Tag: UN affairs

Iraqi Prime Minister highlights national priorities focused on people — Global Issues

Addressing the annual high-level general debate of the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister empahasized that the coalition has adopted a programme with crucial priorities aimed at immediate implementation for the benefit of the Iraqis.

These priorities include the creation of employment opportunities, the eradication of poverty, the fight against corruption, and the enactment of economic reforms, he said.

On the holding of local elections, he said that after a 10-year hiatus, the Federal Government is working with the region of Kurdistan and all other regions of Iraq on “equal footing”.

Tackling corruption

Acknowledging that his country has faced a “corruption pandemic”, Mr. al Sudani stressed that the Government is focused on eradicating “this disease”.

He expressed his belief that there is a symbiotic relationship between corruption and terrorism. It is vital to pursue those who spread corruption, he said, adding that the money they have stolen must be returned.

The Prime Minister highlighted Iraq’s intensifying efforts to combat drugs and any related activities, noting “it is no secret that there is a direct relationship between terrorism and drugs.” he said.

Committed to international law

The Prime Minister further noted the desire for Iraq to be a part of the solution to any international and regional problem, and that it is committed to international law and respects all UN resolutions.

It will also pursue friendship with its neighbours and will not be a launching point of aggression against any other State.

Mr. al Sudani warned of the consequences of religious extremism, something that Iraq knows well, and denounced it in all forms. “Burning the holy Qur’an is a hate crime,” he stressed.

Climate action

Turning to climate change, he noted that “the land of Mesopotamia” is suffering from drought, cautioning “the cradle of civilization must not be allowed to die of thirst.”

Iraq is working on exerting more efforts between relevant regional States to form a negotiating bloc and to manage cross-border water resources.

He stressed the need to mobilize international efforts to ensure the sustainability of water sources. On a national level, Iraq has taken steps to lower emissions and combat pollution. However, institutions are needed to deal with mounting climate challenges.

Iraq’s youth population

Young people constitute 60 per cent of the country’s population and are its “best investment,” he continued, noting several programmes to support students and the youth, including on job prospects.

Prime Minister al Sudani also recognized the role of women in helping Iraq achieve victory against terrorism.

He also noted that his country has become a secure environment for investors, and as a pivotal State in the global oil market, is working on establishing a regional corridor to facilitate transportation and trade.

Full statement in Arabic available here.

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Don’t turn back the clock, work together and ‘get the future right’, urges Prime Minister of Malta — Global Issues

Robert Abela told leaders gathered for the UN General Assembly’s annual debate that the voices of all countries – large and small, rich and poor – and of all elements for civil society must be heard and play a role in building and sustaining a better world.

“We must build a new age of security. Not by trying to turn the clock back. But by getting the future right!”

Going to highlight the importance of “rebuilding trust to achieve sustainability for all”, he underscored Malta’s commitment to diplomacy and multilateralism.

Malta is deeply committed to nurturing international relations and that his country, conscious of its unique geographic position at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, steps us in a pivotal role, building bridges and understanding between different traditions.

He added, “Earlier this month we were proud to be just such a bridge.” Trusted by both sides, the country hosted talks between the United States Security Adviser and China’s Foreign Minister.

Russian aggression

Regarding the war in Ukraine, he stated that Malta’s response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine and other crises around the world has been guided by the value of neutrality which is in enshrined in Malta’s constitution.

He added that Malta’s neutrality means that the nation will continue to be directly opposed to military aggression and unilateral action against the members of the international community and the rules-based order.

Talking about the consequences of the war, he said, “the already precarious situation of global food security has been made worse by the invasion of Ukraine and an estimated extra 122 million people have been pushed into hunger since 2019.”

The Prime Minister urged Russia to rejoin the Black Sea Initiative and to stop disrupting delivery of vital food supplies leaving Ukraine to feed the world’s most needy.

