Category: Africa Press Organisation – English

Source: United Nations – English

xcellencies, Distinguished guests,

I thank the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Sweden for co-chairing this gathering and for their continued leadership in the support for UNRWA. I also thank all of you here today for your solidarity with Palestine Refugees.

When we met one year ago, I spoke about putting ourselves in the shoes of Palestinians in Gaza. Of imagining what life must be like.

I ended my remarks one year ago by saying “This is the most dramatic humanitarian problem associated with the riskiest explosive potential.”

This was just days before the horrors of October 7th.

Now, almost one year since that day, the situation for Palestinians in Gaza is beyond imagination.

It has been said that “The United Nations was not created to bring us to heaven, but to save us from hell.”

Unfortunately, neither the United Nations nor anyone else that might have the power to do it was able to save the people of Gaza from hell.

We have failed the people of Gaza.

They are in a living hell that somehow gets even worse by the day.

Over 41,000 people have been reported killed and more than 90,000 wounded, many with life-changing and lifelong injuries. The majority are women and children.

Two million Palestinians are now crammed into a space the size of the Shanghai International Airport. Existing – not living, but existing – among lakes of sewage, piles of rubbish and mountains of rubble.

The only certainty they have is that tomorrow will be worse.

Yet if there is any outpost of hope in this hellscape, it is UNRWA.

Even though UNRWA – as we all know – has not been spared.

On the human level – 222 UNRWA colleagues have been killed, many together with entire families, several in the line of duty. This is the highest death toll in UN history. 

I ask you – all of you – to think for a moment in the different entities that you preside [over], or to which you belong, what would be the impact if 222 members would have been killed and even after that having to go with their duties to save the people of Palestine.

UNRWA personnel have been attacked repeatedly while going about their work. Women and men are displaced, shot at, and subjected to violent protests, detained by Israeli security forces, reporting mistreatment and torture.

UNRWA has not been spared on the operational level – the humanitarian response in Gaza is being strangled.

Protection and deconfliction mechanisms for humanitarian aid deliveries have failed. Attempts to evict UNRWA from its headquarters in East Jerusalem continue.

And UNRWA has not been spared on the political level. This includes systematic disinformation campaigns that discredit the agency’s lifelong work.

Meanwhile draft legislation in the Israeli parliament seeks to label the Agency a terrorist organization and to make any activity by UNRWA on Israeli territory illegal.

In the face of the catastrophic conditions, UNRWA perseveres.

This is a tribute to the resilience of the women and men of UNRWA, and a tribute to your support.

Excellencies,

I have full confidence in UNRWA’s continued commitment to upholding the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and humanity and to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review by Catherine Colonna. 

Member States are showing that same confidence.

Virtually all donors have reversed their funding suspensions. 123 countries have signed up to the declaration on shared commitments to UNRWA.

This underscores the consensus that UNRWA’s role across the occupied West Bank and the region is vital.

Friends,

There is no alternative to UNRWA.

Now is the time to work on all fronts to intensify support for the agency’s vital mission.

Support with funding that is sufficient, predictable and flexible.

Of course, we all know that UNRWA is not a sustainable long-term solution to the plight of Palestine Refugees. It was never meant to be. 

That is why we keep pressing for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and a long-term political solution ending the occupation and leading to 2 states living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital.

But until that moment, UNRWA remains indispensable.

I urge your full support. 

Help us to save UNRWA as it works to save and serve Palestine refugees.

Thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

xcellencies, ladies and gentlemen,  

Thank you for joining us on this important day highlighting the need for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

There should be no place for these devices of death in our world.

Nuclear weapons are a double madness.

The first madness is the existence of weapons that can wipe out entire populations, communities and cities in a single attack. 

We know that any use of a nuclear weapon would unleash a humanitarian catastrophe — a nightmare spilling over borders, affecting us all.

These weapons deliver no real security or stability — only looming danger, and constant threats to our very existence.

The second madness is that, despite the enormous and existential risks these weapons pose to humanity, we are no closer to eliminating them than we were 10 years ago.

In fact, we are heading in the wrong direction entirely.

Not since the worst days of the Cold War has the specter of nuclear weapons cast such a dark shadow.

Nuclear saber-rattling has reached a fever pitch.
We have even heard threats to use a nuclear weapon.  

There are fears of a new arms race.

Meanwhile, the norms painstakingly established over decades against the use, spread and testing of nuclear weapons are being eroded.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,  

The first-hand, lived experience of the hibakusha — the brave survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — stand as clear reminders of where the nuclear path ends.

They continue to sound the alarm, reminding us that we cannot afford to forget the lessons learned from those horrifying nuclear attacks in 1945.

And yet, nearly 80 years later, nuclear-weapon States continue to roll the dice, resisting disarmament measures and believing that, somehow, our luck will never run out.

But luck is not a strategy.

They must stop gambling with humanity’s future.

This starts with nuclear-weapon States honoring their commitments, and meeting their disarmament obligations.

Until nuclear weapons are eliminated, these States should commit to never use them under any circumstances. And they must demonstrate the utmost transparency in all matters related to nuclear weapons.

I also call on the Russian Federation and the United States to return to the process of nuclear arms reductions, with other nuclear-weapon States following in due course.

Disarmament and non-proliferation are two sides of the same coin.

Progress in one spurs progress in the other.

States must pursue both as a matter of urgency.

Just days ago, the Summit of the Future — and the Pact for the Future that emerged — resulted in a new global commitment to revitalize the global disarmament regime, and bring our world closer to our goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons.

This goal is supported by the vast majority of Member States — including through the General Assembly’s first-ever resolution in 1946 calling for nuclear disarmament. 

The time has come to take steps to ensure that a nuclear weapon is never used again.

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Nous vivons – depuis bien trop longtemps – sous la menace des armes nucléaires.

Les générations précédentes ont appris à se cacher sous leur bureau ou à se réfugier dans des bunkers pour échapper à une attaque nucléaire.

Mais les dirigeants ne peuvent pas échapper à leur responsabilité primordiale de prendre des mesures concrètes pour réduire la menace nucléaire – et y mettre fin, une fois pour toutes.

L’heure de l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires a sonné.

L’Organisation des Nations Unies est aux côtés de tous les États membres – tandis que nous œuvrons ensemble pour bâtir l’avenir que nos enfants et petits-enfants méritent : un avenir pacifique et débarrassé des armes nucléaires.

Je vous remercie. 

******

[all-English]

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,  

Thank you for joining us on this important day highlighting the need for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

There should be no place for these devices of death in our world.

Nuclear weapons are a double madness.

The first madness is the existence of weapons that can wipe out entire populations, communities and cities in a single attack. 

We know that any use of a nuclear weapon would unleash a humanitarian catastrophe — a nightmare spilling over borders, affecting us all.

These weapons deliver no real security or stability — only looming danger, and constant threats to our very existence.

The second madness is that, despite the enormous and existential risks these weapons pose to humanity, we are no closer to eliminating them than we were 10 years ago.

In fact, we are heading in the wrong direction entirely.

Not since the worst days of the Cold War has the specter of nuclear weapons cast such a dark shadow.

Nuclear saber-rattling has reached a fever pitch.
We have even heard threats to use a nuclear weapon.  

There are fears of a new arms race.

Meanwhile, the norms painstakingly established over decades against the use, spread and testing of nuclear weapons are being eroded.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,  

The first-hand, lived experience of the hibakusha — the brave survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — stand as clear reminders of where the nuclear path ends.

They continue to sound the alarm, reminding us that we cannot afford to forget the lessons learned from those horrifying nuclear attacks in 1945.

