UNITED
NATIONS  GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
REMARKS
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE FIFTY EIGHT SESSION
OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
AFTER
THE CONCLUSION OF THE JOINT DEBATE ON ITEM 10: REPORT
OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE WORK OF THE ORGANISATION,
AND ITEM 60: FOLLOW-UP TO THE OUTCOME OF THE MILLENNIUM
SUMMIT
9 OCTOBER 2003
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Our
joint debate on Items 10 - Report of the Secretary-General
on the Work of the Organisation, and Items 60 - Follow-up
of the outcome of the Millennium Summit has been both interesting
and wide ranging. The sixty-eight (68) representatives participating
in the debate, including those speaking on behalf of groups
of states and regional organisations, indicate that the
views of a wide cross section of member states and organisations
were reflected in the debate.
It was
clear from the debate that the information provided by the
Secretary-General in his reports on the Organisation's work
and on Millennium Summit follow-up, and his address of 23
September, 2003 focussed on the work of the Organisation,
were carefully reviewed and evaluated, so that comments
on these two priority issues were succinct and cogent. I
know that I speak for us all in thanking the Secretary-General
for his reports and for his statement, which gave important
orientation to our debate.
United
Nations reform has come centre stage as one of the critical
issues that the organisation must address, and understandably
was among the issues given particular focus in the debate.
Many commented on the reform issue in the context of the
war in Iraq, contending that it severely tested the principle
of collective security and the resilience of the United
Nations. The organisation has, indeed, been sorely tested
over the past year. Reform that can better position it to
respond to serious challenges is an imperative, and was
given widespread support.
Substantial
comments were made on the Secretary-General's proposal to
establish a High-level Panel to make recommendations on
United Nations reform. Already, member states are giving
consideration to the terms of reference of the Panel, and
to what they expect from it. The case was made that the
Panel's report should be a conceptual one, reflecting on
the nature of changes occurring in the international system,
and possible responses to those changes. Security risks
related to globalization, development gaps, international
solidarity and good governance were among the issues speakers
expected the Panel to take up.
A number
of ideas were put forward on the matter of Security Council
reform, indicating that this remains a priority issue, notwithstanding
that no comprehensive agreement has been reached over the
past ten (10) years. It was contended by some that given
the strategic importance of the Security Council, its reform
should outweigh the single political agenda of any United
Nations member state. The view was also expressed that restarting
the stalled reform process would prove that the United Nations
is ready to adapt and adjust, and thereby, to uphold its
authority in world affairs.
Among
the opinions expressed on the specific issue of Security
Council membership, it was contended that member states
that wanted to, and could, shoulder global responsibility
as permanent member of the Council should be considered
for such membership. It was also emphasised that new geopolitical
realities and better geographical representation on the
Council were key issues for resolution.
Regarding
revitalisation of the General Assembly, there was broad
agreement that further streamlining and consolidating of
its agenda was critical, and a number of proposals were
made in respect of approaches that might be taken. Our approach
to resolutions of the Assembly was also the subject of some
thought-provoking commentary. We were, in particular, invited
to reflect on whether the way we traditionally introduce
resolutions, sometimes with very few changes from year to
year, serve their intended purpose or reflect the current
situation, and whether the best way to influence the situation
is to routinely request another report of the Secretary-General.
It was proposed that we further consider bi- and tri-annualising
resolutions, discontinue some of our initiatives, or change
their focus.
The
importance of the General Assembly as the main decision
and policy-making organ of the United Nations compel us
to give careful consideration to proposals such as those
put forward in the debate. This is particularly important
for me as President of the Assembly, since, as you know,
revitalisation of the Assembly is among my priorities, and
is also essential to our critical tasks of implementation
and follow-up of decisions.
The debate also provided the opportunity for many to share
perspectives on the need for an appropriate response to
new and existing threats to international peace and security,
such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
While there was broad support for the General Assembly being
actively involved in addressing these grave issues, it was
emphasised that its initiatives in this area must take fully
into account respect for human rights and for international
law.
In the current global environment, it was to be expected
that particular attention would be given to mobilising global
action against terrorism, and this was reflected in the
debate of items 10 and 60. Multilateralism was cited as
the most efficient weapon in the fight against terrorism.