Good neighbourliness

Closer to home, Mr. Abela said that the situation in Libya is the most pressing issue in the Mediterranean region. As such, Malta wishes to see peaceful, stable, and prosperous Libya through a Libyan led political process and urged the international community to encourage this process.

Stressing that the Libyan people need to recover and rebuild after the tragic devastation of storm Daniel, he stressed the importance of a lasting settlement in Libya, that will not only give Libyans the effective government they deserve but will also be imperative for peace in the whole Mediterranean region.

Climate action

“The time for excuses is long over,” the Prime Minister said. Climate change is a very real emergency, the consequences of which are being felt in every part of the world.

Current pledges and current targets are not sufficient to keep the 1.5°C objective of the Paris Agreement within reach.

Adding that for a maritime nation like Malta, the sea plays a profound part in Malta’s national life, he said “Rising sea levels are a severe threat to the security, the livelihood and indeed, the very existence of island countries like ours… which is why we have made climate and oceans the number one priority during our term at the United Nations Security Council.”

He emphasized, “We must preserve the sovereignty of the coastal states, no matter what the ravages of the sea. As island nations, we turn to the world, but we don’t turn our backs on each other.”

Small island developing States

Talking about how Malta experienced many of the same challenges which are currently being faced by developing countries, Mr. Abela shared how they have made raising awareness of the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing States a top priority and why supporting sustainable development for island nations is a cornerstone of Malta’s foreign policy.

Full statement available here.

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Israel on the cusp of historic peace with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu announces at UN — Global Issues

“Such a peace will go a long way in ending Arab-Israeli conflict and will encourage other Arab States to normalize their relations with Israel,” he said, adding that it will also enhance prospects of peace with the Palestinians.

The agreement, he emphasized will “encourage a broader reconciliation between Judaism and Islam, between Jerusalem and Mecca, between the descendants of Isaac and the descendants of Ishmael.”

‘Genuine peace’ with Palestinians

Peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia will truly create a new Middle East, the Prime Minster continued, noting that as the circle of peace expands, a real path towards “genuine peace” with Palestinians can finally be achieved.

However, there is a caveat: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas “must stop spreading the horrible anti-Semitic conspiracies” against the Jewish people, and that the Palestinian Authority must stop supporting and glorifying terrorists.

A ‘visionary corridor’

In his address, Prime Minister Netanyahu also said that a corridor stretching across the Arabian Peninsula and Israel, connecting India with Europe was announced by US President Biden, Indian Prime Minister Modi and European and Arab leaders at the recently held G20 Summit.

The “visionary corridor” would facilitate trade, communication and energy connectivity for the benefit of over two billion people, he said.

For centuries, Israel was invaded by empires passing through it in their campaigns of plunder and conquest elsewhere, “but today, as we tear down the walls of enmity, Israel can become a bridge of peace and prosperity between these continents,” Mr. Netanyahu added.

Fly in the ointment

The Israeli Prime Minister went on to note that there is a “fly in the ointment … the fanatics ruling Iran will do everything they can to thwart this historic peace.”

He denounced Iran for its terrorist acts, including through proxies, threatening international shipping, holding foreign nationals as hostages, killing and arresting many of its own citizens, and supplying drones and missiles that “bring death and destruction to innocent people in the Ukraine.”

“Yet the regime’s aggression is largely met by indifference in the international community,” he said, stressing: “To stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This policy must change. Sanctions must be snapped back.”

The AI revolution

In his address, Prime Minister Netanyahu also highlighted the development of artificial intelligence (AI), noting that while it offered immense benefits for humanity, it also posed grave dangers.

The world’s leading nations, however competitive, must address these dangers collectively and quickly, he urged, emphasizing that “we must ensure that the promise of an AI utopia does not turn into an AI dystopia.”

He also noted his country’s role, “just as Israel’s technological revolution provided the world with breathtaking innovations, I’m confident that AI developed by Israel will once again help all humanity.”