And yet, nearly 80 years later, nuclear-weapon States continue to roll the dice, resisting disarmament measures and believing that, somehow, our luck will never run out.

But luck is not a strategy.

They must stop gambling with humanity’s future.

This starts with nuclear-weapon States honoring their commitments, and meeting their disarmament obligations.

Until nuclear weapons are eliminated, these States should commit to never use them under any circumstances. And they must demonstrate the utmost transparency in all matters related to nuclear weapons.

I also call on the Russian Federation and the United States to return to the process of nuclear arms reductions, with other nuclear-weapon States following in due course.

Disarmament and non-proliferation are two sides of the same coin.

Progress in one spurs progress in the other.

States must pursue both as a matter of urgency.
Just days ago, the Summit of the Future — and the Pact for the Future that emerged — resulted in a new global commitment to revitalize the global disarmament regime, and bring our world closer to our goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons.

This goal is supported by the vast majority of Member States — including through the General Assembly’s first-ever resolution in 1946 calling for nuclear disarmament. 

The time has come to take steps to ensure that a nuclear weapon is never used again.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

We have spent far too long living with the threat of nuclear weapons.

Previous generations learned how to hide under their desks or flee to bunkers to escape a nuclear assault.

But leaders cannot escape their overriding responsibility to take concrete steps to reduce and end the nuclear threat, once and for all.

The time for the total elimination of nuclear weapons is now.

The United Nations stands with all Member States as we work together to build the peaceful, nuclear-weapons-free future our children and grandchildren deserve.

Thank you.

******

[all-French]

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Je vous remercie d’abord de vous être joints à nous en ce jour spécial qui nous rappelle combien il importe d’éliminer totalement les armes nucléaires.

Ces engins de mort n’ont pas leur place sur notre planète.

Les armes nucléaires sont une folie à deux titres.

D’abord, l’existence même de ces armes, capables d’anéantir des populations, des communautés et des villes entières en une seule frappe, est une aberration.

Nous le savons, tout emploi de l’arme nucléaire déclencherait une catastrophe humanitaire – un cauchemar qui ne connaîtrait pas de frontières et nous toucherait toutes et tous.

Loin d’apporter une véritable sécurité et stabilité, ces armes constituent un danger imminent et font peser une menace constante sur notre existence.

Deuxième aberration, malgré les risques énormes et existentiels que ces armes font courir à l’humanité, nous ne sommes pas plus près de les voir disparaître qu’il y a dix ans.

À vrai dire, nous allons dans la direction complètement opposée.

Jamais, depuis les pires heures de la guerre froide, le spectre des armes nucléaires n’a jeté une telle ombre.

Les rodomontades nucléaires ont atteint leur paroxysme.

On entend même des menaces d’emploi d’armes nucléaires.

On craint une nouvelle course aux armements.

Parallèlement, on voit s’éroder les normes qui, laborieusement, avaient été élaborées au fil des décennies pour prohiber l’emploi, la dissémination et la mise à l’essai de ces armes.

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Ce qu’ont vécu dans leur chair les hibakusha – ces courageux survivants d’Hiroshima et de Nagasaki –nous rappelle où conduit inévitablement le chemin du nucléaire.

Ces femmes et ces hommes continuent de sonner l’alarme, en nous conjurant de ne pas oublier les leçons tirées des horribles frappes atomiques de 1945.

Pourtant, près de 80 ans plus tard, les États dotés d’armes nucléaires continuent de jouer avec le feu, de se soustraire aux mesures de désarmement et de croire que, d’une manière ou d’une autre, la chance les servira toujours.

Toutefois, la chance n’est pas une stratégie.

Ils doivent cesser de jouer avec l’avenir de l’humanité.

Avant tout, il faut que les États dotés d’armes nucléaires honorent leurs engagements et respectent leurs obligations en matière de désarmement.

Tant que les armes nucléaires n’auront pas été éliminées, ces États doivent s’engager à ne jamais les utiliser, quelles que soient les circonstances. En outre, ils doivent faire preuve d’une plus grande transparence sur toutes les questions concernant ces armes.

Je demande également à la Fédération de Russie et aux États-Unis de s’engager de nouveau dans une démarche visant à limiter les armes nucléaires. Les autres États dotés d’armes nucléaires pourront s’y joindre en temps voulu.

Le désarmement et la non-prolifération sont les deux faces d’une même médaille.

Tout progrès d’un côté entraîne des progrès de l’autre.

Les États doivent s’employer à atteindre ces deux objectifs de toute urgence.

Il y a quelques jours seulement, lors du Sommet de l’avenir – et dans le texte même du Pacte pour l’avenir qui a été adopté – la communauté internationale a pris un nouvel engagement : celui de revitaliser le régime mondial de désarmement et de faire en sorte que le monde progresse vers la réalisation de l’objectif commun qu’est l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires.

C’est un objectif auquel souscrit la grande majorité des États Membres, qui se sont notamment exprimés en ce sens dans la toute première résolution appelant au désarmement nucléaire adoptée en 1946 par l’Assemblée générale.

Le moment est venu de prendre des mesures pour que l’arme nucléaire ne soit plus jamais utilisée.

Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

Nous vivons – depuis bien trop longtemps – sous la menace des armes nucléaires.

Les générations précédentes ont appris à se cacher sous leur bureau ou à se réfugier dans des bunkers pour échapper à une attaque nucléaire.

Mais les dirigeants ne peuvent pas échapper à leur responsabilité primordiale de prendre des mesures concrètes pour réduire la menace nucléaire – et y mettre fin, une fois pour toutes.

L’heure de l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires a sonné.

L’Organisation des Nations Unies est aux côtés de tous les États Membres ‒ tandis que nous œuvrons ensemble pour bâtir l’avenir que nos enfants et petits-enfants méritent : un avenir pacifique et débarrassé des armes nucléaires.

Je vous remercie.
 

Source: United Nations – English

his tenth International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons arrives at a troubling moment.  

Growing geopolitical divisions and mistrust are driving tensions to new heights. Instead of dialogue and diplomacy being deployed to end the nuclear threat, another nuclear arms race is taking shape, and saber-rattling is re-emerging as a tactic of coercion.

We need to stop the madness before it’s too late. On this important Day, the world must deliver a clear and united message: the only way to eliminate the nuclear threat is to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Disarmament and non-proliferation are two sides of the same coin. Progress in one spurs progress in the other. States must pursue both as a matter of urgency.

Nuclear weapon States must lead the way by honoring their disarmament obligations, and committing never to use nuclear weapons under any circumstances, or threaten to do so.

The treaties and instruments that seek to prevent the spread and testing of nuclear weapons and bring about their elimination need to be reinforced and adapted to meet today’s challenges, including to address technological changes that could increase the threat.

Just days ago, the Summit of the Future — and the Pact for the Future that emerged — resulted in a new global commitment to revitalize the global disarmament regime, and bring our world closer to our goal of total elimination of nuclear weapons.

Our future hangs in the balance. Let’s eliminate these weapons from our world for good.

***

Cette dixième Journée internationale pour l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires arrive à un moment inquiétant.

Alimentées par des divisions géopolitiques et une méfiance croissantes, les tensions atteignent de nouveaux sommets. Alors même qu’il conviendrait de nouer un dialogue et d’user de diplomatie pour mettre un terme à la menace nucléaire, on assiste à la naissance d’une nouvelle course aux armements nucléaires et au retour des démonstrations de force comme tactiques de coercition.

Nous devons mettre fin à cette folie avant qu’il ne soit trop tard. En ce jour important, le monde doit délivrer d’une seule voix un message clair : le seul moyen d’éliminer la menace nucléaire est d’éliminer les armes nucléaires.

