interrelated and interlocking factors including persistent fiscal deficits and high debt, stubborn and persistent structural rigidities. These interrelated factors have been significantly exacerbated by external shocks including frequent and major fluctuations in energy prices, financial crisis and more recently the COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, not to mention the planet’s greatest existential threat, climate change. In this regard, there is a pressing need for immediate action to halt and reverse the slow progress that is being made on the issue of climate change and climate justice. This General Assembly needs no reminders of the violent and destructive impact of climate change and the extent of the peril in which the world, particularly seeds, finds itself as a result. St. Lucia is considerably dismayed and disappointed that after years of advocacy by seeds to establish the loss and damage fund at COP28, the fund which should have been activated in July this year is yet to be operationalised. St. Lucia therefore urges those concerned to swiftly and urgently operationalise the loss and damage fund so that seeds can receive timely support and on the scale required to recover from the disastrous impact of climatic events on their small economies and societies. Further, it is essential that at the forthcoming COP29, the special circumstances of seeds are protected and operationalised across the entire climate change policy agenda. This cannot wait. In the same way the world must recompense seeds for the injustice of the climate crisis that we are suffering, those countries which propelled economies, the economic development through the unholy and inhumane transatlantic slave trade and slavery of our African ancestors must pay reparations for this crime against humanity which they inflicted upon the people they brought from Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas, as well as on the indigenous peoples of those regions. President, St. Lucia therefore reiterates the call it made at the 78th session of the UNGA that the UN should become seized of the question of reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and slavery in the western hemisphere. This is why, in part, our Caribbean civilisation resents the current carnage in Gaza and the West Bank because in Gaza, President, for the last year, over 41,000 persons, the majority being women and children, have been killed by an Israeli army in the name of self-defence occasioned by a terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th, 2020. ndo, and more than 110 journalists have been killed. President, this war in Palestine, what some have referred to as genocide, whatever it is called, must be brought to an end today. For the world has no future with it and has no appetite for it. President, year in, year out, since its independence, St. Lucia has been calling for the recognition and establishment of a Palestinian state. However, to date, there continues to be needless impediments to this accomplishment. President, I respectfully submit that this unnecessary undermining of Palestinian statehood is, to a large extent, the root cause of the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President, Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live side by side in peace. However, peace for Israel must not come at the expense of the Palestinian people, nor can a permanent ceasefire be based on the whims and fancies of Israel. President, it must be predicated upon meaningful and honest negotiations utilizing the tools of diplomacy. Hence, no state should become material accomplices to aggression against the Israeli and Palestinian people because the solution is not far-fetched or unreachable. The Palestinians must be allowed to exercise their right to self-determination, to have their own state and full membership of the United Nations alongside the State of Israel in accordance with UN resolutions that go back to 181 of 1947 and include Resolution 3246 of 1974, which reaffirms the inherent rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty, and the right of the Palestinians to return to their homes and property. President, the only way to secure a just and peaceful future in the Middle East and for Israel to have secured borders is for the Palestinian people to live in their own internationally recognized homeland. The right to self-determination is a universal right and the Palestinians are no exception. The people of Palestine cannot wait. It is this same right which says that the people of Ukraine must be allowed to choose their own destiny and that Russia must end this unwarranted war against Ukraine and restore and respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. It is this same right of self-determination which dictates that the heroic people of Cuba have a right to determine their own path to political, economic and social development and that the economic embargo imposed on Cuba for over six decades by the United States is illegal, unjust and inhumane. It must be ended forthwith in accordance with the many resolutions of the UN General Assembly from 1992 which have rejected that embargo totally and overwhelmingly. The people of Cuba cannot wait. Further, Cuba’s emphasis on medical internationalism as a central foreign policy objective as well as its non-involvement in armed conflicts abroad invalidate Cuba’s inclusion on the U.S.’s list as a state sponsor of terrorism. Instead, President, given that it is well established that Cuba’s alternative model of development has provided important social benefits to the Cuban people, coupled with its emphasis on medical internationalism, it should be on a list of countries acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations. No one must be left behind. It is this same right to self-determination that says that the 23.5 million people of the Republic of China and Taiwan have the right to be a member of the United Nations and other international organizations and the UN Resolution 2758 of 1971 does not preclude Taiwan’s inclusion and participation in the United Nations system. We believe that Taiwan, with the 20th largest economy in the world and with its important role in technological development and world trade, has much to offer from which the international community can benefit. No one must be left behind. It is this same right to self-determination that says that the people and government of Venezuela must be allowed to conduct their internal affairs without sanctions imposed upon them by other states. In Haiti, the situation remains unstable and deeply concerning, although some political advances have been registered through the efforts of CARICOM’s eminent persons group of three former Prime Ministers. However, the international community has only provided 14% of the resources required for the multilateral security support mission for Haiti. We welcome the announcement from the President of Kenya this week that it will deploy 600 more security forces to Haiti by November, and we thank the Government of Kenya for its support of the Haitian people. The funding required for humanitarian assistance in Haiti is also woefully short of its target. We therefore call upon all other countries which had pledged to assist Haiti to urgently and immediately fulfill their commitments to do so. Haiti cannot wait. In view of the foregoing, to safeguard the future, we have to be prepared to take action now, this moment, this very minute, at this time, on certain issues that are essential for a peaceful and sustainable future, and we cannot and must not be selective about which declarations of the Pact or of the principles of the Charter of the UN that we will respect and when we will do so. In the convening of the Summit of the Future this week, and in the theme that is guiding the deliberations of this 79th session of the General Assembly, the international community has seemingly come to understand that it can no longer procrastinate, no longer delay the actions needed to secure a better future for mankind. Let us for once, therefore, turn our words into action. The time for action is now. The time to make multilateralism truly work, not just for SIDS, but for all of us, is now. The time for reform of the Security Council is now. The time for climate justice for SIDS is now. The time to end the conflicts and needless wars is now. The time to give the youth of this planet, who are the people of tomorrow, the hope and the opportunities to better themselves is now. The time to put humanity first is now. If we act together today for peace, for sustainable development, for justice, no one will be left behind and there will be a better tomorrow. Consequently, President, if we do not act with the fierce urgency of now, our UN speeches and resolutions, in the words, again, I may reach out, if I may reach out for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and I quote, will end up as a meaningless drama on the stage of history, shrouded with the ugly garments of shame. President, I thank you and I yield the floor.
President: I thank the Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs of St. Lucia. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica.