Blessings of a new Middle East

Prime Minister Netanyahu concluded his remarks, stating “bring forth the blessings of a new Middle East that will transform lands once written with conflict and chaos, into fields of prosperity and peace.”

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‘The world cannot afford Cold War 2.0,’ Pakistan leader tells UN Assembly — Global Issues

Addressing the Assembly’s annual general debate, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, said, “the world cannot afford Cold War 2.0,” because there are a raft of challenges facing humankind that can only be addressed through global cooperation.

Multiple shocks

Indeed, a series of external “shocks” – COVID-19, climate change and conflict – have devastated developing economies, reversed decades of progress, and left hunger and poverty in their wake, he said, and his own country is a “prime illustration” of these shocks.

“The epic floods of last summer submerged a third of our country, killed 1,700 and displaced over eight million people, destroyed vital infrastructure and caused over $30 billion in damage to our economy,” he said.

Considering these formidable challenges, especially for nations facing debt distress, the Prime Minister stressed the urgency of implementing the SDG Stimulus package.

He also called for the expansion of concessional lending by multilateral development banks and urged developed countries to fulfill their commitments for climate finance.

‘Development depends on peace’

Mr. Kakar emphasized the fundamental role of peace in fostering development and expressed Pakistan’s desire for peaceful and productive relations with all neighboring countries, including India.

“Kashmir is the key to peace between Pakistan and India,” he said, noting that India “has evaded implementation of the Security Council resolutions that call for the ‘final disposition’ of Jammu and Kashmir to be decided by its people through UN-supervised plebiscite.”

“The UN Security Council must secure the implementation of its resolutions on Kashmir [and] the UN Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) should be reinforced,” he added, calling on global powers to convince New Delhi to accept Pakistan’s offer of mutual restraint on strategic and conventional weapons.

The Prime Minister also said that peace in Afghanistan is a strategic imperative for Pakistan, voicing concerns over rights of women and girls in that country.

Counter all terrorists

Mr. Kakar stressed the imperative of countering all forms of terrorism, including far-right extremism and State-sponsored terrorism, while addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, injustice, and foreign occupation.

He proposed the establishment of a committee within the General Assembly to oversee the balanced implementation of all four pillars of the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.

Religious intolerance

The Prime Minister also voiced concerns over the rise of Islamophobia and highlighted Pakistan’s efforts, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to combat the issue.

He proposed several measures to combat Islamophobia, including the appointment of a Special Envoy and the creation of an Islamophobia Data Center.

Strengthened global cooperation

Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the importance of multilateralism within the framework of the United Nations and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing global cooperation.

To build and sustain peace, today and in the future, “it is vital to reduce power rivalry and tensions”, he said, while adhering to the UN Charter and implementing Security Council resolutions.

Full statement available here.

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At critical moment for peacekeeping in Africa, Ghana steps up to host key summit — Global Issues

The gathering of defence ministers and others committed to peacekeeping efforts will focus on civilian protection, addressing misinformation and disinformation, promoting safety and security, protecting mental health, and boosting the pivotal role of women in UN missions.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, together with senior UN officials, said the flagship biennial meeting will help secure political support and generate pledges to strengthen UN Peacekeeping, in line with Action for Peacekeeping and A4P+.

The meeting is the fifth ministerial summit overall and the first to take place in Africa.

Key multilateral tool

“The 2023 Ministerial is an important opportunity for leaders to reaffirm their commitment and make pledges to UN Peacekeeping, which remains one of the most significant multilateral tools to achieve sustainable peace and development”, said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN Peace Operations.

“We are grateful to Ghana for hosting this Ministerial meeting and for their critical contributions to strengthening our operations.”

Peacekeeping missions are navigating major challenges including the withdrawal due to government request of MINUSMA in Mali, and MONUSCO in the DR Congo, whose president this week said he wanted blue helmets to pull out a year early, by the end of December.

