Category: Africa Press Organisation – English

Source: United Nations – English

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Excellencies,

You are gathering to finalize a landmark treaty to end plastic pollution – a vital step for safeguarding our planet.

Our world is drowning in plastic pollution.

Every year, we produce 460 million tonnes of plastic, much of which is quickly thrown away.

Plastic waste is dumped into our waters, killing marine life – and by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean.

Microplastics in our bloodstreams are creating health problems we’re only just beginning to understand.

We must transform our consumption and production patterns.  

Through the recently adopted Pact for the Future, countries highlighted the need to accelerate efforts to achieve – by the end of the year – an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.

This is why, in Busan, you must deliver a treaty that is ambitious, credible and just.

An agreement that addresses the life cycle of plastics – tackling single-use and short-lived plastics, waste management and measures to phase out plastic and promote alternative materials;

That provides concrete solutions for all countries to access technologies and improve land and marine environments;

And that leaves no one behind – including some of the most vulnerable people, such as waste pickers.

Excellencies,

For too long, we have kicked the plastic bottle down the road.

Today, we have a historic opportunity to start building a world free of plastic pollution and waste.

I urge countries to seize it and agree to a treaty for a healthier and more prosperous future, for people and planet.

Thank you.
 

Source: United Nations – English

he Secretary-General welcomes the successful conclusion of the fifth session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, which took place from 18 – 22 November 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The work of this Conference is critical to building a more peaceful future for all people — in the Middle East and around the world. The Secretary-General commends the participating States of the Conference, under the Presidency of Mauritania, on their constructive engagement towards the elaboration of a future treaty and their commitment to diplomacy and multilateral solutions at a time of ongoing heightened tensions and the acute humanitarian crisis in the Middle East region.

He encourages the participating States to continue working constructively during the intersessional period, and supports their continuing efforts to pursue, in an open and inclusive manner, the establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear-Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction. He congratulates Morocco, with best wishes for success, on its endorsement as the President of the sixth session.

Source: United Nations – English

OP29 comes at the close of a brutal year – a year seared by record temperatures, and scarred by climate disaster, all as emissions continue to rise.

Finance has been priority number one.

Developing countries swamped by debt, pummelled by disasters, and left behind in the renewables revolution, are in desperate need of funds.

An agreement at COP29 was absolutely essential to keep the 1.5 degree limit alive. And countries have delivered.

I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome – on both finance and mitigation – to meet the great challenge we face. 

But this agreement provides a base on which to build.

It must be honoured in full and on time. Commitments must quickly become cash. All countries must come together to ensure the top-end of this new goal is met.

COP29 also builds on progress made last year on emissions reductions and accelerating the energy transition. And it reaches agreement on carbon markets.

This was a complex negotiation in an uncertain and divided geopolitical landscape. I commend everyone who worked hard to build consensus. You have shown that multilateralism – centred on the Paris Agreement – can find a path through the most difficult issues.

I appeal to governments to see this agreement as a foundation – and build on it.

First, countries must deliver new economy-wide national climate action plans – or NDCs – aligned with 1.5 degrees, well ahead of COP30 – as promised. The G20 countries, the biggest emitters, must lead.

These new plans must cover all emissions and the whole economy, accelerate fossil fuel phase out, and contribute to the energy transition goals agreed at COP28 – seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables.

The end of the fossil fuel age is an economic inevitability. New national plans must accelerate the shift, and help to ensure it comes with justice.

Second, we need swift action to deliver on commitments made in the Pact for the Future. Particularly on effective action on debt; increasing concessional finance and improving access; and substantially increasing the lending capacity of the Multilateral Development Banks, with adequate recapitalization. 

I thank the government of Azerbaijan for their hospitality – and COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, and his team, for their hard work.

I am grateful to UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and his colleagues for their superb support – and of course the United Nations team.

And I commend all the delegates, young people, and civil society representatives who came to Baku to push parties for maximum ambition and justice. 

I end with a message directly to them. Keep it up. The United Nations is with you. Our fight continues. And we will never give up.
 

Source: United Nations – English

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I am pleased to take part in the International Finance Forum.

Thank you for coming together in the spirit of reigniting global cooperation. 

Our world needs this more than ever.

The Sustainable Development Goals are veering off-track – along with our promise to leave no one behind.

Finance is the fuel to get ahead – but huge gaps are paralyzing progress.

Debt service is crowding out SDG investments. 

And economies are repeatedly rocked by external shocks that our financial system cannot contain. 

This undermines people’s trust in governments and faith in multilateralism.

We need urgent action.

The good news is that we have a globally agreed plan: the recently adopted Pact for the Future. 

It calls for accelerating reform of the international financial architecture. 
 
To raise the voice and representation of developing countries.

To dramatically scale up development finance, including by expanding the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks.  

To promote sustainable borrowing.

To adopt necessary forms of debt relief.

And to strengthen the global safety net so that all countries are shielded in times of crisis.

Of course, change cannot happen overnight – but we have a strong foundation to ignite action around the world.

All these issues will be at the heart of next year’s Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.

Once again thank you for your leadership.

Together, let’s help reignite cooperation and build a sustainable, equal and just future for all.

I wish you a productive Forum.

