– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
10 April 2020
Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished colleagues,
I commend Canada and Jamaica for their leadership in SDG financing and I thank Ambassador Blanchard and Ambassador Rattray for convening today´s important conversation. This meeting comes at a crucial time, as our health systems are under stress. I avail of this opportunity to express my solidarity with Member States who are fighting COVID-19 and extend my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
The current health crisis will inevitably result in severe social and economic challenges across the world.
This disruption comes at a critical moment in the Decade of Action and Delivery to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. However, we must remain steadfast in achieving Agenda 2030 in line with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
The environment in which we are operating has changed dramatically, yet our targets remain the same. Faced with this unprecedented challenge, we must demonstrate even greater resolve and galvanise multilateral action now.
Excellencies,
No country is spared from the economic impact of this crisis but developing countries will be hit the hardest; even if they do not experience an outbreak of COVID-19. It is imperative that we act urgently and mobilize resources to build resilience for the poorest and most vulnerable people and countries.
This will entail taking effective fiscal and social measures, while shoring up and bolstering businesses to prevent mass unemployment. In 2015 we pledged that we would leave no one behind; we cannot revoke that promise now.
Our response must be comprehensive and address Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and Addis Ababa Action Agenda as a whole.
We must, therefore, step up our commitments on financing for development including in: public-private partnerships; innovative financing; sustainable debt management and alleviation; and fair trade. We need to continue our investments in the areas of education, decent work, social protection. We must also re-double our efforts to support businesses and small- and medium sized enterprises.
Effective public revenue generation is of critical importance to financing the kind of systems that are able to weather COVID-19 and similar shocks. This is also one of the main issues the panel on Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity has been tasked to look at.
No country is spared from the economic impact of this crisis but developing countries will be hit the hardest; even if they do not experience an outbreak of COVID-19. It is imperative that we act urgently and mobilize resources to build resilience for the poorest and most vulnerable people and countries.
Excellencies,
Many of the organisations participating in today’s discussion have made significant contributions to these efforts by providing both financial and technical support. This is essential and I urge others to emulate this leadership.
Today’s discussion is only the beginning of our response to the funding challenge. We must continue to act with urgency and plan a long-term response. This virus must be fought simultaneously around the globe, in an inclusive manner. We must act in unison, as Member States, international organisations, private sector and civil society, if we are to make progress.
In this 75th year of the United Nations, there is no better way to honour our founders than to uphold our pledge to leave no behind at this time of crisis. I am confident that by striving together we will succeed in delivering for all.
I thank you.