Kamina Johnson Smith – Jamaica: Thank you, Mr. President. I extend Jamaica’s congratulations on your election to the leadership of this distinguished body. You can be assured of our full commitment to the successful execution of your mandate for the 79th session. I also commend your predecessor, Ambassador Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago, a fellow CARICOM national for his successful tenure. We the member states of the United Nations are all facing the same world of multiple and intersecting challenges. The great difference between us, however, is our capacity to meet, withstand, and recover from the shocks they bring. If there is one realization that we must share, it is that these challenges cannot be solved alone. They can only be addressed through multilateralism, diplomacy, and international cooperation. Mr. President, Jamaica is a small island located in the second most climate-vulnerable region in the world. We emerged from a brutal history of slavery and colonization, achieving political independence a mere 62 years ago. Until recently, most of our independent history has been characterized by lvls of Poverty, Debt and Unemployment. But as we chart a course towards sustainable prosperity, we are determined that these characteristics will not define the Jamaica we bequeath to future generations. Against the odds, Jamaica has been building our resilience. Our macroeconomic fundamentals today are stronger than they have been at any time over the past 50 years. Our credit ratings have been upgraded by international rating agencies, and our fiscal credibility has improved. Jamaica is now an attractive destination for investment. Over the last 10 years, in spite of the pandemic, we have more than halved our debt-to-GDP ratio, significantly reduced our poverty rate, brought unemployment to historic lows, and increased our minimum wage by more than 100%. Our management of the economy has created fiscal space that has allowed us to invest more into social welfare, national security, health, and education. Through our National Broadband Network project, we have increased internet penetration to 77% and internet user penetration to 85.1%. We’re closing our domestic digital divide, providing more and better services online. We’ve also embarked on Jamaica’s largest-ever expansion and upgrade of infrastructure, using a mixture of pure budgetary financing and public-private partnerships. Mr. President, these advancements have been hard won. Our effort has required social, political, and international partnership, measured policy, and strategic management. Even as we acknowledge the sacrifices made to enable our achievements, we recognize that many of our successes can be easily eroded by exogenous shocks, including climate change, which we view as a clear and present danger to humanity. As a small island-developing state, Jamaica is severely affected by higher temperatures, warmer seas, sea-level rise, and the increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters. Hurricane Beryl, which impacted the Caribbean in July this year, was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record. Beryl resulted in the dislocation of families and communities, along with significant damage to infrastructure, houses, schools, and farms. Damage was more severe in our agricultural belt, wiping out crops, killing livestock, and triggering knock-on effects on higher food prices and inflation. Our new climate-smart agricultural practices were no match for the hurricane. Her winds took the panels for solar-powered irrigation pumps and flattened 70 percent of our greenhouses. We experience almost a half of every year in the uncertainty of a hurricane season. Natural and climate-based disasters continue to set back efforts to attain the SDGs and realize sustained, inclusive growth and development. We have therefore sought to strengthen our ability to respond to and recover from such disasters through a risk-layered approach to disaster response financing. Jamaica, therefore, has significantly increased resources through our Contingency Fund and the National Natural Disaster Reserve Fund. We have established the National Disaster Fund, triggered by measured impact on GDP, and become the first small island developing state to independently sponsor a catastrophe bond. Additionally, we participate in the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility. These mechanisms, however, do not reduce the occurrence of disasters, nor prevent the disruption, dislocation, and destruction that they cause. It bears repeating that no country can combat the effects of climate change on its own. Jamaica, therefore, affirms our unwavering commitment to international cooperation to counter the negative impacts of climate change and to the pursuit of climate justice. We urge the major polluting nations to honor their commitments under the Paris Agreement and to meet their financial obligations. Furthermore, we welcome the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for CIDS, the ABAS, at the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States. More particularly, Jamaica endorses the call for a redoubling of international cooperation and action to accelerate mitigation and adaptation. All countries must maintain the target of limiting global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius through enhanced NDCs based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Allow me to pause here to congratulate the government of Antigua and Barbuda for successfully hosting the conference. Jamaica calls on the UN and international financial institutions to adopt a new climate finance goal at COP29. We further call for urgent and accelerated mobilization of international action and resources. This includes the full and effective operationalization of the loss and damage fund to address issues of responsiveness and scale that are most critical for CIDS. Mr. President, Jamaica welcomes the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index. We call on our development partners, including multilateral development banks and other international financial institutions, to urgently examine the index and comment its use. Rather than considering GNI alone, it takes into account the structural and environmental vulnerabilities of CIDS. Its use by MDBs will better align access to and terms of financing with supporting these countries’ developmental needs. Jamaica also commits to advancing dialogue and cooperation with stakeholders in the international capital markets to adapt their operations to the vulnerability resilience profiles of CIDS. Improved access to development financing is fundamentally critical for CIDS, which are particularly off-track in attaining the SDGs. Mr. President, the SDGs were adopted by leaders as a universal clarion call to tackle poverty, ensure peace, and promote prosperity. Jamaica shares the concern that globally only 17 percent of the SDG targets are on track. We are proud that our progress is further along domestically, and we fully support and are honored to co-lead the Secretary General’s SDG Stimulus Leaders Group. International cooperation is urgently needed to drive sustained efforts to tackle structural and systemic issues that contain access to development finance. Through our collective advocacy, we aim to elevate the global agenda to ensure that no one is left behind. We call upon wealthier countries and the IFIs to partner with developing countries and to redouble their efforts to create and implement innovative strategies to unlock financing and spur investments towards attaining the SDGs. The upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development presents an opportunity to commit to tangible deliverables to address the current financing challenges. These include impactful, practical, and meaningful reform of the international financial architecture, to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries in international decision-making, and to substantially improve the quantity, accessibility, and affordability of financing for development. Mr. President, this brings me to the summit of the future. The adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations, and the Global Digital Compact signaled renewed hope in multilateralism. The consensus demonstrated by our collective resolve to deliver inclusive and durable solutions to current and emerging global challenges brings new hope. With foresight, political will, and joint action, we can deliver a better world for future generations. Jamaica commends the work of Namibia and Germany in their facilitation of the Pact, and we were honoured to have co-facilitated, together with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Declaration on Future Generations. Mr. President, Jamaica believes that in leveraging multilateralism to advance sustainable development, human rights, and international peace and security, to deliver results for all the peoples of the world, no country or region should be excluded from the opportunities to attain the SDGs. Jamaica, therefore, joins the call for the discontinuation of the crippling economic, commercial, and financial embargo against our closest Caribbean neighbour, Cuba. We further call for a cessation of the classification of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. These measures continue to have a devastating impact on the economic and social well-being of the people of Cuba, and preclude progress towards their attainment of the SDGs. Mr. President, Jamaica also once again condemns the brutal October 7 attacks in Israel and the devastating counterattacks in the Palestinian territories. The undeniable human crisis and instability compel all parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. We commend the United States, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and others who are making concerted efforts towards a peaceful resolution. We continue to support the United Nations Security Council Resolution 242, and believe that a two-state solution is the best way to achieve lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. It is in this context that Jamaica has recognised the state of Palestine, and we call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages to bring an end to the protracted war and human suffering. Mr. President, much closer to home, Haiti continues to face one of the most challenging periods in its storied history. Rampant gangs are causing chronic instability and unspeakable violence, especially against women and children. Millions of Haitians are facing hunger and dislocation. They need and deserve the unwavering support of the international community to restore peace, security, and prosperity. demoracy, and to address the devastating humanitarian crisis. Jamaica will continue to play its part, including through CARICOM and the Eminent Persons Group, in supporting the political process in Haiti. Significant progress has already been made, particularly since the Kingston Talks convened by CARICOM in Jamaica in March of this year. We welcome the installation of the Transitional Presidential Council, the appointment of an interim Prime Minister and Ministerial Cabinet, and the finalization of the Provisional Electoral Council. The multinational security support mission is critical to the restoration of peace and security in Haiti. We reiterate our gratitude to the Government of Kenya for its leadership of and commitment to the MSS. We are pleased to confirm that on 12 September, Jamaica deployed its initial command contingent, along with Belize, as part of the MSS. We are committed to scaling up our numbers. But we also call on the international community to contribute more personnel and equipment. Restoration of peace and security is critical to the creation of an environment in which free and fair elections can be held. The establishment of democratic governance is critical for sustainable economic growth and development for Haiti. Mr. President, since the deployment of the MSS, we have seen improvements in the situation and have reason for cautious optimism. More is needed, however, and time is not on Haiti’s side. It is critical that we preserve and advance gains made. It is critical that we maintain hope and stability. We therefore urge the Security Council to renew the mandate of the MSS and to consider future transition to a peacekeeping framework to guarantee funding. We also call for continued and increased support from member states, including financial contributions to the trust fund. This is needed for deployment of additional personnel to support the HNP as they recover communities from criminal gangs. Mr. President, we further call on the international community to significantly increase contributions to the humanitarian response plan for Haiti, which remains underfunded at 39% of target. Support to be new must also be ramped up so that displaced families can be fed and provided with critical health care and children can return to the classrooms to resume their education. Jamaica will continue to do what we are able. We will support our sister CARICOM nation in the effort to restore peace, security, and stability in Haiti and, by extension, the region. As Mr. President, Jamaica is seeking to comprehensively address the issue of gangs, crime, and violence in our own society, fully recognizing the compounding impact of transnational crime, including illicit trafficking in drugs, arms, and ammunition. We have embarked on a mission of transforming and strengthening our security forces and agencies while preserving human rights, increasing operational efficiency, and delivering high-quality policing services to the public. We have made significant improvements to the working conditions of our policemen and women, and the National Police College of Jamaica has now received the highest international accreditation for curriculum and quality of training. We continue to expand CCT networks in collaboration with our stakeholders, have increased mobility, and introduced new equipment and technology, including forensics. We have also introduced new community policing models. The government is also undertaking social interventions in vulnerable communities. We have trained and certified approximately 40,000 at-risk youth and enrolled approximately 81,000 parents in parenting programs. We are also working closely with the private sector and NGOs to expand social services in vulnerable communities. On transnational organized crime, Jamaica has made substantial investments in advanced coastal radar systems and acquisition of offshore patrol vessels. We are also increasing the use of technology in securing our ports. Mr. President, as a result of these initiatives, major crimes have consistently declined to the lowest levels in 25 years. So far this year, there has been a 17% decline in homicides over last year. Jamaica is a safer place to live, work, raise families, and do business. We recognize that continued bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of training, intelligence sharing, and joint operations, is vital if we are to comprehensively and sustainably continue to reduce crime and violence. And in this regard, while we appreciate steps taken, we reiterate our call for more concrete action from bilateral partners to stem the illicit flow of small arms and ammunition from their ports. We welcome the recent outcome of the RevCon 4 on small arms and light weapons. More particularly, we welcome the emphasis placed on technical assistance and capacity building, customs control, emerging technologies, and through life conventional ammunition management. These are all critically relevant matters to ultimately turning around crime-ridden inner-city communities into peaceful and prosperous ones. Mr. President, cybercrime is a major threat to citizen security and an obstacle to sustained economic development. International cooperation is necessary to address the matter of cybercrime. Jamaica actively participated in the negotiations together with our fellow CARICOM partners on the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime. We therefore look forward to the adoption of the Convention by the General Assembly and look forward to future engagements within the framework of this instrument. In closing, Mr. President, Jamaica has taken difficult decisions and has taken responsibility for our economic future. We have demonstrated that we are able to positively impact our own outcomes and redefine our future. We continue to believe not only in our own resolve, but also in the power of multilateralism and international cooperation to overcome shared global challenges. The people of the world are counting on these United Nations and the international community to deliver on climate, on human rights, on peace and security, and on development. With that support, Jamaica is committed to doing our part to meet the challenges of today while laying a solid foundation for future generations. I thank you.
