Noon briefing of 3 December 2015

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Transcript of Press Stakeout

New York, 03 December 2015

Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for this opportunity.

As you know, tonight I will fly back to Paris again to take part in the climate change conference.

I was very encouraged by what I saw and I heard during the opening days of COP21 – the Summit meeting. World leaders did precisely what they were meant to do: give strong impetus to the negotiations.

Almost all countries have submitted climate action plans, known as INDCs [Intended Nationally Determined Contributions]. Major economies have made significant commitments to cut emissions. Many developed countries have made new financial commitments to help poor and vulnerable countries adapt to climate impacts.

Philanthropists and entrepreneurs are making exciting new commitments and investments -- including efforts such as the Breakthrough Energy Coalition announced by Bill Gates.

Upon my return to Paris, I will participate in the COP 21 “Action Day”, which will showcase the tremendous number of climate partnerships and initiatives involving cities, and private sector and civil society.

In the global economy, the transition to a low-emissions future is well under way. In the negotiating room, there is still a lot of work to do. Key issues remain unresolved, and there is not much time left.

I continue to press developed countries to recognize their responsibility to take the lead, while urging developing countries to do more in line with their growing capabilities.

The world has gone too long without a universal climate agreement that includes all countries as part of the solution. We cannot delay any longer.

There is no perfect agreement. But our goal is clear: an agreement that truly addresses climate change, and puts the world on track for long-term prosperity, stability and peace. That is what the days ahead in Paris can and must deliver.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The refugee crisis and terrorism are also prominent in our minds at this time.

Much of the crisis stems from the conflict in Syria. The Vienna peace process has created new momentum. We are working to launch an initiative in early January that would involve both intra-Syrian political talks and a nationwide ceasefire.

Closed doors and discrimination are worsening the plight of forcibly displaced people across the world. I am especially concerned about misplaced suspicions about migrants and refugees, and widespread anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry.

The world must also be united against terrorism. No grievances or cause can justify the atrocious violence we have seen in recent weeks.

The world’s response needs to be robust, and always within the rule of law and with respect for human rights. We cannot be ruled by fear.

I will soon present to the Member States of the United Nations a comprehensive Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to make two personnel announcements.

As you know, my Chef de Cabinet Susana Malcorra has left the United Nations to take on new responsibilities as Foreign Minister of Argentina. I wish her well as we welcome her successor, Edmond Mulet, whom I was pleased to swear in yesterday.

Today, I am pleased to announce Mr. Mulet’s successor. I have selected Mr. El-Ghassim Wane of Mauritania as Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. As a senior official of the African Union, he has been a close partner of the United Nations in addressing a wide range of peace and security challenges. I welcome the experience and expertise he brings to this new role.

As we enter the new year, implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will be a top priority. I again commend the Member States for this major achievement, and I thank the two co-facilitators -- Ambassador David Donoghue of Ireland and Ambassador Macharia Kamau of Kenya -- for their contributions.

Today, I am pleased to announce that Dr. David Nabarro will serve as my Special Adviser on the 2030 Agenda. He is well known to you all for his work on a number of challenges, including food security and the emergency Ebola response. In his new role, he will galvanize action on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda, deepen integration of climate commitments into the 2030 Agenda, and oversee special initiatives such as Every Woman Every Child.

I look forward to working closely with these distinguished public servants as we work to support Member States in translating their commitments into real improvements in the lives of the people we serve.

Thank you very much.

Q: Secretary-General, thank you so much for the… for your words. President [Barack] Obama in Paris made some strong commitments for the United States, but that was followed by two measures in the U.S. Congress that perhaps are undermining his commitments. Are you worried that, in the future, the United States will not be able to live up to a climate agreement? And if you could tell us, on Syria, a follow-up, the meeting… if you expect a meeting here of the support group on 18 December?

SG: I have seen the report. As you know, as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, I don9;t interfere or involve in domestic politics of any Member States, particularly United States. [Laughter] But I9;m also encouraged that more and more people, particularly in the United States, they realise that climate change is a very important agenda, which we have to address. What is encouraging is that more than two-thirds of American people believe that the Government and all U.S. citizens and parliamentarians should work to address climate change phenomenon.

On the international stage, we work with fully empowered representatives of governments, but we need support from and by the parliaments. We also need support by civil society, people. After all, this climate change is something which we must address as soon as possible. We don9;t have time to lose.

