Category: Africa Press Organisation – English

Source: United Nations – English

resident Nangolo Mbumba, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Excellencies,

Thank you for bringing us together today for this Global Call on the Summit of the Future.

The Summit is just days away, but getting to this point has taken years of effort.

I want to thank you and your governments for your commitment, every step of the way.

Member States are now in the final stages of negotiating the three agreements to be adopted at the Summit of the Future: the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. 

My appeal is for you to push hard for the deepest reforms and most meaningful actions possible. 

We need maximum ambition during these final days of negotiation. 

Because the challenges we face are moving much faster than our ability to solve them.

Ferocious conflicts are inflicting terrible suffering.

Deep geopolitical divides are creating dangerous tensions, multiplied by nuclear threats.

Inequality and injustice corrode trust and fuel populism and extremism.  

Discrimination, misogyny and racism are taking on new forms.

Poverty and hunger are at crisis levels as the Sustainable Development Goals are slipping out of reach.

And we have no effective global response to new and even existential threats.

Nine years after the Paris agreement, the climate crisis is still accelerating, and technologies like Artificial Intelligence are being developed in an ethical and legal vacuum. 

Our institutions cannot keep up, because they are designed for another era and another world.

The Security Council is stuck in a time warp; international financial architecture is outdated and ineffective; and we are simply not equipped to take on a wide range of emerging issues.

21st century challenges require 21st century problem-solving institutions. 

The Summit of the Future is an important step in the journey to build stronger and more effective multilateralism.

An opportunity to update and reform global institutions, including the Security Council and international financial architecture, to reflect and respond to the political and economic realities of today and tomorrow.

We need a renewed focus on the prevention and mediation of conflicts – not only through negotiation and preventive diplomacy, but by creating conditions for stability through sustainable development and respect for human rights.

We need to connect the root causes of conflict and recognize that the climate crisis is a threat multiplier for insecurity. We need to respond to the changing nature of warfare and update our peace operations accordingly. And we need agreement on mitigating the risks of weaponizing new technologies.

As well, we need reforms to the global financial architecture and make it correspond to today’s global economy and fit to address today’s challenges.

Global financial institutions should support developing countries to lift themselves out of debt and invest in sustainable development and climate action. 

We need to increase the lending capacity of multilateral development banks dramatically and change their business model, so that they can help developing countries to gain far more access to private finance at affordable rates.

And we need ways for governments, together with tech companies, academia and civil society, to work together to manage the risks posed by new technologies – including AI – and make sure those technologies benefit everybody.

The United Nations is in a unique position to act as a platform and a convening space for key stakeholders.

As global shocks become more complex and disruptive, we need Emergency Platforms that swing into action automatically, convening major players according to agreed protocols. We cannot walk into the next global pandemic or shock without being better prepared.  

And across the board, we need to strengthen respect for human rights and cultural diversity. In the face of renewed attacks on the rights and dignity of women and girls, we need strong action to end discrimination and gender-based violence and remove the barriers that exclude women from power.

In short, we need greater global solidarity today and with future generations; better management of critical issues of global concern; and an upgraded United Nations that can meet the challenges of a new era.

As we reach the end of negotiations on the three texts, I appeal to all governments to make sure they are as ambitious as possible – to restore the hope and trust we need in order to address the dramatic challenges of our time with a new global consensus. 

Excellencies,

The Summit of the Future is an opportunity for far-reaching agreements on international collaboration for a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world.

Let’s seize it.  

I call on Member States to act swiftly, with vision, courage, solidarity and a spirit of compromise, to get the three draft agreements over the finish line.

Let’s make the most of this critical milestone on the road to a more networked, effective and inclusive multilateralism for the 21st century.

And I thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

strong>Download the vídeo:  https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+SOUTH+SOUTH+COOPERATION+25+JUL+24/3241000_MSG+SG+SOUTH+SOUTH+COOPERATION++25+JUL+24.mp4

On the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, we celebrate the transformative power of unity and solidarity among developing nations.

We remember that only together can countries leverage multilateral support and realise shared prosperity.

South-South cooperation does not reduce the responsibility of wealthier nations to help tackle global inequalities.  It does not replace North-South cooperation.

But strong South-South partnerships – along with triangular cooperation – are crucial to building a better future for all. 

These partnerships can advance a fairer, more inclusive global financial system that responds to the challenges faced by developing countries.  

They can help unlock the power of digitalization, data, and science-backed solutions for sustainable development.

They can help improve the quality of life today and for future generations, building resilience and empowering women and young people.

The Summit of the Future in September is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to South-South and triangular cooperation, embracing solidarity and mutual support.