President: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mohamed Ali Nafti, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia.
Mohamed Ali Nafti – Tunisia: In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen. At the outset, it is my pleasure to extend our warmest congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Philemon Yang and the Republic of Cameroon on presiding over the 79th session of the General Assembly. We wish him success in conducting its work and stress Tunisia’s support to his vision, namely unity and diversity for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone, everywhere. I would also like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Dennis Francis for a successful presidency. We renew our appreciation to the continuous efforts of the Secretary General, His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, to restore trust in multilateralism. Mr. President, as hopeful as we are to achieve the necessary change and reforms and pave the way towards a safer, more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world through the initiatives and tracks proposed in the Secretary General’s framework or common agenda and through the outcomes of the summit of the future, we express deep concern and disappointment and denounce the current situation in the Middle East. The horrendous humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people continues on their territory. For almost a year now, they have been subjected to the most despicable war crimes, a genocide and all forms of violations of human rights and the purposes and principles for which the United Nations was established. Such violations are perpetrated by the occupying forces without any sense of accountability. Meanwhile, the international community remains unjustifiably and immorally silent. The failure of the international community to ensure the respect of the international humanitarian law, despite the measures imposed by the ICJ to protect civilians in Gaza from the risk of a genocide, puts the life of Palestinians at stake. Suddenly, the slogan repeated from different rostrums calling for human rights and humanitarian issues to take precedence disappears when it comes to the Palestinian people. The only way towards a safe future for all peoples start with a belief that all human beings are equal without any discrimination or selectivity and away from double standards. We cannot start a new phase of multilateralism, international relations and sustainable development based on the principle of leaving no one behind if we continue to ignore the tragedy of the Palestinian people. In this vein, we call upon the international community to take immediate, effective and responsible steps to save what can still be saved, stop the bloodshed and end the genocide and starvation of Gaza. This war has targeted schools, hospitals and civilian infrastructure and facilities, killing more than 40,000 people. We also call upon the Security Council to break its stalemate and play its natural role, namely the maintenance of international peace and security by holding the occupation authorities accountable for the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, imposing an immediate ceasefire, stopping the blatant and abhorrent attacks on innocent Palestinians and preventing forced displacement, settlements and the violation of sacred places. The war on Gaza caused a deep rift in humanity and jeopardized people’s trust in the UN system and main organs to implement their resolutions. We recall the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion adopted on July 19, 2024 at the request of the General Assembly on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of the Zionist occupation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It found that the continued presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is illegal and that the State of Israel is under an obligation to seize immediately all new settlement activities and to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This opinion puts the international community to the test to prove its commitment to the supremacy of international law and its applicability to everyone without any exception, selectivity or double standards. Our country continues to firmly and unconditionally support the right of the Palestinian people to restore their imprescriptible, legitimate and inalienable rights, mainly their right to self-determination and establishment of an independent sovereign state on all the Palestinian Territory with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as a capital. Tunisia stresses its support to the Palestinian request for full membership at the United Nations. We appreciate international recognition of Palestine and hope that it would lead to Palestine becoming a full member at the United Nations without further delay. Once again, we strongly condemn the attacks on brotherly Lebanon, targeting its people and threatening its stability and security. At a time when our countries are meeting at the United Nations, we call upon the Security Council to take a firm stance to stop these crimes against humanity without delay. Mr. President, the principle of leaving no one behind cannot be achieved with slogans. We cannot achieve the desired goals and overcome the failures of the past and the present unless we all have a genuine will to change and reform. For this reason, we need a unified and responsible diagnosis of the root causes for the failure by the current international community to address the growing conflicts and wars, the increase in extremism, terrorism, and organized crime, the deterioration of crises and climate disasters which threaten the survival of millions of people. In addition, the levels of poverty, hunger, and inequality are unprecedented. There is a big increase in the number of refugees and displaced. The development and digital gap between the North and the South is widening, and the international financial system is unable to respond to the development needs of the majority of states. All these challenges represent dangerous indicators that the current international system is no longer on track, hence requiring us all to carry out the necessary reviews and reforms to address all the chaos, inequality, and turmoil. Those challenges also require states, peoples, and institutions to make joint efforts, share responsibility, and respect international law, the UN Charter, and human rights on an equal footing without any discrimination or politicization. The past eight decades have proven the urgent need for reforming international relations and reviewing the basics and working methods of multilateralism to address the needs of people and end every disorder which caused tragedy and suffering for millions and led to undeniable existential threats. Such threats cannot be addressed using the same tools and methods that only take into account the interests of a minority of states at the expense of others. In this regard, we stress the urgent need for developed countries to respect their commitment to financing development, supporting climate efforts, and effectively contributing to the eradication of poverty while supporting growth and building the resilience and sustainability of developing countries. We also stress the need for ending all forms of trusteeship, the imposition of policies and instructions, and interference in states’ internal affairs to ensure their national sovereignty, independence, choices, and cultural specificities are respected because this diversity is a source of wealth. The challenges ahead can only be faced by rebuilding international relations based on solidarity, fair and constructive cooperation, mutual respect, and equality. We also call for promoting the role of the United Nations and introducing the necessary reforms to its institutions and organs to improve their performance and promote their credibility, mainly the Security Council, which is now paralyzed by growing geostrategic conflicts. Mr. President, based on its genuine belief in multilateralism and its respect to the purposes of the UN Charter, Tunisia took part in all tracks and initiatives proposed by the Secretary General’s plan, our common agenda, as well as the SDG Summit and the Summit of the Future. Which was recently held here at the UN. If the necessary follow-up and implementation mechanisms are adopted, their outcomes represent a historic opportunity and an essential tool to overcome challenges, mitigate risks, and establish a safer, more peaceful and sustainable world. At the same time, we reaffirm the urgent need to introduce structural reforms to the global financial system and review the role of credit rating agencies to alleviate the debt servicing burden on developing states and facilitate their access to development financing. This will allow them to recover from the repercussions of successive global crises for which they have paid a high price, even though they did not have a role in causing most of them. It will also allow them to focus their efforts on meeting the human development needs of their people. We also call for developing tools for bilateral and multilateral international cooperation to ensure the recovery of stolen assets moved abroad. This will accelerate economic recovery and promote development, given that it is the inherent right of people affected. Such violations should be prevented in the future because they deplete states’ resources and represent the biggest form of corruption. Mr. President, irregular migration is growing in a number of regions, especially in the Mediterranean, our region. It is one of the main indicators of the weak global governance and the lack of political will to address the consequences of development crises, climate change and conflicts. As we have stressed time and again, this multidimensional issue requires a collective responsibility sharing approach among countries of origin, transit and destination, as well as regional and international organizations to address the root causes of this phenomenon and not just its consequences. We also called for comprehensive solutions that address vulnerabilities, the decline in literacy rates and weak development programs to usher in a new reality in countries of origin, especially in Africa, and provide their people with a dignified life and decent work opportunities to preserve their right to life and development and protect them from the perils of a journey they take in the Mediterranean seeking a better life and to shield them against exploitation of criminals, smuggling and human trafficking networks. Our approach to dealing with irregular migration is clear. It is based on the respect of human rights and the rejection of all forms of racial discrimination and hate speech while respecting our international commitments and national legislations. We continue to make every effort possible to save lives and provide the necessary care to those in need while preserving their dignity. However, we reject any implicit settlement project for irregular migrants. We also reject any attempt by politicians and the media to exploit the situation of migrants and their suffering to make political gains and achieve their suspicious agendas. Mr. President, in Tunisia, we are aware of the challenges in the face ahead and are firmly attached to reform and the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and good governance. These are based on fighting and preventing corruption and achieving our people’s aspirations to more well-being, prosperity and sustainable development. We are attached to the pillars of our foreign policy and international commitments and rely on our human capacities and our constructive cooperation and partnerships with our friends and partners based on mutual benefit. Our youth are a source of inspiration and the face of the future, so we ensure they play a leading role in transformative solutions and decision-making. We continue to promote our legal frameworks and strategic plans to ensure the inclusion and economic empowerment of women and promote their participation in public life at all levels, including peacekeeping in the world. With the same commitment and will, Tunisia continues to play an active role in international and UN efforts to promote regional and international peace and security, ensure the respect of international law and international humanitarian law, end all forms of injustice, occupation and human rights violations, and achieve