In my talks with the world leaders, not only in Paris, but all throughout my years as the Secretary-General and most recently in many summit meetings, starting from G20 in Antalya, Turkey and Commonwealth summit meeting in Malta and also ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) summit meeting in Malaysia, there was wholehearted support by the leaders, that just the sheer number, 150 Heads of State and Government who joined the COP-21 opening session, is unprecedented -- 150 Heads of State and Government in one day at one time in one place. That9;s amazing. I was so much encouraged. Nobody spoke differently there. Everybody spoke that, this time, we are here to deliver what we have to do to address a climate change agreement.

The leadership of the United States, as the largest economy in the world by any standard, is crucially important. And I really appreciate President Obama9;s strong leadership. He made a very strong commitment during his statement. It9;s clear that taking climate action now makes good economies, both for domestic and international economies. And addressing climate change will make our global economy and even their respective, each and every nation9;s economies much better.

Now, low-carbon economy is inevitable. And it is already happening in many, many countries. And it is inevitable. Therefore, I hope that there should be full support by all the countries. Particularly, I count on United States9; leadership in this.

Q: And on Syria, Secretary-General, will the meeting be here on the 18th?

SG: It9;s my understanding that Member States are very closely coordinating to have a third Vienna process meeting here in New York. I9;m looking forward to that.

Q: Secretary-General, the G77 and China just a few moments ago released a statement, if I could just read you one line: “The context of the current negotiations as they reach the final stage is that, with only a few exceptions, developed countries have neither honoured their existing commitments nor even provided a clear roadmap on how they intend to do so in the remaining years before 2020.” They9;re raising issues about developed countries that are not willing to negotiate on finance. The language of the text talks about countries that are willing to do so, so they9;re raising questions about whether this will be legally binding in terms of the financing from developed countries. What do you, sir, want to see from developed countries in these last few days before an agreement is tabled?

SG: I think there are two aspects on this, two dimensions on this. First of all, climate financing, this is a pledge already made by developed world, OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries. It was made in Copenhagen in 2009 that the $100 billion will be mobilised by 2020. Then I have been urging the developed world leaders that this must be delivered, and there should be a politically credible trajectory of mobilising $100 billion by 2020. This is one very important promise. And, as is already reported, $62 billion had been confirmed [to be] mobilised by the end of 2014. Now, we are talking about 2015, and now we have another five years to go. And everybody said that it is doable, and it can be presented in a credible way.

Another one, unresolved issue is differentiation. What you are saying, it9;s again clear that considering historical background, that developed countries should have historical responsibility to provide the financial and technological support for developing countries, particularly those vulnerable group of countries and small island developing states. Now, what they are now discussing is that, while we agree on this principle CBDR -- Common but Differentiated Responsibilities -- but there are some countries, depending upon the developing countries, there are different levels of development and varying levels of capacities. Therefore, while we expect that this should be led mainly, principally, by developed countries, there should be certain balancing by some developing countries who can really do. A good example is that China has announced $3 billion for South-South Cooperation. even though this is not within that CBDR, but they are doing, according to their own capacities, a level of development. I think this is something which can be done and agreed harmoniously.

Q: Thank you, Secretary-General. From your meetings with the world leaders, do you have now more hope that the Assad laws in Syria is closer to be solved? And how do you see the new rapprochement in Lebanon to solve the presidential vacuum, as well? Thank you.

SG: As we look back during last five years since the beginning of Syrian crisis, people have realized that tremendous tragedies have happened. Many millions of refugees and at least 13 million people inside Syria, they need urgent humanitarian assistance. And we have been suffering and sacrificing by this spread of terrorism and extremism. The continuing tragedy and brutalities of Syrian crisis have provided a perfect breeding ground for these extremists and terrorists to take root. So, therefore, it has given a lot of different crises in different dimensions.

In that regard, this Vienna process has been very important. And for the first time, the countries who have not been sitting together are now sitting together face to face to discuss this matter. Twenty or 23 countries and international organisations have agreed firmly that we need to address this issue from the root. Now, I expect that with all this hard work and negotiations by the parties concerned, there should be a nationwide ceasefire, preferably as early as January. Then there is again a roadmap for having elections.

In the meantime, I am also encouraged that some countries like Saudi Arabia is trying to convene the Syrian armed groups, all these different, different factors. And Staffan de Mistura is working very hard to have intra-Syrian dialogue. This is a good beginning, and we must have very practical and realistic progress in this so that we can resolve all these issues.

Q: And Lebanon?

SG: Lebanon? Lebanon, again, I have taken… I hope, first of all, they should be able to fill this political vacuum where the president has not been elected -- the presidency has been vacant during the last 18 months, and I have taken note of some political dialogue on this. I sincerely hope there should be as soon as possible some normalization of their political situation, then the first and foremost important thing [is] to further promote reconciliation.