Le désarmement et la non-prolifération sont les deux faces d’une même médaille. Tout progrès dans l’un de ces domaines entraîne des progrès dans l’autre. Les États doivent s’employer à atteindre ces deux objectifs de toute urgence.

Les États dotés d’armes nucléaires doivent montrer la voie en honorant leurs obligations en matière de désarmement et en s’engageant à ne jamais utiliser de telles armes, quelles que soient les circonstances, ou menacer de les utiliser.

Pour relever les défis actuels, notamment propres aux changements technologiques susceptibles d’accroître la menace, il faut renforcer et adapter les traités et instruments visant à empêcher la prolifération et les essais d’armes nucléaires et à éliminer ces armes.

Il y a quelques jours seulement, dans le cadre du Sommet de l’avenir – et du Pacte pour l’avenir qui en a résulté – la communauté internationale a pris un nouvel engagement : celui de revitaliser le régime mondial de désarmement et de faire en sorte que le monde progresse vers la réalisation de l’objectif commun qu’est l’élimination totale des armes nucléaires.

Notre avenir est en jeu. Éliminons une fois pour toutes ces armes de notre monde.

***
 

Source: United Nations – English

hipping is vital to keeping our economies and societies afloat.

It is the lifeblood of global supply chains, stretching across oceans, connecting goods and communities.

Today, the maritime sector is undergoing a profound transformation as it steers towards greater digitalization, automation and decarbonization.

New technologies and designs offer the opportunity to make important contributions to climate action. I count on the commitment of regulators, seafarers and ship operators alike.

As this year’s theme reminds us, safety must remain a priority. While conflicts rage around the globe, targeted attacks have turned key global shipping routes into danger zones, killing seafarers and threatening their well-being. Such attacks are totally unacceptable and must be rejected by all.

Safe navigation for the women and men who anchor this crucial industry must not be compromised.

On this World Maritime Day, let’s play our part to ensure a safe, sustainable and prosperous maritime sector for all humanity.

***
Les transports maritimes sont essentiels pour maintenir nos économies et nos sociétés à flot.

Ils sont l’élément vital des chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales, qui s’étendent sur tous les océans et permettent d’acheminer les biens aux populations.

Aujourd’hui, le secteur maritime connaît une transformation profonde et se dirige vers une plus grande dématérialisation, automatisation et décarbonation.

Grâce aux nouvelles techniques et aux nouveautés en matière de conception, il est possible de contribuer fortement à l’action climatique. À cet égard, je compte sur la mobilisation des responsables de la réglementation, des gens de mer et des exploitants de navires.

Le thème de cette année nous rappelle que la sécurité doit rester une priorité. Alors que des conflits font rage dans le monde entier, de grands axes maritimes sont devenus des zones dangereuses dans lesquelles des attaques ciblées tuent des gens de mer et menacent leur bien-être. Ces attaques sont totalement inacceptables et doivent être universellement dénoncées.

La sécurité de la navigation des femmes et des hommes indispensables à ce secteur essentiel ne doit pas être compromise.

En cette Journée mondiale de la mer, jouons notre rôle afin de garantir la sécurité, la durabilité et la prospérité du secteur maritime, pour l’humanité tout entière.

***
 

Source: United Nations – English

adam President, Excellencies,

Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.

As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation. 

Lebanon is at the brink. 

Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years. 

But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth, and intensity.

Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis – with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities.

The exchanges of fire have been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701. 

The daily use of weapons by non-State armed groups is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.

Lebanese sovereignty must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory.  We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Madam President,

Since October, nearly 200,000 people within Lebanon and over 60,000 from northern Israel have fled their homes.

Many lives have been lost.

All this must stop.

The communities of northern Israel and southern Lebanon must be able to return to their homes, and live in safety and security, without fear.

Madam President,

Since the emergency Council session on Lebanon on 20 September – in the wake of the remote detonation of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hizbullah across Lebanon – hostilities have escalated dramatically.

The past weekend saw heavy exchanges of fire endangering civilians on both sides of the Blue Line — with Israel Defense Forces striking approximately 400 Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, while Hizbullah launched hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones into northern Israel.

Monday was the bloodiest day in Lebanon in a generation. 

The Israel Defense Forces said that it struck some 1,600 Hizbullah targets.

Many civilians were killed, and many, many more were injured.

Since then, Israel continued its deadly strikes across Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Hizbullah targets. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that 569 people were killed on Monday and Tuesday — including 50 children and 94 women.  Over 1,800 people were injured.

Lebanese authorities report a total of 1,247 deaths since October.

Two colleagues from UNHCR were among those killed in yesterday’s bombing.

Today, further strikes killed at least another 50 people and injured more than 200.

Meanwhile, roads are clogged as families desperately seek safety.

Many are stranded at the Beirut airport.

The Ministry of Interior of Lebanon has reported that over 90,000 people have fled southern and eastern Lebanon towards Beirut and the northwest, with 30,000 people in shelters.

At least $170 million are needed to respond to growing numbers of displaced and mounting humanitarian needs.

Madam President,

The people of Israel have endured also repeated attacks from Hizbullah and others.

According to Israeli officials, since last October, more than 8,300 rockets, around 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles have targeted Israel — with 49 Israeli deaths and hundreds injured. 

Hizbullah continues to launch drone and increasingly high calibre missile and rocket attacks on military targets and residential areas in Israel.

Earlier today, they launched a ballistic missile targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv.  

The ongoing rocket attacks have injured several people in Israel, with homes and other structures damaged.

Monsieur le Président,

Les efforts diplomatiques se sont intensifiés afin de parvenir à un cessez-le-feu temporaire – permettant l’acheminement de l’aide humanitaire et ouvrant la voie au rétablissement d’une paix plus durable. 

Nous soutenons pleinement ces efforts. 

En début de semaine, la coordinatrice spéciale de l’ONU pour le Liban, Mme Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, s’est rendue en Israël pour des consultations, insistant sur le fait qu’une escalade militaire n’était pas dans l’intérêt de personne.  

Le Chef de mission et Commandant de la Force intérimaire des Nations unies au Liban – la FINUL – le Général Aroldo Lazaro, est resté en contact étroit avec les parties, soutenant l’accès humanitaire partout où cela est possible et continuant d’appeler à une désescalade immédiate.

Malgré les conditions dangereuses, nos soldats de la paix restent en poste.

Afin de réduire les risques pour le personnel de la mission, la plupart du personnel civil a été temporairement transféré au nord du fleuve Litani.

Quelques membres essentiels du personnel restent dans la zone d’opérations de la mission, en compagnie de nos Casques bleus.

Je tiens à réaffirmer notre profonde reconnaissance envers nos agents de la paix – civils et militaires – qui servent le long de la Ligne bleue, ainsi qu’à l’ensemble de tous les pays contributeurs de troupes.

Madam President,

I implore the Council to work in lock-step to help put out this fire. 

The parties must immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and take real action towards full implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701.

Civilians must be protected. 

Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. 

The safety and security of all UN personnel and assets must be ensured. 

International law must be respected. 

To all sides, let us say in one clear voice:

Stop the killing and destruction.

Tone down the rhetoric and threats.

Step back from the brink.

An all-out war must be avoided at all costs.  It would surely be an all-out catastrophe.  

The people of Lebanon – as well as the people of Israel – and the people of the world — cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

And I thank you. 

***
[all-English]

Madam President, Excellencies,

Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.

As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation. 

Lebanon is at the brink. 

Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years. 
But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth, and intensity.

Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis – with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities.

The exchanges of fire have been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701. 

The daily use of weapons by non-State armed groups is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.

Lebanese sovereignty must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory.  We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Madam President,

Since October, nearly 200,000 people within Lebanon and over 60,000 from northern Israel have fled their homes.

Many lives have been lost.

All this must stop.

The communities of northern Israel and southern Lebanon must be able to return to their homes, and live in safety and security, without fear.

Madam President,

Since the emergency Council session on Lebanon on 20 September – in the wake of the remote detonation of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hizbullah across Lebanon – hostilities have escalated dramatically.

The past weekend saw heavy exchanges of fire endangering civilians on both sides of the Blue Line — with Israel Defense Forces striking approximately 400 Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, while Hizbullah launched hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones into northern Israel.

Monday was the bloodiest day in Lebanon in a generation. 

The Israel Defense Forces said that it struck some 1,600 Hizbullah targets.

Many civilians were killed, and many, many more were injured.

Since then, Israel continued its deadly strikes across Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Hizbullah targets. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that 569 people were killed on Monday and Tuesday — including 50 children and 94 women.  Over 1,800 people were injured.

Lebanese authorities report a total of 1,247 deaths since October. 

Two colleagues from UNHCR were among those killed in yesterday’s bombing.

Today, further strikes killed at least another 50 people and injured more than 200.

Meanwhile, roads are clogged as families desperately seek safety.

Many are stranded at the Beirut airport.

The Ministry of Interior of Lebanon has reported that over 90,000 people have fled southern and eastern Lebanon towards Beirut and the northwest, with 30,000 people in shelters.

At least $170 million are needed to respond to growing numbers of displaced and mounting humanitarian needs.

Madam President,

The people of Israel have endured also repeated attacks from Hizbullah and others.

According to Israeli officials, since last October, more than 8,300 rockets, around 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles have targeted Israel — with 49 Israeli deaths and hundreds injured. 

Hizbullah continues to launch drone and increasingly high calibre missile and rocket attacks on military targets and residential areas in Israel.

Earlier today, they launched a ballistic missile targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv.  

The ongoing rocket attacks have injured several people in Israel, with homes and other structures damaged.

Madam President,

Diplomatic efforts have intensified to achieve a temporary ceasefire – allowing for delivery of humanitarian relief and paving the way for the resumption of more durable peace. 

We fully support these efforts. 

Earlier this week, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon –
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert – travelled to Israel for consultations, underscoring that military escalation is in no one’s interest.   

The Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL – General Aroldo Lazaro – has continued his close engagement with the parties, supporting humanitarian access wherever possible and continuing to urge immediate de-escalation.

Despite the dangerous conditions, our peacekeepers remain in position.

To mitigate the risk to mission personnel, most civilian personnel have temporarily relocated north of the Litani River.

A few critical staff members remain in the mission’s area of operations, together with the Blue Helmets.

I want to reiterate our sincere gratitude to our peacekeepers – civilian and military – who serve along the Blue Line, as well as to all the troop-contributing-countries.

Madam President,

I implore the Council to work in lock-step to help put out this fire. 

The parties must immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and take real action towards full implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701.

Civilians must be protected. 

Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. 

The safety and security of all UN personnel and assets must be ensured. 

International law must be respected. 

To all sides, let us say in one clear voice:

Stop the killing and destruction.

Tone down the rhetoric and threats.

Step back from the brink.

An all-out war must be avoided at all costs.  It would surely be an all-out catastrophe.  

The people of Lebanon – as well as the people of Israel – and the people of the world – cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.

And I thank you. 

Source: United Nations – English

am pleased to send my greetings to this high-level event to spur progress on security in Haiti.

The crisis in Haiti is a protracted human tragedy with a long and well-known history.  It is one of the most disastrous humanitarian situations in the world.  The international community has a responsibility to step up to support the Haitian people in their efforts to restore stability.

Recently, we have seen some progress in putting transitional governance structures in place – a vital step on the way to inclusive democracy and the rule of law.  But the Haitian people are still subjected to egregious human rights abuses by gangs. Young women and girls continue to suffer appalling levels of sexual violence and abuse.

During the first half of this year, the United Nations documented 3,638 homicides — an increase of nearly 74 percent over 2023. 

Despite the imposition of the arms embargo in October 2023, gangs and other non-State actors continue to procure arms and ammunition illicitly.

The first deployments of the Multinational Security Support mission – the MSS – are a positive step.

I commend Kenya for its leadership as well as those countries that have pledged to contribute with personnel, equipment, and necessary logistical resources.

I also commend countries that have contributed to the Trust Fund for the mission, set up by the Secretary-General in accordance with the request of the Security Council. The fund now stands at $85.3 million.

However, funding for the mission, and for the Haitian National Police, remains totally inadequate.  I urge all those who have made financial commitments to deliver on them urgently.

 We must keep working to mobilize sufficient resources for the mission, and for the humanitarian response in Haiti.

Close to 703,000 people have been displaced and more than 5 million Haitians are food insecure – almost half of the population.

There is an urgent need for resources to support humanitarian efforts. The Humanitarian Needs Response Plan for Haiti, totaling $674 million, is currently only 39 per cent funded.  

Excellencies,

A durable solution to the current crisis can only come from a political process that restores democratic institutions through elections.

Improving security is crucial to creating the conditions necessary for these elections.

The UN will not waver in its commitment to Haiti. We continue to support the transition process, in line with the mandate of our current mission, BINUH – the UN Integrated Office in Haiti.

I also welcome CARICOM’s support to the Haitian-led efforts and its cooperation with BINUH.

Like people everywhere, Haitians demand and deserve to live in dignity, free from the threat of violence.

Thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

r. President, Excellencies,

I thank the government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace. 

The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic.

Peace demands action.

And peace demands leadership.

Instead, we’re seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust.

Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter.

Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier.

All regions are affected.

And civilians are paying the steepest price.

From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond — wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined. 

Mr. President, Excellencies,
Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas.

First — leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future.

Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.

It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.
It reinforces the commitment to all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.

It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace. 

It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks.

And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council.

The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms.

But we will need strong political will to implement them, and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council.

Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace.  

Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world.

Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions.

A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace.

A divided Council cannot.

It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground.

And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas.

From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel…

To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world’s hotspots…

To the landmark Resolution 2719, which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions…

To the groundbreaking Resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth…

To this Council’s growing ties to regional and sub-regional organizations to foster consensus and peace.
These examples — and more — prove that forging peace is possible.

When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council’s agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream.

But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles. 

Peace in Ukraine is possible.

By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law. 

Peace in Gaza is possible.

By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

Peace in Sudan is possible.
By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council — including the five permanent Members — will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians.

Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

Les situations à l’ordre du jour de ce Conseil sont complexes et ne peuvent être résolues en un jour.

Mais l’ampleur du défi ne doit pas nous décourager.

Notre seul espoir d’avancer sur la voie de la paix réside dans une collaboration active et l’unité entre les membres du Conseil. 

Aujourd’hui, j’appelle tous les États membres à se montrer à la hauteur de cette grande responsabilité – à la hauteur de la promesse de la Charte des Nations unies.

Contribuez au succès de ce Conseil – et non à son affaiblissement.

Faisons en sorte que le Conseil soit un forum efficace et représentatif pour la paix – aujourd’hui comme dans les années à venir.

****

[all-English]

Mr. President, Excellencies,

I thank the government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace. 

The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic.

Peace demands action.

And peace demands leadership.

Instead, we’re seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust.

Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter.

Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier.