As with the approach to new and existing threats to international
peace and security, it was the generally held view that
the development of a long-term anti-terrorism strategy must
be in strict conformity with the basic principles of the
United Nations, including full respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms and international law. It was also
stressed by many delegations that there could be no justification
for linking any particular religion with terrorism. In that
regard, the opinion was expressed that recent incidents
in different parts of the world show that no religion is
immune to terrorist attacks.
Attention
was drawn to the illicit trade and transfer of small arms
and light weapons, as matters of grave concern to developing
countries, especially in Africa. Many delegations called
for renewed commitment and action to prevent and control
the movement of these weapons, because they exacerbate conflicts
and political instability and have a serious impact on violent
crime and criminality.
A broad
approach to United Nations peacekeeping operations received
support, with some making proposals for the improvement
of the work done by the United Nations as part of these
operations. The coordination of assistance and protection
of civilians in armed conflict, provision of humanitarian
assistance, disarmament and various aspects of development
were among the issues addressed in this context.
Turning
to the Millennium Summit, and the Millennium Developments
Goals (MDG), a majority stressed that there was much work
to be done to achieve the objectives of the MDG. Implementing
the goals and meeting the targets agreed to in the Millennium
Declaration was considered to be the shared responsibility
of developed and developing countries alike. It was also
the generally held view that a common effort had to be made
to ensure that the MDGs are the focus of national as well
as global action.
Incessant
calls were made for developed countries to meet the commitments
they have made, particularly in the area of official development
assistance (ODA) and for them to support a more equitable
trading system. It was also emphasised that developing countries
have a stake, and must participate in, international economic
decision-making.
Before
us for urgent consideration and action is the suggestion
that donor countries work toward an agreement among themselves
on a set of deadlines for more equitable trade, debt relief
and to meet their ODA commitments, in order to achieve the
eighth MDG. It is also before us for consideration that
a universal reporting system be established for donor countries
on progress made in achieving this objective.
It was
suggested that developing countries give direction to processes
set out in the MDGs by assigning their own priorities, elaborating
appropriate strategies and focussing on the effective implementation
of poverty reduction policies. The opinion was expressed
that good governance is an important underpinning for initiatives
in this area.
The
Monterrey Consensus, adopted by the International Conference
on Financing for Development, supports a framework of mutual
obligations and mutual accountability, to which all states
are committed. The High-level Dialogue on Financing for
Development, scheduled for 29-30 October 2003, is an important
event for refocusing attention on the commitments made at
Monterrey and maintaining the impetus in this area. We have
an obligation - member states and international agencies
alike - to ensure that the High-level dialogue proceeds
as envisaged by Heads of State and Government at Monterrey,
and in the resolution of the General Assembly on the convening
of the Dialogue. Therefore, support expressed for the dialogue
should translate into the high-level participation from
capitals and agencies.
The
debate pointed to some joint efforts that are being made
that would enhance prospects for achieving real progress
in realising the objectives of the MDGs. It has been noted,
in that respect, that the G-77 and China has established
a multi-year program of work (2004-2017) in order to maintain
the momentum of commitments made last year in the World
Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. This
emphasises the priority given to the Johannesburg outcome
as a blueprint for the achievement of the sustainable development
goals. Initiatives such as this are essential for translating
the provisions of the General Assembly's resolution on the
integrated follow-up to major United Nations conferences
and summits into reality.
The
Group of 77's initiative should also buttress our efforts
to ensure that the 2005 major event will be lead to the
timely achievement of development goals. Support has been
expressed for this major event, in the hope that it will
provide new political impetus to achieve the goals set in
the Millennium Declaration and at major United Nations Summits
and conferences. The hope was expressed, as well, that the
event would also give impetus to the reform of the United
Nations.
We
have had a full and fruitful discussion, and I have taken
this opportunity to share my views with you on the salient
issues raised in our deliberations. But we cannot leave
it here. I would urge you all to reflect on the comments
and proposals made, and where these require further consideration
and action that would enhance our shared endeavours, to
act accordingly.
I thank
you.
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