Q: The second part of Sherwin9;s question about legally binding: Will you be satisfied if only parts of an outcome agreement are legally binding?

SG: This is one thing which Member States have addressed, whether this climate change agreement will have to be a binding one or just an agreement. A lot of ideas are now being discussed. First of all, these Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, INDCs, these are not binding. These are just intended. But there is going to be… if agreed, the five-year cycle review and monitoring to make sure that all these INDC commitments are implemented, and I understand that the basic -- many Member States are discussing many different ways, how to make this agreement. It9;s a very robust and meaningful and universal one with an implementable framework. This is what the Member States is still discussing, and I9;m sure they9;ll be able to find some reasonably harmonious agreement.

I thank you very much. Thank you.

HIGHLIGHTS OF OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE U.N. SYSTEM

THURSDAY, 03 DECEMBER 2015

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD REQUIRES ENGAGEMENT OF PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL ON INTERNATIONAL DAY

In his message for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Secretary-General said that building a sustainable, inclusive world for all requires the full engagement of people of all abilities.
He said that the 2030 Agenda includes many issues of concern to persons with disabilities and urged everyone to work together to transform these commitments into action.
Moving forward, the Secretary-General said that we need to strengthen development policies and practices to ensure that accessibility is part of inclusive and sustainable development.
He added that this requires improving our knowledge of the challenges facing all persons with disabilities, including through more robust, disaggregated data as well as ensuring that they are empowered to create and use opportunities.

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS COALITION AIR STRIKES ON HEALTH CLINIC IN YEMEN

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Secretary-General condemned the airstrikes by the Saudi-led Coalition on a mobile health clinic run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Taiz city, Yemen.
According to MSF, the strikes resulted in injuries to seven people and destroyed the clinic. He had condemned an earlier incident on 27 October during which a hospital run by MSF in Sa’ada province was hit by airstrikes.
The Secretary-General underscored that medical facilities and medical personnel are explicitly protected under international humanitarian law. He calls for a prompt, effective and impartial investigation into today’s incident.
The Secretary-General reminded all parties of the utmost necessity to respect their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law to prevent attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS NEW ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

The Secretary-General today announced the appointment of El Ghassim Wane of Mauritania as Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations.
Mr. Wane will succeed Edmond Mulet of Guatemala, whom the Secretary-General has appointed as his Chef de Cabinet. The Secretary-General reiterates his deep gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Mulet for his dedicated service in his former position.
Mr. Wane brings extensive experience on peace and security issues and conflict resolution, particularly in Africa in partnership with international and regional organisations, at a time when United Nations peacekeeping has reached a historic high in terms of levels of deployments of civilian and uniformed personnel and complexity of mandates.

FORMER ADVISER FOR EBOLA RESPONSE TO HELP GALVANIZE ACTION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

The Secretary-General today announced the appointment of David Nabarro of the United Kingdom as Special Adviser on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Special Adviser will work with Member States and other relevant stakeholders to galvanise action on implementation of the Agenda. He will also oversee the Secretary-General’s special initiatives, e.g. Every Woman Every Child.
Dr. Nabarro has more than 30 years’ experience of public health, nutrition and development work at country, regional and global levels, and has held positions in non-governmental organizations, universities, national Governments and the UN system.
Since September 2014, Dr. Nabarro has served as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Ebola, providing strategic and policy direction for the international response. From 2005 to 2014 he was Senior Coordinator for Avian and Pandemic Influenza.

U.N. FOCUSES ON TOLL OF FIGHTING ON IRAQI CHILDREN

In a statement issued today, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Ján Kubiš, and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Iraq, Peter Hawkins, said that the conflict in Iraq is taking a heavy toll on the country’s most vulnerable citizens – its children.
They noted that in one incident on 26 November, eight children were reportedly killed and six injured during a military operation in Al Halabsa village, near the city of Fallujah. The UN is verifying an additional 15 incidents registered in October and November of attacks on civilian areas in Fallujah, by all parties to the conflict.
The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and UNICEF remain very concerned with the safety of Iraq’s children who continue to suffer from the effects of hostilities across the country. Ongoing operations in Ramadi, Mosul, Tala’afar and other conflict-affected areas in Iraq raise the risk of additional grave violations of child rights.
UNAMI and UNICEF have urged all parties to the conflict to abide by the principles of proportionality and distinction in the course of military operations, to protect children and other civilians from the effects of violence to the maximum extent possible, and to respect the civilian nature of schools and medical facilities.