Fill gaps, boost effectiveness

UN peacekeeping said the Accra summit will focus on securing concrete commitments from Member States to fill gaps, leverage new technologies, and address key priorities to improve the maximum operational effectiveness of all peacekeeping missions.

“In addition to the myriad challenges currently before us, United Nations peace operations are also at a critical juncture in preventing and addressing misconduct as a central element of performance,” said Catherine Pollard, head of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance.

“This is a collective endeavour,” she emphasised.

Strengthening partnerships

Member States are being encouraged to create or strengthen bilateral and triangular partnerships to ensure proposed improvements are sustainable and have the required impact.

“Ghana and Africa’s contributions to peacekeeping are advancing beyond troop contributions to offering a vital forum in which countries can unite and collaborate on innovative strategies to address current challenges and discuss the future of peacekeeping,” said Atul Khare, who heads up Operational Support for the UN.

“I look forward to the formation of partnerships amongst participants to enhance the effectiveness of our peacekeepers, elevate the quality of their medical care, and foster environmentally responsible operations.”

The meeting in Accra is the latest in a series of high-level events that have seen world leaders pledge resources to help UN peacekeeping missions fully implement their mandates.

Generous contributions by various Member States at similar meetings have helped generate rapidly deployable military units, key aviation assets, better medical capacities, and helped advance the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.

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We can’t keep putting the interest of the few before the lives of many, Mia Mottley says at UN — Global Issues

Describing the Sustainable Development Goals as “the promise of development and the conferral of dignity on our people,” the Prime Minister of Barbados questioned whether the world’s actions since the adoption eight years ago of the 2030 Agenda will be sufficient to attain the 17 targets on poverty, gender equality, the environment, and more.

“Will we be too late to save as many as we can from the climate crisis; too late for us to save as many as we can from the ravages of war; too late to provide the food that so many need?”, she asked.

The same facts

Acknowledging that world leaders have made progress, Ms. Mottley said much remained to be done on the road to 2030. Indeed, she pointed out that as of last year, 735 million suffered from chronic hunger, and that more people are likely to be hungry in 2030 than in 2015.

Moreover, the way forward must be based on commonly agreed objectives. “Our Democracy cannot survive if we do not have the same facts, but we live in a world where the generation of fake news is a near daily occurrence. And where people act on those premises without consideration as to whether the news is true or not,“ she stressed.

Calling for the creation of a regulatory framework in line with that outlines by the Secretary-General, she said the role artificial intelligence (AI) will play in our world “must be for good purposes but not evil.

High gas and oil prices

With aggressive oil supply cuts in Saudi Arabia and Russia and deadly flooding in Libya sending crude prices on a tear, oil prices are on pace to hit their largest quarterly increase since Russia invaded Ukraine in the beginning of 2022.

According to Ms. Mottley oil and gas prices have been driven higher in the Venezuela because of lack of transparency, and the people of the Caribbean are bearing the brunt of it.

“How is it possible for Chevron and the European Union to access the oil and gas of Venezuela but the people of the Carribean, cannot access it at the 35 per cent discount offered by the people of Venezuela?”Ms. Mottley asked.

“Impossible that we should always have to bear the cost of an additional 4 per cent in my country”, she said, simply because the rules are allowed for one but not the other.

Corporate Taxes

Touching on the issue of corporate tax, the Barbados Prime Minister noted that World leaders do not approach the issue with fairness.

“We know how to run fast in one set of circumstances when it suits one set of people but yet we run very slow when it matters to billions of people and their access to livelihood,” she said.

“We cannot continue to put the interest of the few before the lives of many,” the Carribean leader added.

Climate action

Ms. Mottley said the fight against climate change is far from over, adding that the climate change is as much of a crisis as the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Africa.

“We are committed to resume the battle of saving people and the planet,” she said. According to her reform is critical at this point, and what matters is what each country does to address the global issue.