development for all. We stress our firm position in support of the efforts of our Libyan brothers and sisters to overcome their differences and reach a political settlement through constructive dialogue with the help of the United Nations to maintain Libya’s security and stability and strengthen its unity. Once again, we reject all forms of foreign intervention in Libya’s internal affairs. We also call for uniting UN and international efforts to find a political solution for the situation in Syria and Yemen that ends the suffering of these two brethren people and restores peace and security while preserving their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Tunisia calls upon Sudanese parties to stop the fighting and opt for dialogue and peaceful settlements to overcome the current crisis and restore security and stability to the Sudan in order to end the scourge of war and displacement causing suffering to its people. With regards to the African continent, which is the most affected by climate change, global crises, terrorism and instability, we call for more UN and international efforts to help the continent in overcoming its different challenges and crises and move forward towards stability, peace, security and sustainable development. African solutions for African problems should be the approach for achieving the goal of silencing the guns by 2030. We once again call upon the United Nations to provide financial and logistical support to African-led peace operations. It is important that cooperation and coordination continue among UN and regional organs to achieve the Africa we want. Mr. President, the world has just entered a new phase of digital change and the use of modern technologies is on the rise in all fields. As we stress the importance of the global digital compact, we call for strengthening cooperation and technology transfer to bridge the digital gap between the South and the North so that no one is left behind. In the same vein, we call for fighting digital chaos and misinformation as well as the criminal and illegal use of digital technologies to sow the seeds of chaos and destabilize communities. Mr. President, the next phase is very complicated because of the challenges facing the security and well-being of the present and future generations and the future of our planet. We can no longer address the situation with the same tools and methods. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past. The only way forward is based on solidarity, cooperation and our shared destiny. Tunisia’s foreign policy and diplomacy has always been based on optimism and pragmatism. Despite all the shocks and challenges facing our world, we believe that the UN remains our only hope since it represents international legitimacy and since it carries the hopes and dreams of the people as we prepare to celebrate its 80th anniversary next year. God willing. Thank you.
President: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia. I now give the floor to His Excellency Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands.
Peter Shanel Agovaka – Solomon Islands: Mr. President, It is an honor and privilege to address this 79th session of the General Assembly. I bring warm greetings from the government and people of my country, Solomon Islands. Mr. President, Solomon Islands extends our warm and sincere congratulations to His Excellency Philemon Yang as the President of the 79th session of this August Assembly. Rest assured, Mr. President, of Solomon Islands’ support during your tenure in office. We thank His Excellency Ambassador Dennis Francis for his sterling leadership in the last session. Mr. President, The theme of this General Assembly calls for global solidarity, collective actions for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations, leaving no one behind. Mr. President, We live in a fast-changing environment that is shifting towards a multipolar world. We must seek a multilateral, rules-based world order that is equal, inclusive and free from power politics and geopolitical tensions. We also seek an international system that respects international law and recognizes the special situation of small island developing states. The growing economy, inequality between the haves and the have-nots, pronouncement of climate energies around the world, poverty, hunger, disease, social injustice and racism, hegemonic interests, militarization and nuclear posturing is dividing the world and creating tension and fear amongst us. The rich and powerful are spending some $2.4 trillion on arms that could have been best used in the 2030 Agenda and fighting the biggest enemy of humanity, climate change. Mr. President, it is our shared and solemn duty to commit to bold collective action in protecting the health of our planet. We must hold ourselves to account and secure the future of our people by unlocking the opportunity of prosperity and plant seeds of peace. In this connection, Solemn Islands calls for the reform of Britain’s Woods Institution to ensure it is fair, democratic and represents the rise of global south, including the multidimensional and complex challenges facing the small island developing states. We call for global and regional financial institutions to scale up support for small island developing states. We reiterate our support for the United Nations General Secretary’s SDG stimulus of $500 billion annually to support developing countries and to get the SDGs back on track. In the same vein, Mr. President, we echo our call for the establishment of small island developing states permanent seat in decision making within the international financial architecture to ensure inclusivity in the spirit of leaving no one behind. The slogan used by the disabled rights activist James Charlton speaks to this call very clearly, and I quote, nothing about us without us. Mr. President, Solemn Islands was elected this year to serve on the Executive Board of the UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS. We are indeed grateful for the support given, and we will work to position this United Nations program and agencies closer to those who need it most. As the third largest Pacific country with LDC status, Solomon Islands calls for an enhanced United Nations country presence. In the last 46 years, Mr. President, the United Nations conducted its relations with Solomon Islands from a far distance. In living up to our charter obligation, Mr. President, Solomon Islands formalized relationship this week with the Republic of Rwanda and Colombia as a testimony of our foreign policy of friends to all, enemy to none. And we uphold the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity of all 130 countries we have formalized relationship with, including the respect of the one China principle in the case of the People’s Republic of China. Mr. President, on Security Council reforms, the world continues to witness the limits and failures of the Security Council to prevent deadly conflicts with the use of veto. Fostering international peace demands an expanded council with an equitably, geographically representation that is democratic, equipped with a revised working method. We urge during this session we shift into text-based negotiation and make the reform happen. Mr. President, Solomon Islands aspires to be a candidate for the regional seat of the Security Council in 2030. As a peace-loving country, we reiterate our standing position of condemning all wars around the world and call for a diplomatic solution. Mr. President, on the conflict in Palestine, Solomon Islands condemns all the violence and carnage from all parties, including the terror attack on Israel by Hamas. The suffering and collective punishment on the Gaza population by Israel has claimed more than 41,000 Palestinian lives in less than a year. This is unacceptable, Mr. President. The disregard for international law and humanitarian law have seen the matter referred to the International Court of Justice. We hope those with influence do more for peace and not fan the flame of expanding conflict into Lebanon. Solomon Islands reiterates its long-standing position on the Palestinian conflict and supports the global push for a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side with secure borders in a just, permanent and complete peace. Mr. President, colonialism has no place in this day and age. Solomon Islands supports the implementation of the United Nations’ Fourth Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism. We also recognize the inalienable rights of self-determination of all non-self-governing and trustees, including New Caledonia and the French Polynesia, to choose their political future within Chapter 11 of the UN Charter and General Assembly Resolution 1514. Mr. President, the recent brutal violence in New Caledonia calls for a new political solution with the spirit of the 1998 Noumea Accord. We call on the United Nations to do more to calm and stabilize the situation in New Caledonia. Solomon Islands welcomes the constructive discussion between France and the New Caledonian Government to facilitate the Pacific Island Forum fact-finding mission to New Caledonia, of which Solomon Islands is part of. As a large ocean state, 98% of the territory is covered by the ocean. The Pacific occupies 20% of the world’s surface and provides 1.5 billion tons of annual catch of tuna, which is around a third of the world’s supply. Our approach to the ocean is premised on achieving a healthy, resilient, secure and productive ocean that supports sustainable use and development for the benefit of the people of Solomon Islands now and into the future. As stated last year, Mr. President, Solomon Islands will be co-hosting a Hornier Summit on the SDG 14.4 with the Pacific Island Forum fisheries, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Ocean and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The summit aims to examine status on the SDG 14.4 at global, regional and national levels, share knowledge and experience on the management of tuna stock, provide policy and strategic actions that will feed into the third UN conference in 2025 in France. Mr. President, on the matter of pollution and waste management, Solomon Islands looks forward to the finalization of negotiations on the Treaty to End Plastic Pollution, including Murray Environment in November this year. We have already banned single-use plastics. We are also reforming waste management in partnership with our friends Japan and Australia and the Asian Development Bank. As stewards of the ocean, Solomon Islands values the work of the United Nations Commission on the limits of the continental shelf and will continue to address outstanding continental shelf claims. Solomon Islands upholds its obligations to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and will domesticate the recently signed United Nations Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction. Mr. President, in response to the discharge of treated radioactive contaminated water into the ocean by Japan, the lack of national and regional scientific knowledge on the understanding, the intergenerational impact and the transboundary nature of the discharge continues to cause uneasiness and anxiety for my country. United Nations Specialized Agency, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, must continue to build bridges of trust with states and support states’ capacity to read and understand the IAEA’s report and to monitor the discharge of treated radioactive contaminated water into the ocean. Our concern, Mr. President, is connected to the sad history of our region being used to test, store, and dump nuclear waste and weapons. Mr. President, Solomon Islands remains a nuclear weapon-free state under the 1985 Rarotonga Treaty. This week, we signed and ratified the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. This is a message of peace to all our friends not to engage in military nuclear projects and to free the world of nuclear weapons. Mr. President, education empowers the nation, including my nation. Let me thank Cuba for the training of Solomon Islands medical students. Cuba has done this despite enduring more than six decades of United States of America economic, commercial, and financial embargo, a relic of the past that should now be discarded. Once again, we call on our friend and partner, the United States of America, to end this embargo. The United Nations stands for good neighborly relations and peaceful coexistence. The world