By pooling resources, know-how, and experience, we can create a more equitable world for all.

*****
En cette Journée des Nations Unies pour la coopération Sud-Sud, nous célébrons le pouvoir transformateur de l’unité et de la solidarité entre les nations en développement.

Nous nous remémorons que ce n’est qu’ensemble que les pays peuvent mettre à profit l’appui multilatéral pour assurer une prospérité collective.

La coopération Sud-Sud ne dispense pas les nations les plus riches de participer à la lutte contre les inégalités mondiales. Elle ne remplace pas la coopération Nord-Sud.

Mais des partenariats Sud-Sud solides, tout comme la coopération triangulaire, sont indispensables pour bâtir un avenir meilleur pour l’humanité.

Ils peuvent favoriser l’avènement d’un système financier mondial plus juste et plus inclusif, qui réponde aux difficultés auxquelles se heurtent les pays en développement.

Ils peuvent contribuer à libérer le potentiel de la transition numérique, des données et des solutions scientifiques au service du développement durable.

Ils peuvent aider à améliorer la qualité de vie des générations actuelles et futures en renforçant la résilience et l’autonomie des femmes et des jeunes.

Le Sommet de l’avenir, en septembre, sera l’occasion de réaffirmer notre attachement à la coopération Sud-Sud et à la coopération triangulaire en faisant nôtres les principes de solidarité et de soutien mutuel.

En mettant en commun ressources, savoir-faire et expérience, nous pouvons créer un monde plus équitable pour toutes et tous.

Source: United Nations – English

oday’s report from the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals is a how-to guide to help generate prosperity and equality alongside clean power. The report makes recommendations on critical minerals, at a crucial time.

We established the Panel in response to calls from developing countries, amid signs that the energy transition could reproduce and amplify inequalities of the past – banishing developing countries to the bottom of value chains to watch others grow rich by exploiting their people and putting their environment in jeopardy.

This report identifies ways to ground the renewables revolution in justice and equity, so that it spurs sustainable development, respects people, protects the environment, and powers prosperity in resource-rich developing countries. It sets out seven Guiding Principles to direct action across the value chain, and five Actionable Recommendations to help put them into practice, and address key gaps in international governance. 

As next steps, I have asked the Co-Chairs and Panel to consult and share the report and its recommendations with Member States and other stakeholders ahead of COP29 later this year.

We will bring the UN system together to support implementation of the Panel’s work, safeguarding and advancing human rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples, across the critical minerals value chain. Through all this, civil society, young people and Indigenous Peoples must be heard and have a seat at the table.

I thank the panel members for their work, particularly the Co-Chairs, Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko and Ditte Juul Jørgensen. I commend them for breaking new ground, with a set of principles and recommendations on many complex, contested issues.

Together, let’s work to deliver renewable energy that powers a fairer, more just and more prosperous future for all. 
 
***

Source: United Nations – English

he Secretary-General strongly condemns today’s Israeli air strikes in a densely populated Israeli-designated zone in Khan Younis and the killing of civilians, including women and children. 

The use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas is unconscionable. 

Displaced Palestinians had moved to this area in Khan Younis in search for shelter and safety after being repeatedly instructed to do so by the Israeli authorities – but there is no safe place in Gaza.

Today’s attack comes as humanitarian workers yesterday faced one of the most horrific assaults on their ability to deliver life-saving vaccines. Twelve UN staff members, whose movement was fully coordinated with Israeli forces and whose details were shared in advance, were stopped at a checkpoint on their way to northern Gaza to support the polio vaccination campaign. Israeli forces fired live shots and the UN convoy was compacted by a military tank and a bulldozer with our staff inside. The convoy was held at this checkpoint for seven and a half hours and ultimately unable to fulfill its humanitarian mission. The Secretary-General strongly condemns this incident. 

The Secretary-General once again recalls that international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be complied with at all times by all parties to the conflict. He also calls for the protection of civilians, including aid workers, as well as the facilitation of humanitarian access.

The Secretary-General reiterates once again his calls to reach an immediate deal on a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Source: United Nations – English

r. President of the 79th session of the General Assembly, Your Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — congratulations. 

You bring to this vital task a wealth of experience, including your years as Prime Minister of Cameroon that I had the privilege to meet in your country, but also as a diplomat and public servant, and as a proud African.

I commend your vision statement’s focus on key priorities such as finance and science and technology which are all critical to global progress.

Mr. President, I pledge my full support as you unite our diverse membership around common goals and solutions.