All regions are affected.

And civilians are paying the steepest price.

From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond — wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined. 

Mr. President, Excellencies,
Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas.

First — leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future.

Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.

It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges.

It reinforces the commitment to all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.

It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace. 

It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks.

And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council.

The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms.

But we will need strong political will to implement them, and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council.

Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace.  

Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world.

Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions.

A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace.

A divided Council cannot.

It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground.

And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas.

From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel…

To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world’s hotspots…

To the landmark Resolution 2719, which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions…

To the groundbreaking Resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth…

To this Council’s growing ties to regional and sub-regional organizations to foster consensus and peace.

These examples — and more — prove that forging peace is possible.

When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council’s agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream.

But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles. 

Peace in Ukraine is possible.

By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law. 

Peace in Gaza is possible.

By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution.

Peace in Sudan is possible.
By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council — including the five permanent Members — will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians.

Mr. President, Excellencies,

The situations on this Council’s agenda are complex and do not have quick fixes.

But the scale of the challenge should not deter us.

Our only hope for progress on peace is active collaboration and unity among Council Members. 

Today, I call on all Members to live up to this great responsibility, and to the promise of the UN Charter.

Contribute to this Council’s success — not its diminishment.

Let’s ensure that this Council serves as an effective and representative forum for peace — today and in the years to come.

*******

[all-French]

Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

Je remercie le Gouvernement slovène d’avoir organisé ce débat de haut niveau sur le leadership pour la paix.

Le sujet traité repose sur une vérité fondamentale : la paix n’est jamais automatique.

Il n’y a pas de paix sans action.

Et il n’y a pas de paix sans leadership.

Pourtant, les divisions géopolitiques et la méfiance ne font qu’empirer.

L’impunité gagne du terrain, et l’on assiste à des violations répétées du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

Les conflits se multiplient ; ils deviennent plus complexes et plus meurtriers.

Toutes les régions sont touchées.

Et ce sont les civils qui paient le plus lourd tribut.

De Gaza à l’Ukraine en passant par le Soudan – mais pas seulement – les guerres s’éternisent, la souffrance s’amplifie, la faim s’aggrave, des vies sont bouleversées et la légitimité et l’efficacité de l’ONU et de ce Conseil sont remises en cause.

Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

Le leadership pour la paix exige d’agir dans au moins deux grands domaines.

Premièrement, le leadership pour la paix suppose que tous les États Membres respectent les engagements qu’ils ont pris dans le cadre de la Charte des Nations Unies, du droit international et des accords récents, tels que le Pacte pour l’avenir.

Ainsi, le Pacte invite notamment à renforcer les outils et les cadres de prévention des conflits, de pérennisation de la paix et d’action au service du développement durable, avec la participation pleine, égale et véritable des femmes.

Il demande que nous renouvelions les outils à notre disposition pour les opérations de paix, afin de trouver des réponses plus souples et mieux adaptées aux défis existants, émergents et à venir.

Il réaffirme l’importance attachée à tous les droits humains : civils, politiques, économiques, sociaux et culturels.

Il prévoit des initiatives dans les domaines du désarmement, de la consolidation de la paix et de la gestion des menaces que représentent les armes létales autonomes et l’intelligence artificielle, ainsi que dans de nouveaux domaines, notamment l’espace extra-atmosphérique et le cyberespace.

Il préconise de prendre des mesures afin de pouvoir agir rapidement face aux chocs mondiaux complexes.

Et il cherche à donner un nouvel élan à la réforme des principales institutions de la gouvernance mondiale, y compris l’architecture financière mondiale et même le Conseil de sécurité.

Le Pacte constitue un engagement concret en faveur de ces réformes.

Mais nous aurons besoin d’une volonté politique ferme pour les mettre en œuvre et rétablir la légitimité et l’efficacité de ce Conseil.

Ce qui m’amène à mon deuxième point sur le leadership pour la paix.

Le leadership pour la paix suppose de donner au Conseil de sécurité les moyens d’agir véritablement pour apaiser les tensions mondiales et contribuer à régler les conflits qui causent tant de souffrances dans le monde.

Les divisions géopolitiques demeurent un obstacle à des solutions efficaces.

Un Conseil uni peut jouer un rôle déterminant en faveur de la paix.

Un Conseil divisé ne le peut pas.

Il est impératif que les membres du Conseil se concertent sans ménager leurs efforts pour trouver un terrain d’entente.

Le Conseil a prouvé qu’il était capable de parler d’une seule voix dans certains domaines importants.

Il supervise actuellement 11 opérations de maintien de la paix sur trois continents, où sont déployés près de 70 000 Casques bleus…

Il adopte des résolutions qui contribuent à l’acheminement ininterrompu d’une aide humanitaire vitale vers les points chauds de la planète…

Il a adopté une résolution historique, la résolution 2719, qui permet aux opérations d’appui à la paix dirigées par l’Union africaine et autorisées par le Conseil d’avoir accès aux contributions des États Membres de l’ONU…

Il a adopté des résolutions pionnières par lesquelles il a pris acte des incidences manifestes des problématiques de paix et de sécurité sur la vie des femmes et des jeunes…

Et il ne cesse de nouer des relations avec les organisations régionales et sous-régionales pour favoriser le consensus et la paix.

Tous ces exemples – et bien d’autres – prouvent qu’on peut instaurer la paix.

À la vue des conflits les plus complexes et les plus insolubles dont ce Conseil est saisi, on peut penser que la paix est un rêve irréalisable.

Mais je crois fermement que la paix est possible si nous nous en tenons aux principes.

La paix en Ukraine est possible.

En suivant la Charte des Nations Unies et en respectant le droit international.

La paix dans la bande de Gaza est possible.

En travaillant d’arrache-pied pour obtenir un cessez-le-feu immédiat, la libération immédiate de tous les otages et la mise en chantier d’un processus irréversible pour qu’une solution des deux États voie le jour.

La paix au Soudan est possible.

En envoyant un message clair aux parties belligérantes, à savoir que tous les membres de ce Conseil – y compris les cinq membres permanents – ne toléreront pas la terrible violence et la crise humanitaire effroyable que subissent des civils innocents.

Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

Les situations à l’ordre du jour de ce Conseil sont complexes et ne peuvent être résolues en un jour.

Mais l’ampleur du défi ne doit pas nous décourager.

Notre seul espoir d’avancer sur la voie de la paix réside dans une collaboration active et l’unité entre les membres du Conseil.

Aujourd’hui, j’appelle tous les États membres à se montrer à la hauteur de cette grande responsabilité – à la hauteur de la promesse de la Charte des Nations Unies.

Contribuez au succès de ce Conseil – et non à son affaiblissement.

Faisons en sorte que le Conseil soit un forum efficace et représentatif pour la paix – aujourd’hui comme dans les années à venir.
 

Source: United Nations – English

gradeço ao Presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva e ao governo do Brasil por co-organizar esta reunião entre os ministros das Relações Exteriores do G20, todos os Estados Membros das Nações Unidas, e as organizações financeiras internacionais.

[I thank President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the government of Brazil for co-convening this meeting between G20 foreign ministers, all UN Member States, and the international financial organizations.]

This is a historic first.

The G20, the United Nations system and the Bretton Woods institutions and other international financial institutions deal with some of the most important challenges of our time: inequality, financing for development, the climate crisis, the impact of new technologies. 

In all these areas, progress is slipping out of reach as our world becomes more unsustainable, unequal and unpredictable.

Conflicts are raging, the climate crisis is accelerating, inequalities are growing, and new technologies have unprecedented potential for good – and bad.