will benefit from Cuba and USA, United States of America, improved relationships. Mr. President, following the conclusion of Solomon Islands International Assistance Force in August this year, our priority is now to strengthen our law enforcement capability and institutional strengthening. We will work with all our partners to achieve this goal, and we would like to thank our partners, and particularly Australia, for the ongoing support in this regard. And I appeal to the United Nations to provide space for Solomon Islands to participate in the peacekeeping mission. Mr. President, Solomon Islands welcomes the power of the South-South cooperation and acknowledges the People’s Republic of China’s various development initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative in supporting Solomon Islands development aspirations, including the 2030 Agenda. In education and health, we thank once again China for the commitment to establish an ocean research center and acknowledge the ongoing construction of Solomon Islands National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Health Center. We also welcome India’s pharmaco corporation and Japan’s commitment to construct a fisheries research center in the Solomon Islands. Mr. President, on the international trade front, Solomon Islands acknowledges China as the first major economy to offer zero tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all least developed countries. We call on all our partners to follow suit. China has become Solomon Islands’ largest infrastructure partner and is currently supporting Solomon Islands’ digital transformation with the ongoing installation of 161 communication towers across the country. Already, we are witnessing more of our rural population now connected to the digital age. Mr. President, our inter-island connectivity has been improved with the completion of two all-weather airports and an international airport in the Solomon Islands. We thank New Zealand and Australia for their support. We would also like to acknowledge Japan, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank for their ongoing support in improving our infrastructure connectivity. Nevertheless, as a geographically fragmented country, we need more infrastructure to meaningfully deliver on our SDGs. Mr. President, Solomon Islands values the contribution of all our development partners and calls for partnership that is country-owned, led, and driven. We seek partnership that is genuine, meaningful, durable, and free from onerous conditions. Mr. President, climate change is no longer a threat but a crisis. Solomon Islands is located in a hot spot where the impact of climate change is three times the global average. Science tells us we are on a 2.5 degree Celsius trajectory. The Paris Agreement is failing humanity. We need a stronger legal binding framework that will put us on a 1.5 pathway. The voluntary approach under the Paris Agreement has failed miserably. The changing narrative on climate change is unacceptable. Mr. President, diversions away from talking about ambitious climate action, survival, or the construction of safe islands is replaced by a discussion on sinking and migration. We need to give hope to our people on the front line of climate change. The G20 is responsible for 80 percent of global emissions. The group must take a stronger leadership role in fighting against climate change. Mr. President, Solomon Islands in July presented its second voluntary national report at the High-Level Political Forum in July. The report revealed uneven progress. The review, however, has allowed the country to re-strategize and prioritize four key interconnected and people-centered pillars, mainly economic transformation, secondly, good governance, thirdly, national unity and stability, and fourthly, human capital development. Mr. President, our economic transformation agenda is centered on enhancing transport infrastructure connectivity, boost investment in agriculture, fisheries and tourism, improve private sector investment environment for indigenous Solomon Islands, and reduce cost of doing business in my country. Over the last three months, Mr. President, the government has been socializing these priorities through several targeted national forums, including our development partners. Mr. President, the government is leading the preparation of our smooth transition strategy to graduate out of LDC status. The strategy will not only look at what needs to be done before 2027, but also in the next five to ten years post-2027, including the implementation of critical economic and social investment to prevent regression. Mr. President, we reaffirm our commitment to the implementation of the Doha Program of Action and support the call for the General Assembly to review existing resolutions on smooth transition to ensure the graduation framework is better, resilient, irreversible, and fit for purpose. Solomon Islands, Mr. President, welcomes the adoption of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Islands Developing States, which offers immense opportunities to access adequate and affordable funds to drive economic growth and prosperity for small island developing states. Solomon Islands also welcomes the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, and we look forward to its early implementation. Mr. President, in conclusion, Solomon Islands pledges a commitment to the Pact for the Future, a forward-looking framework that places the health of our planet, people, prosperity, and peace at the center of our agenda. Supported by a reformed financing architecture that will table-charge sustainable development and guarantee a better tomorrow for all and leave no one behind. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you.
President: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands. I now give the floor to His Excellency Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister of External Relations of Cameroon.
Lejeune Mbella Mbella – Cameroon: Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I have the honor of delivering before this august assembly the entire statement that His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic and Head of State, authorized me to deliver on his behalf, and I quote, Mr. President, first of all I would like to express to you my sincere congratulations upon your election to the presidency of this Your accession to this senior position is a source of pride for your country, Cameroon, as well as for Africa and the international community. I would like to express our gratitude to those member states that supported your candidacy and elected you, in particular those from Africa, who nominated you unanimously as the candidate of our continent. I commend the work and achievements of your predecessor, his Excellency, Ambassador Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago, who was able, with determination, to lead the work of the 78th session of the General Assembly. Lastly, I take this opportunity to reiterate the support and appreciation of Cameroon for the Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres, who, despite the many situations facing our world at this moment, is working tirelessly for the advancement of the ideals, the purposes and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and working to ensure the success of our shared organisation. Mr President, you decided to place at the heart of the General Debate of this 79th session the theme, Leaving No One Behind, Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations. This theme, it must be underscored, expresses the urgent need for joint action in a difficult and complex international climate, with both challenges and opportunities. Among those challenges, we need to note that our shared home, the planet Earth, is the victim of extreme climate disruption, which is jeopardising the physical survival of some countries and forest and coastal areas in various regions of the world. Torrential rainfall and subsequent devastating flooding, as we have seen in recent months in Africa, in Europe and in Asia, as well as heatwaves, landslides, are all the most visible symptoms of this, and some countries suffer them more than others. Today, people displaced due to climate change are now as numerous as are refugees and internally displaced persons who are victims of war. This is no longer a spectre, but rather a painful daily reality in many places. And yet we agreed upon a set of measures to combat these scourges in the Paris Agreement and in many other subsequent commitments. Cameroon, which is a state party to this agreement and which belongs to the Congo Basin Great Forest Massif, is sparing no effort to find relevant solutions together with neighbouring countries to the global current climate crisis. Consequently, we firmly call for the measures that we adopted together in the Paris Agreement to effectively be applied without any hindrance or delays. Unfortunately, the financial and technical means and resources that constitute the primary means of implementation of this agreement continue thus far to be mobilised in a very parsimonious way. Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, on top of this climate crisis there are conflicts and hotbeds of tension, both old and new, that spare no geographical area. The Sahel, Sudan, Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine are the most illustrative examples of this. This sort of situation is driving an arms race, including in space, in the seas and the oceans. It is also driving a greater use of light weapons as well as weapons of mass destruction. It constitutes a serious threat of the use of nuclear weapons. And lastly, it is also generating geopolitical tensions, all sorts of rivalries and mistrust between states, giving rise to a threat to peace, security and international stability. If nothing is done urgently, we may be forced to once again in the near future live through another dark chapter in the history of humanity, as was the case at the beginning of the 20th century. For Cameroon, it is important that we reverse this trend as quickly as possible. We must do this in order to save ourselves from a war and the scourges that come with it, in order to preserve future generations in light of the ideals advocated by the founding fathers of the United Nations. My country remains convinced that the use of dialogue, consultation, consensus, preventive diplomacy and confidence-building measures must always take priority in order to guarantee lasting peace in our world. To achieve this, we must proceed with a reform of the Security Council in order to make sure that it continues to fully fulfil its original mandate as the principal organ responsible for the maintenance of peace and security. Given that Africa is still the only continent that does not have a permanent member on the Security Council, it is essential and urgent that this injustice be corrected and that our continent be able to, as is its right, have equitable representation as a fully-fledged member in this important organ. This calls for the granting of two permanent seats with veto rights and two other additional non-permanent seats. Mr President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, When we adopted the document entitled The Future We Want, as well as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the aim was to begin a decisive battle against underdevelopment. Four years ago, at the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, we took further commitments, reaffirming that the Sustainable Development Goals are our action plan, the application of which is a question of life and death. As we approach the 2030 deadline that we set ourselves, we must acknowledge that the expected results are far from being achieved, as is made manifest in various progress reports presented by the Secretary-General. As we saw earlier, in the context of the Paris Agreement to protect the planet, financial and technological means of implementation have not yet been fully mobilized. For that reason, Cameroon once again calls for renewed political will and more decisive action to overcome this situation. The new Doha Programme of Action for the least-developed countries, the Antigua and Barbuda Programme of Action for small island developing states and the Programme for landlocked developing countries that will be adopted at the upcoming conference in Gaborone in December, as well as the African Union 2063 Agenda, together with its second decade of priorities, The Continental Free Trade Zone. These are all, in our view, frameworks for guidance and incentives for the development of the poorest countries that need to be actively implemented if we want to leave no one behind. In this regard, Cameroon, for its part, has undertaken a number of structural projects in the sectors of energy, transport infrastructure, communication and telecommunications, extractive industries and processing, as well as many other sectors, with the aim of becoming an emerging country by 2035. Mr President, plans, projects and programmes for recovery and reconstruction, as well as humanitarian action, have been set up by our government to respond to the special and urgent needs of populations, above all those living in rural areas or those affected by the abuses of the terrorist sect Boko Haram in the far north of Cameroon, as well as those resulting from the socio-political crisis in the far north, the north-west and the south-west regions. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely and firmly thank our bilateral and multilateral partners for their constant support for our national progress and development agenda, and I would like to invite them to continue to do us the honour of their faithful and loyal support. Mr President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, all of the actions undertaken by developing countries will only produce the expected results if the global macroeconomic framework is reformed. This framework, need we recall, is based on institutions that have been there since the Second World War, institutions that have become obsolete, and the structure and organisation of which are in large part at the source of disruption, imbalances, dysfunctioning and even inequalities that still are not conducive to the full development of poor countries and the global south. Consequently, Cameroon echoes the appeal and the movement aiming for the reform of the international economic and financial architecture. This appeal and this movement focus in particular on the better representation of developing countries in these institutions, as well as more equitable taxation, appropriate monetary policy, more sustainable debt, a better adapted energy transition, healthy agriculture, controlled industrialisation and decent work. Mr President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, we welcome the holding here on the 22nd and 23rd of September 2024 of the Summit of the Future, which we participated in, and above all the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its two annexes on the digital sphere and future generations. This pact once again commits us to the active pursuit of peace, sustainable development and human dignity, thanks to a series of concrete actions that require the consequent means of implementation. We cannot deprive ourselves of these actions, which could open up the way to the future we want in the context of a reinvigorated multilateralism, supported by the ideals, the purposes and the principles of the United Nations Charter. It is a question of safeguarding the planet, building peace, bringing about sustainable development with, first and foremost, the eradication of poverty, shared prosperity and full respect for human rights focused on human dignity. Unless there is the necessary clear political will, the means for the active implementation of the provisions agreed in this pact and its annexes, we risk not achieving, as we would like to do, the desired results, and in so doing we would disappoint present and future generations. At this juncture, allow me to appeal for a mobilisation from all corners in order to resolutely implement these provisions and to prove those sceptics wrong that have lost faith in the United Nations. As our shared organisation prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary, let us give ourselves the means to modernise. Let us also give ourselves the resources to effectively respond to the expectations that have been placed in our organisation, to respond to the present challenges and to keep alight the flame of a more humanist international cooperation. Mr President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are living through a time of threats and challenges to peace and development, but also one of great opportunities. We have at our disposal the resources we need thanks to the prodigious development of science and technology as well as artificial intelligence. It is now up to us to set aside our selfishness and to act in solidarity with a sense of collective responsibility in order that we may together overcome the challenges that no country can face alone. In doing so, it is up to us to make proper use of these resources to ensure the wellbeing and survival of the planet and the human race today and in the future in the context of constant vigilance and enlightened awareness and an in-depth reflection on the part of the international community about controlled globalisation. Thank you for your kind attention.
President: I thank the Minister of External Relations of Cameroon. I now give the floor to His Excellency Taye Atske-Selassie Amde, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
Taye Atske-Selassie Amde – Ethiopia: Excellency President of the General Assembly, Excellency Secretary General of the United Nations, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Excellency Philemon Yang, let me express my congratulations to you and your country, Cameroon, on your election to preside over the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and I wish you a successful term. I also wish to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, for his able leadership. It is an honour and privilege for me to address this August assembly representing my country, Ethiopia. Mr President, as a country that was one of the 51 founding members of the United Nations, Ethiopia is a strong proponent of effective multilateralism centred on the United Nations. Ethiopia views with grave concern the challenges of the United Nations facing in discharging its role in peace and security and socio-economic development. Nevertheless, ensuring readiness and capability of the United Nations to resolve global challenges has been a generational quest. Five years into the establishment of the United Nations, in the year 1950, 74 years ago, Ethiopia in its policy statement stated that the United Nations is committed to a Stated to this August assembly, I quote, We are filled with anxiety concerning the surprises which the future may hold in store, fears that the United Nations may be called upon to face events even more serious than those of the present time, and that such problems may greatly exceed its power and capacity. That future is now, and that future is the present. We are faced with persisting peace and security challenges across the globe. There is a devastating existential threat emanating from armistice, extreme poverty, inequality and climate change. At the same time, global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals is receding and the debt crisis in developing countries is worsening. Furthermore, our constrained ability to manage the emerging multipolar world carries the risk of undermining multilateralism. As envisaged, the United Nations is called upon to face challenges that are proving to exceed its powers and capabilities. It is our view that collective security will be realized if states are able to exercise their authority and carry out their responsibilities to safeguard their national security. The conventional dictates, including peacekeeping missions, can deliver the desired results when we prioritize support for national efforts and capabilities. We must, therefore, at all times preserve the sovereignty and political independence of states at the foundation of effective collective security. We also call for greater economic and security cooperation among member states, which is pivotal to empowering national institutions. The shortcomings of the United Nations reflect the reluctance on the part of the international community to promote the effective realization of the principles and purposes of the Charter. The United Nations should be at the center of efforts to resolve global peace and security challenges. Without a substantial role for the United Nations guided by the principles of the Charter, we risk making the General Assembly an inconsequential platform with no guarantee for a meaningful contribution to global peace and security. On its part, the United Nations should play its role by demonstrating impartiality, independence, competence and credibility among all its members. Furthermore, we underscore the urgency to reform the United Nations Security Council and its working methods. The reform of the Security Council is not only about rectifying the injustice done to Africa but also about the credibility of the Council itself. The impacts of Africa’s exclusion and the Security Council’s inability to discharge its cardinal responsibilities manifest in its disproportionate focus on internal affairs of African affairs. In addition, the Council’s lukewarm attitude toward regional solutions and the implementation of measures detached from reality on the ground are results of Africa’s non-representation. We therefore call on Member States to commit to prioritizing Africa’s representation in both categories of membership of the UN Security Council with all rights and prerogatives as articulated under Africa’s common position. There is no shortcut or half-solution to this long-standing quest for equality. Mr. President, the African Union has designed Agenda 2633 as the blueprint for the continent’s development. The agenda is being implemented in synchronization with the UN Agenda 2030. The fact that the SDGs are off track mostly due to lack of financing is a source of concern for Africa. The compounding debt crisis also requires urgent and sustainable solutions. Therefore, those Member States with impact on global financial institutions should make the necessary financial resources available. On its part, Ethiopia has been consistent in its effort to achieve this development goal. In parallel with resolving complex security challenges through an African Union-facilitated peace process, Ethiopia has redoubled its efforts to forge peace and development. We are making progress in poverty eradication and realizing people-centered development. We introduced transformational shifts to our monetary and economic policies and to advance our digital infrastructure. We are confident our development paths will bring about great benefits to our people. We call on all actors in development finance to work with us with a sense of solidarity and cooperation to navigate the challenges of reform and attain sustainable economic growth and development. Mr. President, I have the distinct pleasure to announce to this Assembly the milestone the Nile River Basin has achieved this year. The Cooperative Framework Agreement of the Nile River Basin, CFA, is poised to enter into force with the required number of ratifications. The entry into force of this first-ever Nile Basin-wide treaty, the Cooperative Framework Agreement, will pave the way for sustained cooperation and shared growth across the entire river basin. Ethiopia, along with its co-riparian sisterly countries, will work towards the realization of the principles of the CFA and the full potential of the Nile River. Furthermore, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is generating electricity, responding to the energy demands of Ethiopia and the Eastern African region. It is our sincere hope that the remaining riparian countries will join the CFA and play a constructive role in ensuring equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile River. I am also proud to announce to this August Assembly that the Ethiopian Green Legacy, a notable initiative of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, saw the planting of 40 billion seedlings within five years, increasing our forest coverage from 3 to 24 percent. This stands as a substantial goal, a contribution to the absorption of greenhouse gas and a tangible measure against the adverse impact of climate change. Based on its long-term low-emission development strategy, Ethiopia is also on the path to sustainable energy transformation by developing and transitioning to non-fossil fuel energy sources. Such efforts must be supported by the full activation of the global commitment, especially through the provision of adequate climate financing. Mr. President, maritime insecurity in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean is a source of great concern for Ethiopia. With over 120 million population and significant maritime trade, Ethiopia entirely depends on the safe, secure maritime activity in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. This region is threatened by conflicts, piracy, and other illicit activities. Over the years, Ethiopia has played an instrumental role in combating the cause of insecurity. We also continue our efforts to work with other neighbors to contribute on durable basis to ensure peaceful navigation on the High Seas. We see a great need to chart a new path for inclusive maritime security engagement with equal participation of countries with stakes on both sides of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Furthermore, terrorism continues to be a grave threat to the peace and security of the whole of Africa. The growing rise of violent extremism like Al-Shabaab and its international and internal affiliates have continued their vicious attack against civilians and security of the region. The region has reached a milestone in degrading terrorism owing to the resilience of the people of Somalia and the sacrifice of the sons and daughters of Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, and my country, Ethiopia. The authorization of the Security Council and the international finance for the African Union Peace Support Operation have indeed played an instrumental role. I am confident the Government of Somalia will soon recant with and recognize the sacrifice we made to Somalia’s liberation from the grip of terrorist groups. Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland is based on existing political dispensation in Somalia. Our objective is shared growth and prosperity in the region. Similar agreements have been concluded by other states and there is no reason for the Government to withdraw. ndo, and the Federal Government of Somalia to incite hostility that obviously intends to cover internal political tensions. I, therefore, reject the unfounded allegation levied against my country. Utopia’s name can never be associated with any one of the allegations. I rather call on the Federal Government of Somalia to join hands to eliminate terrorist groups that are causing chaos and mayhem on the people of the region. The recent maneuvers of actors from outside the Horn of Africa region undermine these efforts. Nevertheless, Utopia will not be deterred from its resolute commitment to combating terrorism. We, therefore, call upon these actors to immediately stop their reckless actions. We also call on the international community to recognize the imminent risk originating from these irresponsible acts and to take concrete measures to prevent the loss of hard-won gains in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa. Mr. President, in conclusion, I would like to reiterate Utopia’s commitment to the maintenance of global peace and security and upholding multilateralism. I thank you, Mr. President.
President: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. We have heard the last speaker in the general debate for this meeting. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested. May I remind members that statements in the exercise of the right of reply are limited to 10 minutes for the first intervention and to 5 minutes for the second intervention and should be made by delegations from their seats. I call on the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iran: Mr. President, I take the floor to exercise the right of reply of my delegation in response to the statement made today by the representative of the Israeli regime. What you heard here today from the notorious Israeli Prime Minister was nothing but an unsuccessful attempt to distract attention away from his genocide and brutal war crimes. To date, in Gaza alone, he has brutally massacred more than 42,000 civilians, mostly women and children, wounded 93,000 other civilians, destroyed critical civilian infrastructure, and demolished schools, hospitals, and mosques. He has even repeatedly killed an unprecedented number of journalists and United Nations staff and attacked many UN relief centers. He brutally has used starvation as a method of war. Making unfounded accusations against regional countries, including my own, has long been a standard practice of the Israeli regime. Its exclusive purpose is to conceal its blatant crimes and brutalities in the region. Obviously, no amount of disinformation, fabrication, and lies can cover up this regime’s decades-long criminal practices and wicked and war-mongering policies. Mr. President, the extent, frequency, and gravity of the barbaric crimes of the Israeli regime in Palestine and now in Lebanon is unprecedented. These brutalities have all elements of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The Israeli forces commit all such crimes on a daily basis, repeatedly and concurrently in front of the eyes of all humanity. They turned Gaza into a graveyard of children and hell on earth, as has been said by United Nations staff and officials. The apartheid-occupying regime of Israel is now waging an all-out war of aggression against Lebanon. It has targeted civilians, mostly women, children, and the elderly, and attacked civilian infrastructures. Moreover, the deliberate targeting of civilians in Lebanon by detonating pagers and other electronic devices across the country was a blatant terrorist act committed by the Israeli regime. This evil practice is the most outrageous manifestation of weaponizing ordinary communication devices to commit terrorist acts and to harm civilians. This adventuristic act of terrorism must sound a warning bell for the entire international community. This new version of terrorism must be condemned unequivocally by all. If unchecked, the Israeli regime will commit terrorist acts in other countries using such devices. They must therefore be compelled to stop such acts of terrorism everywhere. Mr. President, the evil regime of Israel is the exclusive source of insecurity and instability in the region and beyond. Continued aggressions and crimes of this regime in Palestine and Lebanon continue to seriously threaten regional and international peace and security. Its aggression against Lebanon could not be isolated from the overall situation in the region. The Zionist regime’s real and ill-intended objective is to drag the entire region into a full-scale war. The military adventurism of this criminal regime must be stopped before it becomes too late. For this terrorist regime, international humanitarian and human rights law, binding orders of the International Court of Justice, as well as the principle of humanity, mean nothing. It has persistently and flagrantly violated all principles of the United Nations and therefore does not deserve the membership of this organization. The atrocity, crimes and genocide committed by this occupying apartheid regime must not go unpunished. Impunity would only continue to embolden this regime to persist in its pattern of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and to commit more crimes more brutally. The international community, the United Nations and the Security Council must take their responsibilities seriously and do whatever in their power to stop destabilizing policies and illegal practices of the Israeli regime in the volatile region of West Asia. This regime must also be held accountable for all such inhuman policies and unlawful practices. And as our foreign minister told today before the Security Council, Netanyahu and his criminal gang must have been arrested and prosecuted for the most heinous crimes, not to let him appear before this august body and take pride in his evil deeds. Inaction to prevent the brutality of this rogue, aggressive regime that has already crossed all red lines will further embolden it to pursue further crimes. This must be avoided. We once again strongly condemn and categorically reject the heinous acts of the rogue regime of Israel against Palestine, Lebanon and other regional countries. We also reiterate our full support for the realization of the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. Under international law, Palestinians have an absolute right to resist occupation and aggression using all available means. We also fully support the inherent right to self-defense of all regional nations against the aggressions of the Israeli regime. As we have said time and again, the path to de-escalation is clear. Israel must be compelled to stop immediately and permanently all its attacks on Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and other parts of the region. In response to saber-rattling and threats made today by the Israeli regime’s representative, I must stress that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to vigorously defend its territory, people and vital interests. Obviously, and in exercising our inherent right to self-defense, we will do it in time and the manner we choose. Mr. President, the Israeli regime’s representative has also made an unsuccessful attempt to falsely portray our nuclear program as a source of concern. Iran’s nuclear program has always been and will remain exclusively for peaceful purposes. In fact, the real source of serious threat is the Calandestan nuclear weapon program of the Israeli regime and its nuclear weapon arsenal.
President: I call on the representatives of Indonesia.
Indonesia: Mr. President, my delegation wishes to exercise our right of reply in response to the statement made by the delegation of Vanuatu earlier today. We appreciate the reaffirmation of respect to sovereignty and territorial integrity of Indonesia. This is the right to uphold towards fostering a friendly and constructive relations in line with the core principles of the UN Charter. Mr. President, Indonesia has taken note of the remarks made regarding development in the provinces of Papua in Indonesia. As a vibrant and robust democracy, Indonesia continues to listen to the will and aspiration of its people who seek peace, prosperity, and development. I wish to take this opportunity to emphasize the following points. First, on the call for greater autonomy. Since 2001, the special autonomy laws grant Papuans the authority to directly elect their own representative and leaders through democratic processes. These laws provide solid ground and assurances that only Papuans can be elected as leaders in the Papua provinces, a special arrangement that is only applied in the Papua province. Moreover, the establishment of the Papua People’s Assembly and other representative bodies reserved for Papuans ensures the political and cultural representation in line with their customs and identities. Indonesia remains committed to further increase the meaningful participation of the people of Papua in decision-making. On the 20th anniversary of the special autonomy law in 2021, the number of seats in the local parliament increased from 25 in 2001 to 60 seats. Similarly, the membership of the Papuan People’s Assembly grew from 93 to 225 seats in 2021. These improvements will further guarantee their direct and active participation in governance and development, not only for Papua, but for Indonesia as a whole. Second, on the call for progress in development, the government of Indonesia has been steadfast in its commitment to ensure that Papuans benefit from the same progress seen across the archipelago. All provinces in Papua are among the top eight provinces with the highest budget allocations in Indonesia. These resources are focused on the development of extensive infrastructure and social welfare projects, including roads, airports, seaports, schools, and hospitals. At the same time, human development has been a central priority. Over the past decade, human development index in Papua and West Papua has risen from 54.45 to 61.39, and West Papua’s human development index from 59.60 to 65, transitioning from low to medium status according to UNDP standards. Poverty rates have also seen a marked decline, and life expectancy has significantly increased. Finally, I wish to reaffirm Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to the long-term development and prosperity of its people, including the people in all the provinces in Papua, and ensure that their aspiration for peace and progress is realized. I thank you, Mr. President.