And I once again thank the outgoing President — His Excellency Dennis Francis — for his stewardship of this Assembly over the last year.

Excellencies,

As we open this 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, we confront a world in trouble.

But the good news is that we can do something about it.

From day one, the United Nations has been the place for multilateral solutions — grounded in collaboration…dialogue…diplomacy…and the United Nations Charter.

And it has been the place where respect for one another, and for the dignity and human rights that belong to every member of the human family, are brought to life. 

As we welcome this 79th session, these tasks now fall to you.

This is the place where solutions are made.

And we need solutions across the board.

Solutions to bring the Sustainable Development Goals back to life, and end poverty and inequality.

Solutions to spur economic progress and job-creation for all — especially women and young people. 

Solutions to bridge the political divides and end the conflicts that are causing so much death and suffering.

Solutions to end the climate catastrophe that is killing our one and only home.

Solutions to summon the financing that developing countries need to invest in the future of their people.

Solutions that give all countries a voice in global institutions of finance, peace and security.

And solutions to ensure that groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence are a boon, not a barrier, to human progress and equality.

Step by step, solution by solution, we can re-build trust and faith in one another, and in what we can accomplish through collaboration and solidarity.

Mr. President, Excellencies,

The values that have brought us together since 1945 are more essential than ever.

In confronting the challenges before us, the United Nations General Assembly remains an indispensable tool and a vital pathway towards a peaceful and just future for all people.

Let’s renew our commitment to that future.

And let’s get there together.

Thank you.

Source: United Nations – English

xcellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, friends,

On the 63rd anniversary of Dag Hammarskjöld’s death, we come together, to remember:

A man of integrity, humility, courage and skill;

A man committed to the United Nations, dedicated to the Charter, and devoted to peace. 

We pay tribute to him today, and to all those United Nations staff who died with him.

Their families deserve answers.

Pursuing the full truth is our solemn duty.

I thank former Chief Justice of Tanzania, Mohamed Chande Othman, for his continued investigation into their deaths.

I will keep doing everything I can do to support his work, including engaging with Member States.

And I call on them to release any relevant research and records in their possession.

Let us renew our resolve and commitment to pursue the full truth of what happened on that fateful night in 1961.

Excellencies,

Dag Hammarskjöld is no longer with us.

But the ideals that drove him are ours to pursue:

Peace, justice, and shared humanity. Effective multilateralism and common cause.

Around the world, war is rife – ripping lives and communities apart and taking a terrible toll on United Nations staff.

We have lost more colleagues in the past twelve months than during any other period on record in our organisation’s history.

Our international institutions are creaking.

But the Summit of the Future later this month is an opportunity:

To embrace the spirit of Dag Hammarskjöld’s work, and reform our multilateral institutions so they are fit to pursue peace in our changing world. 

Let us follow his example, take this chance, and keep our gaze fixed on the promise of a world of peace and prosperity for all.

I would like to ask all of you to join me in a moment of silence, paying tribute to Dag Hammarskjöld.

[PAUSE]

Thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

r. President, Excellencies,

We close this 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly after a tumultuous year.

A year of continued poverty, inequality and injustice.

A year of division, violence, and conflict.

A year that was the hottest on record — again.

But this session also closes at a time of growing hope and inspiration in what we can achieve if we work as one.

This spirit of solidarity shone through this Assembly’s accomplishments over the last year.

Using the timeless tools of diplomacy, dialogue and debate, this 78th session of the General Assembly worked to deliver solutions and hope for people and planet alike.

At every step, we could count on the outgoing President, His Excellency Dennis Francis.

With consummate skill, stewardship and dedication — under the theme “Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability” — he brought the needs of small island developing states such as his own to this Assembly.

He convened the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response last September.

He was invaluable to the success of the SDG Summit, which resulted in a strong show of political support for an SDG Stimulus and for reforming the global financial architecture so it better serves developing countries.

He has been tireless in raising the alarm and inspiring action on rising sea levels – convening leaders, and taking his message to key gatherings around the world.

He convened the first-ever Sustainability Week at the General Assembly — a weeklong series of events around tourism, infrastructure, transport, energy, and debt.

And I appreciate his leadership in advancing preparations for the Summit of the Future this month, and his tireless advocacy of gender equality and youth participation.

Mr. President — on behalf of the entire UN family, thank you for your efforts over the last year.

And we look forward to collaborating with your successor — His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — to carry this work forward in the coming session. 

Mr. President, Excellencies,

The United Nations, and the multilateral system itself, is only as effective as Member States’ commitment to it.

The challenges facing humanity are not insurmountable if we work together.