Attributing a quote to Nelson Mandela, Ms. Mottley concluded: “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision is merely passing time. But vision with action can change the world.” The best leaders not only create their vision, but also inspire others toward action.”

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Haitian Prime Minister calls for urgent deployment of multinational force to quash gang violence — Global Issues

Armed groups control areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and some towns, blocking roads, driving citizens from their homes, and forcing the closure of schools, hospitals and businesses.

Lives in danger

The “non-exhaustive” list of violations and crimes they have committed includes massacres, kidnappings, pillaging, sexual violence, human trafficking and child recruitment, he said.

Insecurity has reached a critical point in recent weeks, sparking a new humanitarian crisis, with more than 16,500 displaced people “spontaneously occupying” more than 25 schools in the capital.

“The daily life of the people of Haiti is very difficult,” said Mr. Henry, speaking through an interpreter.

“That is why the Security Council, which has the power and the necessary authority under Chapter Seven of the [UN] Charter, must take urgent action by authorizing the deployment of a multinational support mission to underpin security in Haiti.”

A critical first step

The proposed force would support the Haitian National Police to defeat the gangs and restore peace and order.

He hailed countries and organizations that have expressed commitment and solidarity, particularly Kenya, which has offered to lead the effort, and the regional bloc, CARICOM.

Mr. Henry said use of force is an initial first step to creating an environment for the State to function again.

However, he emphasized that social and economic development must also be addressed to find a solution to the extreme poverty at the heart of the many issues confronting Haiti.

Multiple challenges

The Caribbean nation, which shares territory with the Dominican Republic, has suffered major shocks in recent years, including three earthquakes, cyclones, and the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

Since then, Mr. Henry has been serving as interim leader of Haiti, where roughly half the population lives below the poverty line and nearly five million people face food insecurity.

Social inequalities and the unequal distribution of resources have created a huge gap between the poor masses and the small minority that controls 90 per cent of all wealth in the country, he said. Meanwhile, extreme poverty and unemployment provide “fertile ground” for gang recruitment.

Mr. Henry called for Haitians at home and in the diaspora “to work hand-in-hand with the Government to combat the gangs, restore security, and, as true democrats, to seek power via the ballot box.”

He said despite the situation in the country, the interim government is determined to hold elections as soon as practically possible.

The Prime Minister also addressed the emerging crisis with the Dominican Republic, which has closed its borders with Haiti following a dispute over the construction of a canal on the Dajabón or Massacre River.

“I wish to state that the Republic of Haiti is not at war with anyone,” he said. “Haitians are a generous people who have always shown solidarity and who believe in dialogue and the ability to fairly share shared resources in full mutual respect.”

Full statement (in French) available here.

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World must pass ‘AI stress test’, UK Deputy PM says, announcing summit — Global Issues

Mr. Dowden said the so-named AI Safety Summit, set for November, will aim to preempt the risks posed by frontier AI and explore how it can be used for the public good.

“AI is the biggest transformation the world has known,” he emphasized, noting that it is going to change everything we do, the way we live, relations between nations, and it is going to change the United Nations, fundamentally.

“Our task as governments is to understand it, grasp it, and seek to govern it, and we must do so at great speed,” he stressed.

We don’t know its boundaries

Mr. Dowden drew parallels between the work of inventors Thomas Edison (lightbulb) and Tim Berners-Lee (email) and the potential of artificial intelligence today.

“They could not – surely – have respectively envisaged the illumination of the New York skyline at night or the wonders of the modern internet … but they suspected the transformative power of their inventions.”

He emphasized that frontier AI has the potential not just to similarly transform our lives, but to reimagine our understanding of science, from decoding the smallest particles to the farthest reaches of the universe.

Opportunities v. risks

One of the main concerns highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister is the unprecedented speed at which AI is evolving, with the pace having far-reaching implications, both in terms of the opportunities it presents and the risks it poses.

On the positive side, AI models currently under development could play a pivotal role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges: clean energy, climate action, food production or detecting diseases and pandemics.

