KINGDOM OF BHUTAN
H.E. Lyonpo Yeshey
Zimba,
and
Head of the Government
of the Kingdom of Bhutan
to the
New York
September 8, 2000
Most Eminent Co-Chairpersons,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to felicitate the two
distinguished leaders who have been elected to jointly and equally preside over
the Millennium Summit. Their representation of separate geographic regions as
well as cultural and economic backgrounds, is an expression of our collective
will to usher in an era of greater understanding, peace and cooperation in
international relations.
I would also like to express my delegation's
appreciation to the Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for a concise report that is both reflective and stimulating. It fulfills the
expectation of a comprehensive basis for our common endeavor to envision the
future of our planet in the new century.
Excellencies,
It is now five years since we celebrated the 50th
anniversary of the United Nations and a new millennium has begun. Yet, the
world is still not rid of the scourge of war, and there continues to prevail
those very causes which compel sections of our society to seek change through
perpetration of violence upon each other. These include insecurity, inequities,
poverty and despair. But does this mean that the UN has failed?
For all its imperfections, the UN is an
institution for which there is no alternative. It has given hope in times of
instability, crisis and war. Members have joined hands to prevent wars, to keep
warring sides apart, and to promote social and economic development. For the
smaller and more vulnerable nations, the world body has served to safeguard
sovereignty and freedom. Above all, the UN today is vital to the promotion and
conduct of international relations and behavior. The wisdom of committing
ourselves to the strengthening of our Organization must be upheld.
Against this backdrop, I urge that the time has
come to pay more than lip service to the reform and expansion of the Security
Council. Through mounds of working papers and hours of debate, it is well
established that the global community needs the change. Let us work to make it
happen. Let us ensure that among others, the UN is on a firm financial footing
and that there is equitable geographic representation of permanent members in
the Council.
Excellencies,
Globalization is a revolution that is all
embracing and irreversible. We in Bhutan accept it as a natural outcome of the
continuing evolution of human society, accelerated by the miracles of
technology. While we welcome the opportunities it offers for socio-economic
progress, the fear that it threatens to marginalize further
the developing countries is not ill founded. The appeal against consigning
globalization entirely to market forces controlled by multinationals for profit
alone is growing louder. Indeed, the pitfalls are neither few in number nor
minimal in their potential consequences. We believe that just as a
human institutions and cultural expressions are of our own
making, so must the direction, pace and impact of globalization be guided to
ensure that it serves to enhance our greater common interests and values.
Alleviation of
material poverty and spiritual hunger that undermine human dignity and value of
human life remains a great challenge for all our governments. We see people-centered,
holistic development as an effective way to overcome the problem. In this
context, Bhutan has evolved a philosophy and concept of development aimed at
promoting "Gross National Happiness" beyond just GNP. Besides socio-economic
development under conditions of equity and sustainability, it prescribes
environmental conservation, promotion of basic human values and good
governance. It requires that, in the process of promoting development and
ensuring freedom from the uncertainty of survival and want of basic needs,
humanity must not lose its soul.
Excellencies,
Whether we speak about
eradication of poverty, peacekeeping, or promotion of socio-economic
development, finance is a constraining factor -- not because of an
absolute lack of it -- but for the want of a greater political will
to share available resources. In this regard, we must not be oblivious to the
diminishing role and capacity of the UN due mainly to lack of support and
funds. My delegation would like to take this opportunity to thank and commend
the developed countries that have met or surpassed the internationally agreed
ODA annual disbursement target of 0.7%, and appeal to others to do the same.
Excellencies,
Peace and security are
prerequisites to human creativity and productivity. These are the foundations
for social and economic advancement. This summit is historic not only in the
context of the new millennium but because of the affirmation of the relevance
and importance of this world body by the largest number of Heads of Government
and State ever in its history. This, then, is the moment to rededicate and commit
our countries and peoples to the high aims and ideals of the UN. Let this be
the occasion from which will rise a more purposeful, strong and effective UN
that will succeed in creating the preconditions for human growth and happiness.
Thank you and Tashi
Delek