As we celebrate the achievements of the 78th General Assembly, let’s also look to the 79th as a moment in which the world can deliver the trust, solutions and peace that the world needs.

At every step, you can count on my full support.

I thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

ecent years have seen a dramatic increase in attacks on students, teachers, educational personnel and schools around the world — from Gaza, to Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere.

Every conflict exacts a cruel human toll. But for the children and young people caught up in the hell of conflict, the cost is incalculable.

This important day reminds us of the damage of war on young learners’ bodies, minds and spirits. From injuries and loss of life, to abduction, forced displacement, sexual violence, recruitment to the fighting, and lost opportunities, the risks are enormous.

Education is not only a basic human right in itself — it’s essential to the fulfilment of all human rights.

I call on all countries to invest in education and spare no effort to safeguard education and places of learning, protect students and teachers alike, and hold accountable perpetrators of attacks on places of learning.

I also urge all countries to fully endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration, support the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, and stand with all efforts to ensure that children and young people can continue their learning — both in times of crisis and after the fighting stops.

Let’s protect education from attack, and safeguard the fundamental right to education that belongs to every child and young person, everywhere.

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Ces dernières années ont été marquées par l’augmentation spectaculaire des attaques menées contre des élèves, des étudiants, des enseignants, des membres du personnel éducatif et des écoles dans le monde entier, de Gaza au Soudan, en passant par le Myanmar, l’Ukraine, la Colombie et la République démocratique du Congo, pour ne citer que ces pays.

Chaque conflit se solde par un bilan humain désastreux. Mais pour les enfants et les jeunes pris dans l’enfer des conflits, le prix à payer est incalculable.

Cette journée nous rappelle combien la guerre fait des ravages physiques, psychologiques et émotionnels chez les jeunes apprenants. Blessures, pertes humaines, enlèvements, déplacements forcés, violences sexuelles, enrôlement dans les forces armées : les risques sont énormes, et les occasions d’apprendre perdues à jamais.

L’éducation n’est pas seulement un droit humain fondamental, c’est aussi une condition indispensable à la réalisation de tous les droits humains.

J’engage tous les pays à investir dans l’éducation et à ne ménager aucun effort pour la préserver, de même que les lieux d’apprentissage, pour protéger les élèves et les enseignants, et pour faire répondre de leurs actes les auteurs d’attaques contre des établissements d’enseignement.

Je les engage aussi à adhérer à la Déclaration sur la sécurité dans les écoles et à l’appliquer pleinement, à soutenir la Coalition mondiale pour la protection de l’éducation contre les attaques et à appuyer tous les efforts faits pour que les enfants et les jeunes puissent poursuivre leur scolarité, en temps de crise comme après la fin des combats.

Protégeons l’éducation des attaques et sauvegardons le droit fondamental à l’éducation, qu’ont tous les enfants et tous les jeunes, où qu’ils vivent dans le monde.
 

Source: United Nations – English

inety-nine per cent of humanity breathes polluted air – leading to an estimated 8 million premature deaths – including more than 700,000 children under five.

Pollution is also choking economies and heating up our planet, adding fuel to the fire of the climate crisis. And it disproportionally affects those most vulnerable in society, including women, children, and older persons.

Yet pollution is a silent killer that can be stopped.      

Investing in clean air requires actions by both government and businesses – to phase out fossil fuels, strengthen air quality monitoring, enforce air quality standards, boost renewable energy, transition to clean cooking, build sustainable transport and sustainable waste management systems, clean up supply chains, and reduce harmful emissions, including methane.

It is also critical to put a price on carbon.

At the same time, development organizations, financial institutions and philanthropies can redirect financial capital behind clean air technologies to tackle the triple planetary crisis. 

Above all, we must work together at the regional and global levels. 

Investing in clean air saves lives, combats climate change, strengthens economies, builds fairer societies, and advances the Sustainable Development Goals. 

On International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, let’s invest now so we can breathe easy knowing we are securing a healthier planet for all.

*****
Quatre-vingt-dix-neuf pour cent de l’humanité respire un air pollué, ce qui entraîne chaque année le décès prématuré d’environ 8 millions de personnes, dont plus de 700 000 enfants de moins de cinq ans.

La pollution étouffe également les économies et réchauffe notre planète, attisant ainsi la crise climatique. Elle touche de manière disproportionnée les membres les plus vulnérables de la société, notamment les femmes, les enfants et les personnes âgées.

Cependant, il est possible d’arrêter ce tueur silencieux qu’est la pollution.

