[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Mr. Secretary-General,<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
Distinguished Delegates,<\/p>\n
Thank you for joining today for the fifth and final thematic consultation on Our Common Agenda, which is being held under the theme of \u201cEnhancing International Cooperation\u201d.<\/p>\n
We meet at a historic inflection point. As affirmed in the Political Declaration to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, \u201cour world is not yet the world that our founders envisaged 75 years ago. It is plagued by growing inequality, poverty, hunger, armed conflicts, terrorism, insecurity, climate change and pandemics.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is up to us whether we choose to give in to those forces or if we return to a strong multilateralism; one based on the principles of diplomacy and international cooperation, and best placed to meet the challenges of our time peacefully and effectively.<\/p>\n
We need resolute leadership that will help us change course and embark on a better path. A path where we recommit to the highest ideals of multilateralism and rediscover our common bonds of humanity.<\/p>\n
To that end, strengthening the United Nations is critical. As I remarked during the second thematic cluster consultations, Member States, Observers, and all stakeholders must collaborate, to revitalize this great organization. We must ensure that it is better equipped and fit for purpose to help address today\u2019s challenges.<\/p>\n
The Secretary-General has already outlined his vision of a \u201cUN 2.0\u201d, that includes better data, analytics, communication, and digital innovation.<\/p>\n
I look forward to hearing Member State\u2019s views on how we can bring those visions to reality.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
As we strengthen international cooperation to meet our common objectives, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development must remain our guiding compass.<\/p>\n
We must embrace the interlinks between sustainable development, peace, and human rights. Through strengthening the three pillars of the organization, we can build stable and resilient communities that are better equipped to uphold peace and attain prosperity.<\/p>\n
Achieving this requires the full commitment of the membership, and more frequent consultations and engagements with all stakeholders. This includes local and regional governments, parliaments, the private sector, regional organizations, financial institutions, youth, academia, development agencies, and other key actors in different spheres.<\/p>\n
With their assistance and engagement, we can shape context-specific policy responses.<\/p>\n
For instance, as a former member of parliament, including as a Speaker, I appreciate the value of parliamentary diplomacy. And I understand the importance of legislatures in designing policies and budgets to effectively implement UN agreements.<\/p>\n
Similarly, civil society brings an important perspective to the work of the General Assembly, through their knowledge of local communities and their ability to react quickly.<\/p>\n
While the COVID-pandemic resulted in their temporary exclusion from the General Assembly, I am pleased that the Secretariat is working to change that, so that we are once again better positioned to learn from our partners in civil society organizations and apply their insights into the work of global multilateralism.<\/p>\n
That is why, in alignment with my priorities, I established, early on in my Presidency, internal guidelines for my team to enhance CSO participation during the 76th session. It is also why, last November, I welcomed approximately 200 CSO representatives into the GA Hall for the first time since the start of the pandemic, for a Town-Hall Meeting.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s topic of consultation, on enhancing global cooperation, looks to the future. Let us not forget that no group has as much stake in that future as the youth.<\/p>\n
After all, it is they who will inherit the world we shape. We owe it to them to listen to them and include them in matters that affect them.<\/p>\n
And, especially during these difficult times, we owe it to them to preserve intact the foundations of our multilateral order, so that they too can enjoy the dividends of peace and try to build a brighter future for the generations that follow.<\/p>\n
Those foundations are enshrined in the ideals articulated in the Charter of the United Nations. They rest on the knowledge that global problems require global solutions, and that multilateralism and diplomacy are needed to secure the continued well-being of humanity.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
I take this opportunity to thank Member States for their engagement in these thematic discussions throughout the consultation process.<\/p>\n
While today\u2019s consultations will serve as the final in the series, Our Common Agenda continues. I remain committed to working with Member States as we take up the next steps in the process.<\/p>\n
I am confident that by working together and taking concrete actions, we can deliver on behalf of our global constituents.<\/p>\n
Thank you.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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Fifth Thematic Consultation on Our Common Agenda: \u201cEnhancing International Cooperation\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":353,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p>
I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p>
Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p>
A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the UN and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[550,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-260300","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n