– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

27 September 2019

Heads of State and Government,

Secretary- General,

Ministers,

Distinguished Panellists,

Excellencies,

I thank you for your participation in today’s event, it is encouraging to see so many of you here today committed to safeguarding the future of our brothers and sisters in Small Island Developing States.

 

 

Today, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to reflect upon the development of some of our most vulnerable Member States. The people we serve are looking to us for solutions to the existential challenges that threaten their ability to survive and hinder their opportunities to thrive. 

Today’s climate crisis threatens food security and livelihoods.

Small Island Developing States are often the hardest hit by climate events. Yet, these Islands produce less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Multilateralism is not just about preventative measures – it is also about corrective measures to ensure equality, inclusion and social justice in every country.

It is only through global efforts such as the SAMOA Pathway that we can address challenges including economic marginalization encountered by Small Island Developing States in their pursuit of a safe, prosperous and sustainable future which we are all striving towards.

Priorities set out here by Small Island Developing States must be at the fore of our efforts to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These priorities must be matched by actions and partnerships.

Small Island Developing States are often the hardest hit by climate events. Yet, these Islands produce less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions

Tijjani Muhammad Bande

President of the UN General Assembly

I implore each of you to listen to and learn from today’s participants as we work towards the priorities set by this Mid-Term Review.

I am confident that by striving together, we will succeed in delivering for all.

I thank you.