“In fact, every single challenge discussed at this year’s General Assembly – and more – could be improved or even solved by AI,” he stated.

However, amidst the promise of AI, Mr. Dowden also sounded a cautionary note, underscoring the dangers of misuse, citing examples such as hacking, cyberattacks, deepfakes and the potential loss of control over AI systems.

“Indeed, many argue this technology is like no other, in the sense that its creators themselves don’t know how it works … the principal will therefore come from misuse, misadventure, or misalignment with human objectives,” he added.

“There is no future in which this technology does not develop at an extraordinary pace,” he said, and while companies were doing their best to set up guardrails, “the starting gun has been fired on a globally competitive race in which individual companies as well as countries will strive to push the boundaries as far and fast as possible.”

Objectives of the AI summit

Against this backdrop, the AI Safety Summit will focus on addressing extreme risks associated with frontier AI, the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The summit aims to bring together experts, policymakers and stakeholders to explore strategies for mitigating these risks while harnessing the positive potential of AI for public good.

“We cannot afford to become trapped in debates about whether AI is a tool for good or a tool for ill, it will be a tool for both. We must prepare for both and insure against the latter,” he urged.

Full statement available here.

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At UN, Salva Kiir calls for support to help restore peace, ease humanitarian crisis in neighboring Sudan — Global Issues

“I am appealing to the international community to avail resources to help refugees and displaced persons who crossed into South Sudan,” Mr. Kiir told world leaders attending the UN General Assembly’s annual debate.

He added: “While the world is dealing with multiple crisis, we call for a provision of sustained support to these displaced persons as we work on how to restore peace and stability in Sudan.”

“We are committed to global efforts aimed at addressing challenges that we face as a human family. We are also committed to multilateralism and international cooperation as the best means of achieving our shared aspirations,” President Kiir said.

Upcoming elections

The South Sudanese President highlighted the political, humanitarian and security challenges facing the country since 2013.

But acknowledged that there has been some improvement after the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018.

Mr. Kiir noted that South Sudan is now determined to build on the commitments of the nation’s Revised National Development Strategy (2021-2024) to consolidate peace and stabilize the economy.

“In order to conclude the transitional period peacefully through fair, transparent and credible elections in 2024. We have also engaged in dialogue and consultation with various stakeholders, including civil society, women, youth, traditional leaders, and opposition groups, to ensure that our peace process is owned and driven by our people,” Mr. Kiir stated.

South Sudan will continue to engage with civil society, women, young people and traditional leaders to ensure that “our peace process is owned and driven by our own people”, he went on to say. As his country moves in this direction, it calls on the United Nations to lift the arms embargo imposed on it. The embargo has impeded implementation of security arrangements, he stressed.

Climate change

On climate change, Mr. Kiir said South Sudan plans to prioritize sustainable land use, promote renewable energy, and collaborate with international partners to reduce carbon emissions and protect its environment for generations to come.

“While working on this, it is only fair for us to call upon developed countries cut their emission by 45 per cent and honour their pledges of availing funds for mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage to the developing countries,” he added.

SDG ‘rescue plan’

According to the President, the constitution in South Sudan guarantees all children free access to education. He said his Government has implemented a policy to ensure free primary and secondary education policy across the country.

He said the policy “has directly led to enrolment of 2.3 million children in our schools. To ensure that girls stay in school, we have banned child marriages through an act of Parliament.”

South Sudan has developed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rescue plan with a focus on seven SDG targets.

“This plan provides a roadmap of a better future for our people. And given that education is the key that will allow us to achieve other SDGs rapidly, I am pleased to report that South Sudan has made some progress in its education sector since our independence in 2011,” he said, noting for example, that the constitution guarantees all children free access to education.

“In the health sector, we plan to dedicate resources towards providing affordable and standard heath care. And this will be done through primary healthcare approach that is inclusive and cost effective,” added President Kiir.

