Misaotra. [« Merci »]

Manao ahoana e! [“Good afternoon.”]

I am delighted to be in this beautiful country for the first time as United Nations Secretary-General.

I thank the Government and people for their very warm welcome.

I have had many productive meetings with national and international stakeholders, including President of the Republic, the Presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly, members of the diplomatic corps, the UN Country Team, development partners, civil society organizations and business executives. I also had the honour of giving a speech to the Parliament.

In all these meetings, I focused on advancing to a new future.

Madagascar has many well-known challenges, including poverty and under-nutrition. It also has enormous natural resources. The biodiversity is spectacular. The people are eager for the chance to realize their potential.

At the Joint Congress, I commended the Parliamentarians for their leadership. I urged them to fight corruption and the illegal trafficking of endangered species. I called on them to defend human rights. And I emphasized that they have a responsibility to foster inclusion and participation.

A climate of trust, freedom and fairness will benefit all Malagasy people.

In all of my meetings, I discussed the political situation here, the need to promote inclusive development and the primacy of human rights. I emphasized that military operations can never justify any violations of human rights.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can help Madagascar open a new future. I am pleased that it is widely supported by the country’s officials and development partners. The United Nations will do everything possible to help this country reach the Sustainable Development Goals here.

I also commended Madagascar for being among the more than 175 countries that have signed the Paris Agreement on climate change. I urged the Parliament to ratify it immediately.

It is critically important that this country stay on the path of national reconciliation and build lasting peace.

Good governance, accountability and stability are essential to sustainable development.

I am confident that with wisdom and commitment, Madagascar can usher in a better future for all of its citizens – and play a growing role on the global stage.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This is the final stop on my tour of three Indian Ocean countries: Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar.

I have been amazed by the spectacular natural beauty. I am even more impressed by the hearts of the people.

All three countries stand to gain enormously from the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the upcoming World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul.

Lastly, I am very touched by your words. After my tenure as Secretary-General, I will be an Honorary Ambassador for your country.

Thank you.

Misaotra. [“Thank you.”]