Statement attributable to the Spokesperson – Opening of the Second Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCS)

Vienna, Austria – 3 November, 2014

H.E. Mr. Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the sixty-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA) arrived at the Vienna International Centre on 3 November 2014 to attend the Second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCS). The PGA was welcomed by a United Nations Guard of Honour at the Centre’s Memorial Plaza, and received by Mr. Yury Fedotov, Director-General, United Nations Office in Vienna (UNOV) and Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); Mr. LI Yong, Director General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); Mr. Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO); and Ms. Janice Dunn Lee, Acting Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Shortly after, President Kutesa delivered a Statement at the Opening Plenary of the LLDCs Conference. In his remarks, the PGA underlined that “As we begin formulating the post-2015 development agenda, we must ensure that it is transformative and produces tangible benefits and improved livelihoods for all.” President Kutesa added that, building on the foundation laid by the Almaty Programme of Action, the new Programme should provide renewed impetus and additional solutions to address the challenges LLDCs face. He stressed the need to address infrastructure development, economic diversification, industrialisation, agro-processing and value addition, as key strategic areas. He added that it will be essential that the international community pays greater attention to addressing the needs of countries facing unique development challenges, such as LLDCs, Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. The President underscored that “the new Programme of Action to be adopted in Vienna should support LLDCs to enhance their competitiveness, stimulate productive capacities, diversify exports, strengthen their resilience to external and internal shocks, and most importantly, ensure a better future for their 450 million citizens.”

Bilateral meeting with the Federal President of Austria

On the margins of the Second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, the PGA held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Heinz Fischer, President of Austria. President Kutesa briefed President Fisher on the priorities for the sixty-ninth session, such as the Post-2015 Development Agenda and its implementation, climate change, gender equality and women empowerment, cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations, revitalization of the General Assembly and the reform of the Security Council.

The Austrian President and the President of the General Assembly also exchanged views on peacebuilding strategies, the promotion of human rights, and how the principal organs of the United Nations, such as the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, or the Security Council can work together closer to further uphold the Charter of the Organization. President Fisher reiterated Austria’s support to furthering the goals of the sixty-ninth session and his country’s commitment to the United Nations.

 

Bilateral meeting with the Vice President of Burundi

On the margins of the Second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, the PGA held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Gervais Rufykiri, Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi. The President briefed the Vice President on the priorities for the current session, such as the Post-2015 Development Agenda and its implementation, climate change, gender equality and women empowerment, cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations, revitalization of the General Assembly and the reform of the Security Council.

Vice President Rufykiri welcomed President Kutesa’s initiatives and expressed his appreciation for PGA’s efforts in the General Assembly to mobilize support in addressing the Ebola outbreak.

 

Meetings with senior officials of the United Nations Office in Vienna (UNOV)

PGA also met with Mr. Yury Fedotov, Director-General, United Nations Office in Vienna (UNOV) and Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Later, President Kutesa met with Mr. LI Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Both senior officials briefed the PGA on the work and upcoming activities of the respective entities under their leadership. On his own behalf and on behalf of the General Assembly, President Kutesa expressed his appreciation for the work of UNOV, UNODC, UNIDO, and the other United Nations agencies based in Vienna in implementing the mandate of the Organization.