Global institutions must work together – not on parallel or conflicting tracks.

They must cooperate and collaborate for the good of humanity and the Summit of the Future was an essential first step.

It has created opportunities and possibilities for reform across the board.

But without implementation, it will be meaningless.

The work starts today.

Excellencies,

The Pact for the Future is about action in the here and now.

And G20 countries can act in three specific areas.

First, finance.

We need ambitious reforms of the international financial architecture to make it fully representative of today’s global economy, so it can provide strong support to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

I commend the leadership of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund for making important progress.

But the resources available are still dwarfed by the size of the needs.

Many developing countries are being hit by a double whammy of climate chaos and debt.

To support low- and middle-income developing countries effectively, multilateral development banks must be bigger, bolder and better.

We need a far more robust financial safety net to shield countries in a world of frequent shocks.

Voting rights and decision-making rules should reflect the changing global landscape.

And access to concessional finance should be based on needs and vulnerabilities, not just on income.

All parts of the global financial system must work together to reduce the cost of finance and the inequalities that blight our world.  

This demands action on debt – starting with an effective mechanism to deal with debt relief and restructuring.

As a first step, I welcome the commitment by the International Monetary Fund to review the debt architecture – as set out in the Pact for the Future. 
I look to all G20 countries to push for deep reforms so that global financial institutions reflect today’s world and respond to today’s challenges.

One of those challenges is global hunger.  It is shameful that in our world of plenty, around one person in ten regularly goes without food for an entire day or more – known as severe food insecurity.

I welcome President Lula and Brazil’s focus on global hunger during the G20 presidency and call on all G20 countries – and all UN Member States – to strengthen efforts to end this affront to our common humanity.  

Excellencies,

The second area for action is climate.

We are at a critical moment: a battle to prevent temperatures from rising above the agreed limit of 1.5 degrees.  

Today’s decisions and actions will determine the course of our world for decades to come.

The climate crisis transcends borders and politics.  Climate action cannot be a victim of geopolitical competition.

Under G20 leadership we will be able to have drastic reductions in fossil fuel production and consumption as an essential element for climate action.

By 2030, global production and consumption of all fossil fuels must decline by at least thirty per cent – and global renewables capacity must triple.

This requires OECD countries to phase out coal by 2030 and to fully decarbonize power generation systems by 2035.

And it means non-OECD countries must phase out coal by 2040. 

I have been strongly advocating for no new coal or upstream oil and gas projects for all G20 nations.

New national climate plans due next year are an opportunity for countries to align energy strategies and development priorities with climate ambition, taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

They must also show how each country intends to transition away from fossil fuels, in line with the outcome at COP 28.

Excellencies,

There has never been a greater global challenge than the climate crisis.

There has never been more agreement on the solution: a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

And renewable technologies have never been better – or cheaper.

The obstacle to the renewables revolution is not economics, or a lack of solutions.

It is mindsets, and lack of vision.

Those that lead the renewables revolution are already reaping the rewards.

But many developing countries are being left behind.

Clean energy investments in emerging and developing economies outside China and India have barely increased since 2015.

The energy transition must be based on justice and equity, so that all countries benefit.

Excellencies,

Third, we need strong, inclusive, legitimate global institutions and tools to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

Fair and representative governance is a first step to unlock broader reforms.

The Pact for the Future includes commitments to make multilateral institutions more representative, effective, transparent and accountable.

I urge the strong engagement of G20 countries, including in reforms of our United Nations bodies:

Making the Security Council truly representative by addressing the under-representation of Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean;

Strengthening the role of the General Assembly and the Peacebuilding Commission;

And enhancing the Economic and Social Council.

The same principle applies to the international financial architecture: it should correspond to today’s global economy, with much stronger representation of developing countries.   

For our part, the United Nations is totally committed to strengthening our convening role as an inclusive platform for dialogue and action.

As part of that role, from next year, we intend to host biennial summits to formalize a dialogue between the UN system, the G20, and international financial institutions.

Excellencies,

Only together will we achieve the reforms in the Pact for the Future and deliver the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, to meet the expectations of the people we serve.  

I urge the G20 to seize every opportunity to raise ambition for global leadership and transformative action for a safer, more peaceful and sustainable world for all.

Thank you.

Source: United Nations – English

resident of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our world is in dangerous waters.

Scientists tell us that the global sea level is now rising faster than at any time in the last 3,000 years, and accelerating – the rate of increase has more than doubled since the 1990s.

They tell us the cause is clear:

Greenhouse gases – overwhelmingly from burning fossil fuels – are heating our planet, expanding seawater and melting ice. 

But they cannot tell us where this will end.

That is down to world leaders today.

Their choices will determine the scale, pace and impact of future sea level rise.

Temperature increases over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels could take the world past dangerous tipping points – potentially leading to long-term, irreversible collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctica icesheets.

In the worst-case scenario, people alive today could witness sea levels rise by meters.

Excellences,

Près de 900 millions de personnes habitent dans les zones côtières de basse altitude.

Pour elles, la montée des eaux est synonyme d’une marée de malheurs :

Des ondes de tempête plus intenses, une érosion des côtes et des inondations côtières ;

Des communautés submergées, de l’eau douce contaminée, des récoltes ruinées, des infrastructures endommagées, une biodiversité détruite et des économies décimées – avec des secteurs tels que la pêche, l’agriculture et le tourisme qui subissent de plein fouet les effets de la tempête.

Les plus pauvres et les plus vulnérables sont les plus durement touchés.

J’ai pu le constater récemment encore dans le Pacifique, où les cyclones détruisent des pans entiers des économies insulaires.  En 2015, Vanuatu a subi des dégâts équivalant à plus de la moitié de son PIB.
 
Pendant ce temps, au Panama, des centaines de familles insulaires ont dû être relogées sur le continent.

Au Bangladesh, l’eau salée pollue l’eau potable, détruit les récoltes et crée une menace sanitaire qui peut être mortelle – en particulier pour les femmes enceintes. 

Dans la ville de Saint-Louis, au Sénégal, des maisons, des écoles, des petites entreprises et des mosquées auraient été abandonnées face à la marée montante.  

De tels événements se reproduisent partout dans le monde.

Voilà à quoi ressemble l’injustice climatique.  C’est le visage de l’iniquité.

Mais les riches ne sont pas à l’abri. 

Les économies avancées dépensent des milliards – en dommages, et en adaptation.

Et si nous n’agissons pas rapidement, la situation sera bien pire. 

Comme le rappelle le titre du débat d’aujourd’hui, cette situation représente pour certains une menace existentielle :

Des îles entières perdues ;

Des communautés côtières détruites à mesure que les terres deviennent inhabitables et non assurables.
               
Les déplacements massifs de population peuvent exercer une pression sur les ressources limitées des régions voisines – et aggraver des situations déjà dramatiques.

Le commerce mondial, les systèmes alimentaires et les chaînes d’approvisionnement seront mis à mal lorsque les ports seront endommagés et que les terres agricoles et les pêcheries seront ruinées.

La montée des eaux remodèlera non seulement les côtes, mais aussi les économies, la politique et la sécurité. 

Excellencies,

Only drastic action to reduce emissions can limit sea level rise.

And only drastic action to adapt can keep people safe from rising waters.

Everyone must be protected by an alert system by 2027 – in line with our Early Warnings for All initiative.

And all countries must deliver new national climate action plans – or Nationally Determined Contributions – well ahead of COP30 next year.

These must align with 1.5 degrees, cover all sectors of the economy, and put us on track to phase out fossil fuels, fast and fairly.