L’investissement dans l’air pur appelle une action de la part des gouvernements et des entreprises, qui doivent abandonner progressivement les combustibles fossiles, renforcer la surveillance de la qualité de l’air, appliquer les normes de qualité de l’air, stimuler le recours aux énergies renouvelables, passer aux modes de cuisson propres, mettre en place des modes de transport et des systèmes de gestion des déchets durables, verdir les chaînes logistiques et réduire les émissions nocives, notamment celles de méthane.

Il est également essentiel de mettre un prix sur le carbone.

Dans le même temps, les organisations de développement, les institutions financières et les associations philanthropiques peuvent réorienter leurs ressources financières vers les technologies d’assainissement de l’air afin de s’attaquer à la triple crise planétaire.

Avant tout, nous devons travailler ensemble à l’échelle régionale et mondiale.

Investir dans l’air pur permet de sauver des vies, de lutter contre les changements climatiques, de renforcer les économies, de bâtir des sociétés plus justes et de faire progresser la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable.

En cette Journée internationale de l’air pur pour des ciels bleus, investissons dès maintenant afin de pouvoir respirer l’esprit tranquille en sachant que nous rendons la planète plus saine pour toutes et tous.

Source: United Nations – English

resident Xi Jinping,

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye,

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I want to express my deep gratitude to the people and Government of the People’s Republic of China, for the impeccable organization of this summit.

We meet as geopolitical tensions are rising; conflicts are raging; and poverty and hunger are growing.

The war in Ukraine is grinding on with global impacts – death and destruction reign in Gaza – and the people of Sudan are enduring untold suffering. 

The climate crisis keeps getting worse; and inequalities are everywhere, exacerbating divisions and polarization. 

The 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement are at risk.

Meanwhile, many African countries are mired in debt and struggling to invest in sustainable development.

Many have no access to effective debt relief, scarce resources, and clearly insufficient concessional funding to respond to the basic needs of their population and protect them from the ravages of a climate crisis they did nothing to create.

This situation is unsustainable — and a recipe for social unrest. 

That is why we proposed deep reforms to the outdated, ineffective and unfair international financial system, and an SDG Stimulus to provide developing countries with the liquidity they need while seeking medium- and long-term solutions. 

Solutions such as increasing the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks and enabling them to massively scale up affordable financing for development in Africa;

Expanding contingency financing through the rechanneling of Special Drawing Rights that until now have essentially benefitted rich countries and not those that have needed it the most.

And promoting effective long-term debt restructuring that puts people at the centre.

The support of China and Africa for these reforms is essential.

Excellencies,

In this context, South-South cooperation is essential to build capacities and drive progress on shared development goals – while in no way reducing the responsibilities of the Global North.

China’s partnership with the African continent is the main pillar of South-South cooperation.

Your joint efforts, based on the United Nations Charter, can create a new momentum for African development.

China is already Africa’s longstanding and largest trading partner.

And we know that in Africa, as elsewhere, investments are game-changing when they respect national ownership and are financially sustainable, climate-sensitive, and consistent with human rights. 

I underline President Xi’s decision to launch the Global Development Initiative in a way that is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals – as well as the focus on green development and promoting integrity-based cooperation, as outlined in President Xi’s remarks at last year’s Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that I had the honor to attend.

And I’d like to highlight, like many have today, the partnership actions on modernization that were announced today by President Xi.

China’s remarkable record of development — including on eradicating poverty – provides a wealth of experience and expertise. 

The China-Africa partnership can drive the renewable energy revolution.

It can be a catalyst for key transitions on food systems and digital connectivity.

And as home to some of the world’s most dynamic economies, Africa can maximize the potential of China’s support in areas from trade to data management, finance and technology.

Excellencies,

Around the world, multilateralism faces headwinds – and multilateral institutions are falling behind.

It is time to correct some historic injustices.

It is outrageous, for example, that the continent of Africa has still no permanent seat on the Security Council. 

This month’s Summit of the Future in New York will be a pivotal opportunity for renewal and reform – anchored in solidarity and justice.

We have proposed a focus on prevention, and joint approaches to new and emerging threats to global security, building on our recent success – after many years of effort there is now an authorized UN-assessed contributions for AU-led peace operations, which is a remarkable development achieved in the Security Council recently.

We are pushing for reforms so that the international financial architecture and institutions correspond to the realities of today’s world and can respond to today’s challenges – particularly those faced by developing countries, namely in Africa.

Your full engagement will be critical to finding sustainable solutions. 

And you can count on the full engagement of the United Nations in support of a strong China-Africa partnership, towards our shared goal of peace, sustainable development and human rights on a healthy planet.

Thank you.