U.N. REFUGEE AGENCY VOICES CONCERN OVER TENSIONS ON BORDER BETWEEN GREECE, FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) today expressed its deep concern about tensions at the border between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, calling on the authorities of both countries to manage the border in a manner consistent with human rights and refugee protection principles.
Due to restrictions by the authorities along the Western Balkans route to the admission of refugees and migrants from countries other than Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, tensions have been rising at Idomeni, on the Greek side of the border, in recent days. These tensions have lead on several occasions to violence and a temporary closure of the border.
UNHCR is saddened by the death of a Moroccan man at the border today under as yet unclear circumstances and calls on the Greek authorities to restore security as a matter of priority in order to ensure the protection of those in need and the safety of humanitarian workers and volunteers.
UNHCR reiterated its concerns over the consequences of border restrictions currently implemented by several countries in the Balkans and recommends profiling people based on their protection needs and not on their nationality.

COTE D’IVOIRE: U.N. MISSION SUPPORTS RESPONSE TO ARMED ATTACKS IN SOUTH-WEST OF THE COUNTRY

The UN Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) reports that approximately 15 unidentified armed assailants launched successive attacks against two camps of the Forces républicaines Côte d’Ivoire (FRCI) at Olodio near Tabou in the South-West Côte d’Ivoire in the early hours of Wednesday. Following a prolonged exchange of gunfire, the assailants fled towards Podou and Fété villages.
The attack reportedly resulted in the death of eleven persons, including seven FRCI soldiers and four assailants. Ten FRCI soldiers and one of the assailants were injured.
The Mission supported the FRCI9;s response, including by reinforcing its operational posture and undertaking air- reconnaissance missions along the Tai-Tabou corridor.
The Mission has also stepped up patrols in the area as well as along several main axes in coordination with the FRCI.

SOMALIA: U.N. AND PARTNERS WELCOME AGREEMENT BETWEEN PUNTLAND AND GALMUDUG

The UN Support Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) together with the European Union, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) today welcomed the signing of a recent agreement between Puntland and Galmudug as well as the Somali leaders’ commitment to restore peace to the communities living in Gaalkacyo.
They also urged the authorities to respect the Gaalkacyo Agreement and engage in dialogue to address the root causes of the recent fighting as well as undertake initiatives aimed at building trust between the communities residing in the area.

FIRST EVER GLOBAL STUDY ON FOODBORNE DISEASES FINDS CHILDREN SUFFER DISPROPORTIONATLY – WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

In the first ever global estimate of foodborne diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a new report today that nearly one-third of all deaths from foodborne diseases occur in children under the age of 5, despite the fact that they account for just 9 per cent of the global population.
According to the report, which estimates the burden of foodborne diseases caused by 31 agents – bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and chemicals – as many as 600 million, or 1 in 10 people, fall ill after consuming contaminated food every year. Of these, 420,000 people die, including 125,000 under-5 children.
Margaret Chan, WHO’s Director-General, said that knowing which foodborne pathogens are causing the biggest problems in which parts of the world can generate targeted action by the public, governments, and the food industry.

ESSENTIAL HEALTH NEEDS OF WOMEN OFTEN NEGLECTED IN HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCIES, WARNS U.N. POPULATION FUND

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said that the health needs of women and adolescents are too often neglected in humanitarian response to natural disasters and conflicts around the world.
According to UNFPA’s latest State of the World Population Report (SWOP), entitled Shelter from the Storm, the world needs to set a new agenda for humanitarian response that will ensure that millions of people, especially women and adolescents, are left behind.
Today out of the 100 million people in need of humanitarian assistance around the world today, an estimated 26 million of them are women and adolescent girls in their childbearing years.
The report added that sexual and reproductive health services critical to the health and survival of women and adolescents remain the scarcest at the time they are needed most.
The majority of maternal deaths occur in countries that are considered fragile because of conflict or disaster, and pregnancy and childbirth kill more than 500 women every day in these settings.

FOOD PRICES FALL IN NOVEMBER AMID ROBUST GLOBAL INVENTORIES, SAYS FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today reported that major food commodity prices fell in November, reversing about half their rise in the previous month, as the cost of internationally-traded staples, except for sugar, fell across the board.
The FAO Food Price Index averaged 156.7 points in November, down 1.6 per cent from its revised October average, and 18 per cent below its value a year earlier.
The FAO Cereal Price Index fell 2.3 percent, with coarse grain prices falling even more due to favourable harvests in the United States, the world9;s largest maize producer and exporter.