The G20 – responsible for around eighty percent of global emissions – must lead. And align their fossil fuel production and consumption plans with 1.5 degrees.

Money is indispensable.

We need a strong finance outcome at COP29 this year – including on new and innovative sources of capital.

We need significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund – as a step towards climate justice.

We need developed countries to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year by 2025 – and to show how they will close the adaptation finance gap.

And we need to reform the Multilateral Development Banks to become bigger, bolder, and able to deliver far more affordable finance to developing countries.

We made real progress at the Summit of the Future. We must keep driving that forward – including at the World Summit for Social Development and the Financing for Development conference next year.

We must also address gaps in our international legal framework concerning sea level rise: to ensure continuing access to resources, while protecting existing maritime boundaries; as well as to protect affected persons and – in extreme scenarios – to address the implications related to statehood.

Excellencies,

We cannot leave the hopes and aspirations of billions of people dead in the water. 

We cannot allow the wholesale destruction of countries and communities.

It’s time to turn the tide.

And save ourselves from rising seas.

Thank you.

***
[all-English]

President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our world is in dangerous waters.

Scientists tell us that the global sea level is now rising faster than at any time in the last 3,000 years, and accelerating – the rate of increase has more than doubled since the 1990s.

They tell us the cause is clear:

Greenhouse gases – overwhelmingly from burning fossil fuels – are heating our planet, expanding seawater and melting ice. 

But they cannot tell us where this will end.

That is down to world leaders today.

Their choices will determine the scale, pace and impact of future sea level rise.

Temperature increases over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels could take the world past dangerous tipping points – potentially leading to long-term, irreversible collapse of the Greenland and West Antarctica icesheets.

In the worst-case scenario, people alive today could witness sea levels rise by meters.

Excellencies,

Low-lying coastal zones are home to around 900 million people.

Rising seas mean a rising tide of misery:

More intense storm surges, coastal erosion, and coastal flooding;

Communities swamped, fresh water contaminated, crops ruined, infrastructure damaged, biodiversity destroyed, and economies decimated – with sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, and tourism pummelled.

The poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit.

I saw this recently in the Pacific, where cyclones are tearing chunks out of island economies.  In 2015, Vanuatu suffered damage equivalent to well over half its GDP.

Meanwhile, in Panama, hundreds of island families have been relocated to the mainland.

In Bangladesh, saltwater is polluting drinking water, killing crops and creating a health threat that can be deadly, particularly for pregnant women. 

In the city of Saint Louis in Senegal, homes, schools, small businesses, and mosques have reportedly been abandoned to the encroaching tide.

Such events are reproduced across the globe.

This is what climate injustice looks like. This is the face of inequity.

But the rich are not immune. 

Advanced economies are spending billions – in damages, and adaptation.

And without rapid action we’re in for much worse. 

As the title of today’s debate reminds us, for some, this could be existential:

Whole islands lost;

Coastal communities destroyed as lands become uninhabitable and uninsurable.
               
Mass displacement can pile pressure on scarce resources elsewhere, inflaming already dire situations.

Global trade, food systems and supply chains will be battered as ports are damaged, and agricultural land and fisheries ruined.

Rising seas will reshape not only coastlines, but economies, politics and security too. 

Excellencies,

Only drastic action to reduce emissions can limit sea level rise.

And only drastic action to adapt can keep people safe from rising waters.

Everyone must be protected by an alert system by 2027 – in line with our Early Warnings for All initiative.

And all countries must deliver new national climate action plans – or Nationally Determined Contributions – well ahead of COP30 next year.

These must align with 1.5 degrees, cover all sectors of the economy, and put us on track to phase out fossil fuels, fast and fairly.

The G20 – responsible for around eighty percent of global emissions – must lead. And align their fossil fuel production and consumption plans with 1.5 degrees.

Money is indispensable.

We need a strong finance outcome at COP29 this year – including on new and innovative sources of capital.

We need significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund – as a step towards climate justice.

We need developed countries to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year by 2025 – and to show how they will close the adaptation finance gap.

And we need to reform the Multilateral Development Banks to become bigger, bolder, and able to deliver far more affordable finance to developing countries.

We made real progress at the Summit of the Future.  We must keep driving that forward – including at the World Summit for Social Development and the Financing for Development conference next year.

We must also address gaps in our international legal framework concerning sea level rise: to ensure continuing access to resources, while protecting existing maritime boundaries; as well as to protect affected persons and – in extreme scenarios – to address the implications related to statehood.

Excellencies,

We cannot leave the hopes and aspirations of billions of people dead in the water. 

We cannot allow the wholesale destruction of countries and communities.

It’s time to turn the tide.

And save ourselves from rising seas.

Thank you.

***
[all-French]

Excellences,

L’humanité navigue en eaux dangereuses.

Les scientifiques nous disent que le niveau des mers monte aujourd’hui plus rapidement que jamais au cours des 3 000 dernières années, et que cette hausse s’accélère – avec un taux d’augmentation qui a plus que doublé depuis les années 1990.

Ils nous disent que la cause est claire :

Les gaz à effet de serre – issus en grande partie de la combustion des énergies fossiles – réchauffent notre planète, dilatent l’eau de mer et font fondre la glace. 

Mais ils ne peuvent pas nous dire où cela s’arrêtera.

Cela dépendra des dirigeants du monde actuels.

Leurs choix détermineront l’ampleur, le rythme et l’impact des futures élévations du niveau des mers.

Une augmentation des températures de plus de 1,5 degré Celsius au-dessus des niveaux préindustriels pourrait faire franchir au monde des points de bascule dangereux – ce qui pourrait sur le long terme entraîner l’effondrement irréversible des calottes glaciaires du Groenland et de l’Antarctique occidental.

Dans le pire des scénarios, les personnes vivant aujourd’hui verraient le niveau des mers monter de plusieurs mètres.

Excellences,

Près de 900 millions de personnes habitent dans les zones côtières de basse altitude.

Pour elles, la montée des eaux est synonyme d’une marée de malheurs :

Des ondes de tempête plus intenses, une érosion des côtes et des inondations côtières ;

Des communautés submergées, de l’eau douce contaminée, des récoltes ruinées, des infrastructures endommagées, une biodiversité détruite et des économies décimées – avec des secteurs tels que la pêche, l’agriculture et le tourisme qui subissent de plein fouet les effets de la tempête.

Les plus pauvres et les plus vulnérables sont les plus durement touchés.

J’ai pu le constater récemment encore dans le Pacifique, où les cyclones détruisent des pans entiers des économies insulaires. En 2015, Vanuatu a subi des dégâts équivalant à plus de la moitié de son PIB.

Pendant ce temps, au Panama, des centaines de familles insulaires ont dû être relogées sur le continent.

Au Bangladesh, l’eau salée pollue l’eau potable, détruit les récoltes et crée une menace sanitaire qui peut être mortelle – en particulier pour les femmes enceintes. 

Dans la ville de Saint-Louis, au Sénégal, des maisons, des écoles, des petites entreprises et des mosquées auraient été abandonnées face à la marée montante.  

De tels événements se reproduisent partout dans le monde.

Voilà à quoi ressemble l’injustice climatique. C’est le visage de l’iniquité.

Mais les riches ne sont pas à l’abri. 

Les économies avancées dépensent des milliards – en dommages, et en adaptation.

Et si nous n’agissons pas rapidement, la situation sera bien pire. 

Comme le rappelle le titre du débat d’aujourd’hui, cette situation représente pour certains une menace existentielle :

Des îles entières perdues ;

Des communautés côtières détruites à mesure que les terres deviennent inhabitables et non assurables.
               