President: I call on the representative of Japan.
Japan: Thank you, Mr. President. In the statement by the Solomon Islands, there was a reference to treated radioactive contaminated water to refer to the discharge of Alps-treated water at the Tokyo Electronic Power Company holdings Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station into the sea. It is unfortunate that I am compelled to exert my right of reply in response to this misleading statement. Firstly, I must make it clear that the Alps-treated water being discharged from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station is not nuclear contaminated water. This water has undergone a rigorous purification process through the Advanced Liquid Process System, in short, ALPS, which effectively removes multiple radionuclides to meet international safety standards. As ALPS-treated water is discharged after sufficient purification and dilution, it will have negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. This is one of the major conclusions drawn by the IAEA through its safety review and verified by monitoring activities by Japan and the IAEA involving interested third countries. Furthermore, in July 2024, the IAEA published a report following its second review mission that began after the discharge started in August last year. This report reaffirmed the fundamental conclusions of the IAEA Comprehensive Report of July 2023. It stated that the IAEA did not identify anything inconsistent with the requirement in the relevant international safety standards. The report also confirmed that the equipment and facilities are installed and operated in a manner consistent with the implementation plan and the relevant international safety standards. Secondly, the Government of Japan has shared science-based information on the safety of the discharge with the international community in a transparent manner. In particular, the Government of Japan has provided individual briefing sessions to countries and regions which have expressed interest. As a result, a wide range of countries and regions have expressed their understanding and support for the effort by Japan and IAEA regarding the discharge of Alps-treated water. For instance, Japan and our Pacific neighbours share a special interest in our ocean. At the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders’ Meeting in July this year, the leaders of Pacific Island countries and regions, including Solomon Islands, acknowledged the dialogue with Japan and concurred on the importance of being based on scientific evidence in this matter, recognising the IAEA as the authority of nuclear safety. One year has passed since the start of the Alps-treated water discharge. Japan will continue to share the results of ongoing review and multi-layered monitoring by international participants in a transparent manner and in good faith. Japan will also continue with its efforts to gain further understanding from the international community and to engage with various stakeholders in a region of Asia-Pacific and beyond. I thank you.
President: I call on the representative of India.
India: Mr President, this Assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning. A country run by the military, with a global reputation for terrorism, narcotics trade and transnational crime, has had the audacity to attack the world’s largest democracy. I speak about the reference to India in the speech of the Pakistani Prime Minister. As the world knows, Pakistan has long employed cross-border terrorism as a weapon against its neighbours. It has attacked our Parliament, our financial capital Mumbai, marketplaces and pilgrimage routes. The list is long. For such a country to speak about violence anywhere is hypocrisy at its worst. It is even more extraordinary for a country with a history of rigged elections to talk about political choices, that too in a democracy. The real truth is that Pakistan covets our territory and in fact has continuously used terrorism to disrupt elections in Jammu and Kashmir, an inalienable and integral part of India. A reference has been made to some proposal of strategic restraint. There can be no compact with terrorism. In fact, Pakistan should realise that cross-border terrorism against India will inevitably invite consequences. It is ridiculous that a nation that committed genocide in 1971 and which persecutes its minorities relentlessly even now, dares speak about intolerances and phobias. The world can see for itself what Pakistan really is. Mr President, we are talking about a nation that for long hosted Osama Bin Laden, a country whose fingerprints are on so many terrorist incidents across the world, whose policies attract the dregs of many societies to make it their home. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that its Prime Minister would so speak in this hallowed hall. Yet we must make clear how unacceptable his words are to all of us. We know that Pakistan will seek to counter the truth with more lies. Repetition will change nothing. Our stand is clear and needs no reiteration. Thank you, Mr President.
President: I call on the representative of Pakistan.
Pakistan: Mr President, my delegation is obliged to exercise its right of reply in response to the baseless and misleading assertions made by India. India continues to peddle a false narrative in this forum, year after year, relying on tactics of denial, distortion and deflection. However, these distortions cannot alter the reality that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory. It has never been, nor will ever be, a part of India, nor is it an internal matter. The United Nations Security Council, through numerous resolutions, has unequivocally called for a free impartial plebiscite to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination. India is obligated, under Article 25 of the UN Charter, to implement these resolutions. Instead of honouring its obligations, India has chosen the path of repression, subjecting the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people for self-determination through a brutal and oppressive occupation. India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 further intensified this occupation, with nearly 1 million soldiers deployed to suppress the Kashmiris’ legitimate right. My Prime Minister shed a spotlight on these facts today, which may be uncomfortable for India, yet this remains the truth, which India cannot deny through its sophistry. Mr. President, India’s crimes in IIOJK are heinous and committed with impunity. Innocent civilians, including women and children, are being targeted through staged encounters, extrajudicial killings and collective punishment. Entire villages have been razed. The entire Kashmiri political leaders remain incarcerated, and a media blackout continues to stifle independent voices. This is the largest military occupation in the world, where over 8 million Kashmiris live in a perpetual state of siege and horror. The reports of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and statements from over a dozen UN Special Rapporteurs have documented these widespread violations, and called for the investigation of human rights violations in IIOJK, yet India has consistently denied them access to the occupied territory. Mr. President, India has once again resorted to the familiar tactic of deflecting global attention from its own terror activities by raising baseless accusations of terrorism. It is ironic that a country which uses terrorism as an instrument of state policy against its neighbours should attempt to point fingers at others. India, which has been sponsoring terrorism and orchestrating assassination campaigns, is hardly in a position to lecture others on this issue. In addition to its state terrorism against the defenceless people of IIOJK, India continues to sponsor terror activities, not only against Pakistan, but also in other countries. For decades, India has been the primary perpetrator, supporter, and financer of terrorism. India’s sponsorship of terrorist organizations such as Tehreek-e-Taliban, Pakistan, and the Balochistan Liberation Army has led to the loss of thousands of innocent Pakistani lives. Pakistan has shared irrefutable evidence of India’s involvement in terrorism with the international community. The arrest and conviction of Kulbhushan Yadav, a serving Indian naval officer and an operative of India’s intelligence agency RAW, is irrefutable evidence of India’s state-sponsored terrorism against Pakistan, including targeted assassinations in Pakistan. Now the Indian terrorist franchise has gone global with assassinations and attempted murders of political dissidents on North American soil. Mr. President, the Delegation of India referred to the events of 1971, which were not a question of genocide, but of India’s foreign aggression and attack on national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan. I would like to request the Indian Delegation to refer to the General Assembly Resolution of December 1971, which upheld the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan against the foreign invasion. Mr. President, while the Indian Delegate referred to India as the biggest democracy, the world knows that India’s reign of terror against its minorities continues unabated. The BJP-RSS government, which has ruled India since 2014, is imposing a reign of fear and violence not only against the people of IIOJK, but also against its own Muslims, Christians, Dalits, and other low-caste Hindus. Islamophobia has deeply infiltrated the Indian state, where 200 million Muslims face lynching by cow vigilantes and pogroms led by RSS, often with government complicity. Muslims are facing forced conversions, disenfranchisement, restrictions like the hijab ban, and the destruction of hundreds of mosques, including the Babri Masjid, all aimed at erasing Muslim identity and culture, which are integral parts of India’s history. Mr. President, India must end its state-sponsored terrorism, seize its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, and fulfil its obligations under international law. Pakistan has been and will continue to highlight India’s state terrorism against our people and the people of India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Make no mistake, Indian state terrorism in IIOJK will not be able to dampen the indomitable spirit of those seeking their inalienable right to self-determination, nor will India’s attempt to divert attention from its sponsorship of terrorism ever succeed. I thank you, Mr. President.