Full statement available here.

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At UN, Pacific Island leaders sound alarm on climate crisis, call for urgent action — Global Issues

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, Presidents of Kiribati, Timor-Leste, Micronesia and Nauru called for accelerated climate action, urging major emitters worldwide to commit to substantial reductions in emissions by 2030.

These nations, while contributing negligibly to global emissions, highlighted bold ambitions to curb their own carbon footprints, exemplified by Micronesia’s pledge to reduce CO2 emissions from electricity generation by over 65 per cent below 2000 levels.

The leaders also highlighted challenges ranging from poverty and quality healthcare, to harnessing technology and combatting corruption.

With “resilience embedded in their DNA”, they urged global solidarity to combat these pressing challenges and safeguard the wellbeing of their people.

Committed to sustainable development

President Taneti Maamau of Kiribati emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust in multilateral cooperation and diplomacy, especially in a world facing geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and unforeseen challenges like pandemics and climate-related crises.

He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and outlined programmes to implement SDGs at the national level.

“To ensure sustainability and ownership of our desired developmental goals, we have engaged in extensive consultations at all levels,” he said.

President Maamau also highlighted that as part of its commitment to global peace, Kirbati is working closely with the UN to engage its police in peacekeeping missions, and that it will promote empowerment of women and girls, as well as people with disabilities, elders, unemployed, youth and children.

“Enhancing prosperity is essential for sustaining peace and so the government is dedicated to people-centric principles, placing citizens at the centre of our decisions and services, and promoting transparent governance,” he said.

Beware the climate-conflict nexus

President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste drew attention to the impact of rising temperatures in worsening conflicts and violence, particularly in vulnerable States.

“We need a new outlook on the climate and security nexus, which will address the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on peace, security and ensure that the quest for energy transition does not worsen the security situation in fragile countries,” he said.

President Ramos-Horta pointed out that overseas development assistance (ODA) has declined continuously since the 2007 subprime crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

He highlighted that it would be a “leap forward” in international solidarity if OECD countries allocated 1 percent of national GDPs to ODA.

“We would see positive effects on poverty rates, food security, access to basic health services, education, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, housing and social security, with multiplier effects on the diversification of economies, especially in agriculture,” he explained.

We have bold ambitions

Wesley Simina President of the Federated States of Micronesia emphasized the Paris Agreement as a critical tool for addressing the climate crisis, although the current commitments under the agreement were insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a target crucial for small island nations like Micronesia.

He highlighted the importance of a “fast-acting mandatory approach”, modelled after successful environmental agreements like the Montreal Protocol, to cut methane emissions and other short-lived climate pollutants.

President Simina stressed the need for major emitters, both developed and developing, to commit to substantial emission reductions by 2030, peaking by 2025, in alignment with IPCC recommendations.

As for Micronesia, though it has negligible global emissions, “it has bold ambitions”, he added:

“By 2030 we aim to reduce CO2 emissions from electricity generation by more than 65 per cent below 2000 levels. By 2050 Micronesia will achieve ‘net zero’.”

Stand united for ‘the right things’

President Russ Joseph Kun of Nauru also stressed the urgency of climate action and transition from fossil fuels.

Highlighting the potential of deep seabed minerals, particularly polymetallic nodules, as a key solution for that shift, he called on the International Seabed Authority to regulate the responsible use of these minerals to ensure its benefits for all humankind while protecting marine ecosystems.

“As a Big Ocean State, a healthy productive and resilient ocean is a pillar upon which our future rests,” President Kun said, urging international support to ratify and implement the landmark BBNJ high seas treaty, promote sustainable fisheries, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

President Kun reiterated the need for the global community to work together to create a safe and just world for all, leaving no country behind, adding:

“I would like to share what time has taught me. Our community – Nauru, the Pacific, the small islands, the international community – is more robust when we stand united … but we must stand united for the right things, the important things, and the hard things.”

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