Les déplacements massifs de population peuvent exercer une pression sur les ressources limitées des régions voisines – et aggraver des situations déjà dramatiques.

Le commerce mondial, les systèmes alimentaires et les chaînes d’approvisionnement seront mis à mal lorsque les ports seront endommagés et que les terres agricoles et les pêcheries seront ruinées.

La montée des eaux remodèlera non seulement les côtes, mais aussi les économies, la politique et la sécurité. 

Excellences,

Seules des mesures radicales de réduction des émissions peuvent limiter l’élévation du niveau de la mer.

Et seules des mesures drastiques d’adaptation peuvent mettre les populations à l’abri de la montée des eaux.

Tout le monde doit être protégé par un système d’alerte d’ici 2027 – conformément à notre initiative « Alertes précoces pour tous ».

Tous les pays doivent présenter de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux sur le climat – ou contributions déterminées au niveau national – bien avant la COP30 de l’année prochaine.

Ces plans doivent s’aligner sur le seuil de 1,5 degré, couvrir tous les secteurs de l’économie et nous mettre sur la voie de l’élimination progressive, rapide et équitable, des combustibles fossiles.

Le G20, responsable d’environ 80 % des émissions mondiales, doit montrer la voie. Il doit aligner ses plans de production et de consommation de combustibles fossiles sur le seuil de 1,5 degré.

Le financement est indispensable.

Nous avons besoin de résultats ambitieux en matière de finances à la COP29 de cette année – y compris en termes de sources de capital nouvelles et innovantes.

Nous avons besoin de contributions significatives au nouveau Fonds pour les pertes et les dommages – une étape essentielle sur le chemin vers la justice climatique.

Les pays développés doivent doubler le financement en faveur de l’adaptation pour atteindre au moins 40 milliards de dollars par an d’ici 2025 – et démontrer comment ils vont combler le déficit de financement de l’adaptation.

Enfin, nous devons réformer les Banques multilatérales de développement pour qu’elles deviennent plus grandes, plus audacieuses et capables de fournir des financements beaucoup plus abordables aux pays en développement.

Nous avons réalisé de réels progrès lors du Sommet de l’avenir. Nous devons continuer à porter ces avancées, notamment lors du Sommet mondial pour le développement social et de la Conférence sur le financement du développement qui se tiendront l’année prochaine.

Nous devons également combler les lacunes de notre cadre juridique international concernant l’élévation du niveau de la mer : pour garantir un accès continu aux ressources, tout en protégeant les frontières maritimes existantes, ainsi que pour protéger les personnes touchées et, dans les scénarios extrêmes, pour traiter les implications liées à aux statuts d’un État.

Excellences,

Nous ne pouvons pas laisser les espoirs et les aspirations de milliards de personnes sans réponse. 

Nous ne pouvons pas permettre la destruction massive de pays et de communautés.

Il est temps d’inverser la tendance.

Et de nous sauver de la montée des eaux.

Je vous remercie.

***
 

Source: United Nations – English

r. President, Excellencies,

Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

The death toll keeps rising.

Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

Mr. President,

Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

But we need the support of the international community.

15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

Monsieur le Président,

Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

Je vous remercie.

******

[all-English]

Mr. President, Excellencies,

Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

The death toll keeps rising.

Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

Mr. President,

Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

But we need the support of the international community.

15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

Mr. President,

Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed.

The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.

This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions – at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action.

We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence – for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.

The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed – even in the darkest hour.

Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue.

So let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine – a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.

United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal.

Thank you.

******

[all-French]

Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

Il y a deux jours, à travers le nouveau Pacte pour l’avenir, les dirigeants du monde ont réaffirmé leur attachement au droit international et à la Charte des Nations unies.

Notre Organisation est fondée sur le principe de la souveraineté de tous les États membres – à l’intérieur de leurs frontières internationalement reconnues.

La Charte est sans équivoque : tous les États doivent s’abstenir de recourir à la menace ou à l’emploi de la force contre l’intégrité territoriale ou l’indépendance politique de tout autre État, et que les différends internationaux doivent être réglés par des moyens pacifiques.

L’invasion massive de l’Ukraine par la Russie en février 2022 – après l’annexion illégale de la République autonome de Crimée et de la ville de Sébastopol il y a dix ans – constitue une violation manifeste de ces principes.

Et les populations civiles continuent d’en payer le prix.

Le nombre de morts ne cesse d’augmenter.

Près de 10 millions de personnes ont fui leurs foyers.

Les attaques systématiques contre les hôpitaux, les écoles, les supermarchés… ne font qu’amplifier la douleur et la détresse.

Les coupures de courant et les dommages causés aux infrastructures ont plongé des millions de personnes dans l’obscurité.

Je condamne fermement toutes les attaques contre les civils et les installations civiles, peu importe où elles se produisent et qui est responsable. Elles doivent toutes cesser immédiatement.

Et je reste profondément préoccupé par la sécurité, les besoins humanitaires et les droits humains des personnes résidant dans les régions occupées.

Monsieur le Président,

Malgré d’immenses défis, l’Organisation des Nations Unies reste pleinement engagée, représentant la plus grande présence internationale en Ukraine.

Rien que cette année, en coopération avec nos partenaires, nous avons apporté une aide vitale à plus de 6,2 millions de personnes.

Mais nous avons besoin du soutien de la communauté internationale.

15 millions de personnes en Ukraine ont besoin d’aide humanitaire – et plus de la moitié d’entre elles sont des femmes et des jeunes filles.

Cependant, à l’approche de l’hiver, moins de la moitié de notre Plan d’intervention humanitaire pour 2024 est financée.

J’exhorte les donateurs à nous aider à poursuivre notre travail vital sur le terrain.

Nous assistons également le gouvernement ukrainien dans ses efforts de redressement économique et de reconstruction.

Cela comprend l’accès aux services de base et la restauration des capacités de production d’énergie de l’Ukraine.

Ces dernières semaines, nous avons vu une recrudescence de rhétorique incendiaire et d’incidents autour des sites nucléaires – en particulier à la centrale nucléaire de Zaporizhzhia et, de façon inquiétante, à la centrale nucléaire de Koursk, dans la Fédération de Russie.

Je félicite l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique, notamment pour sa présence essentielle sur les sites nucléaires ukrainiens, afin de contribuer à garantir la sûreté et la sécurité nucléaires.

J’appelle toutes les parties à agir de manière responsable et à éviter toute déclaration ou action susceptible de déstabiliser davantage une situation déjà incendiaire.

Monsieur le Président,

Deux ans et demi après l’invasion à grande échelle de l’Ukraine, plus de 11 000 civils ont été tués.

Plus cette guerre tragique se prolonge, plus le risque d’escalade et de débordement est grand.

Cela n’affecterait pas seulement la région, mais aggraverait les tensions et les divisions mondiales – à un moment où notre monde a désespérément besoin de plus de coopération et d’action collective.

Nous devons mettre fin aux souffrances et briser le cycle de la violence, dans l’intérêt du peuple ukrainien, du peuple russe – et du monde entier.

L’initiative de la mer Noire et les échanges de prisonniers de guerre nous le rappellent : lorsqu’il y a une volonté politique, la diplomatie peut réussir, même dans les heures les plus sombres.

Bien que la paix puisse aujourd’hui paraître hors de portée, les nombreux appels au dialogue représentent une lueur d’espoir.  

Intensifions donc nos efforts pour aboutir à la paix en Ukraine – une paix juste, totale et durable ;

Une paix conforme à la Charte des Nations unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

L’Organisation des Nations Unies soutiendra tout effort en ce sens.

Je vous remercie.