*****
2024年11月23日，中国香港特别行政区
       我很高兴参加国际金融论坛。
       感谢各位本着重启全球合作的精神齐聚一堂。
       我们的世界比以往任何时候都需要合作。
          可持续发展目标正在偏离轨道——我们不让任何一个人掉队的承诺亦是如此。
       金融是前进的动力，但巨大的差距正在阻碍进步。
       偿债正在挤占对可持续发展目标的投资。
       各经济体一再受到我们金融体系无法控制的外部冲击的侵袭。
       这破坏了人们对政府的信任和对多边主义的信心。
       我们需要采取紧急行动。
       好消息是，我们已经制定一个全球商定的计划：最近通过的《未来契约》。
       它呼吁加快改革国际金融架构。
       提高发展中国家的发言权和代表性。
       大幅增加发展融资，包括扩大多边开发银行的贷款能力。
       促进可持续借贷。
       采取必要的债务减免形式。
       加强全球安全网，使所有国家在危机时都能得到保护。
       当然，变革不可能一蹴而就，但我们有坚实的基础，可以在世界各地点燃行动的火花。
       所有这些问题都将是明年第四次发展筹资问题国际会议的核心。
       再次感谢你们发挥的领导作用。
       让我们共同助力重启合作，为所有人建立一个可持续、平等和公正的未来。
       预祝论坛圆满成功。
 

Source: United Nations – English

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Greetings to everyone attending the UN Foundation’s We the Peoples Global Leadership Awards Dinner.

To Ted Turner, Elizabeth Cousens and the entire UN Foundation family — thank you for your generosity and support for our organization and its vital mission.   

And congratulations to this year’s honorees.

Through their relentless and inspiring work, they embody the best of the human spirit. 

We need that spirit more than ever.

We face conflicts — from the Middle East to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond.

We confront climate chaos, poverty, hunger and inequalities around the world.

Girls and women are still being denied their rights.

And divisions and mistrust are dividing humanity.

But like tonight’s honorees, we can choose a different path — a path of service, collaboration and common purpose.
 
To eradicate poverty and hunger in every community.

To support children with education, health care and hope.

To heal divisions and end conflicts.

To open the doors of opportunity and justice for women and girls.

To push for climate action. 

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

And to help advance all these efforts, to implement the Pact for the Future. 

I know the UN Foundation will continue to be on the frontlines — driving change and supporting the most vulnerable.

Once again, thank you for your generosity, dedication, and leadership.

Source: United Nations – English

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United Nations’ peacekeeping exists to protect the vulnerable, keep the peace, and nurture the best of humanity.

Unforgivably, some people betray that mission and exploit, hurt and abuse those they are sent to protect.

The children born as a result too often face poverty, stigma, and insecurity.

They deserve recognition, support, and dignity.

The United Nations is committed to making this a reality.

But we cannot do it alone.

We count on Member States to take action where their nationals are involved:

By moving faster to resolve paternity claims;

By holding perpetrators to account;

And by working with the United Nations to urgently find solutions to resolving claims quickly. 

We need a greater collective effort to redress grave abuses of trust.

Let’s make that a reality.

*****

Le maintien de la paix de l’ONU existe afin de protéger les personnes vulnérables, préserver la paix et encourager le meilleur de l’humanité.

Malheureusement, certains trahissent cette mission et exploitent, blessent et abusent les personnes qu’ils sont chargés de protéger.

Les enfants nés de ces actes sont trop souvent confrontés à la pauvreté, la stigmatisation et l’insécurité. Ils méritent reconnaissance, soutien et dignité.

Les Nations unies se sont engagées à faire de ces objectifs une réalité.

Mais nous ne pouvons pas le faire seuls.

Nous comptons sur les États Membres pour qu’ils prennent des mesures quand leurs ressortissants sont impliqués : en agissant rapidement pour résoudre les demandes de paternité, en demandant des comptes aux auteurs, et en travaillant avec les Nations Unies pour trouver d’urgence des solutions pour la résolution rapide de ces demandes.

Un effort collectif plus soutenu est nécessaire pour remédier à ces terribles abus de confiance.

Faisons de cela une réalité.
 

Source: United Nations – English

n Africa Industrialization Day, we celebrate the inspiring progress and economic growth the continent has achieved over the decades.

From the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to the continent’s young, innovative and entrepreneurial population, to Africa’s growing leadership in renewable energy, Africa is fast-becoming an integrated global economic force across diverse sectors.

This year’s theme emphasizes the enormous potential of emerging technologies — especially artificial intelligence — to power African growth in green manufacturing.

Artificial intelligence can sharpen the continent’s competitive edge in green manufacturing — boosting productivity, job-creation and African prosperity — while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In September, leaders adopted the Global Digital Compact to enhance global cooperation and capacity-building in groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence. The Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence to give every country a seat at the AI table. It also highlights how digital public infrastructure — like digital payment systems — can boost economic activity and regional integration. 

I urge Africa to seize this opportunity to harness the transformative potential of technology, and drive inclusive and environmentally conscious development and economic growth.

The United Nations proudly stands with all Africans in this essential effort.

***
La Journée de l’industrialisation de l’Afrique est l’occasion de célébrer les progrès et la croissance économique exemplaires enregistrés par le continent au fil des décennies.

De l’Accord prometteur portant création de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine qu’elle a conclu à sa population jeune, innovante et dynamique, en passant par le rôle moteur toujours plus grand qu’elle joue dans le domaine des énergies renouvelables, l’Afrique devient rapidement une force économique mondiale intégrée dans divers secteurs.

Le thème de cette année met l’accent sur l’immense potentiel que présentent les technologies émergentes, en particulier l’intelligence artificielle, qui peuvent contribuer à stimuler la croissance du continent dans le domaine de la fabrication écologique.

L’intelligence artificielle peut en effet doper la compétitivité du continent dans le secteur de la fabrication écologique en favorisant la productivité, la création d’emplois et la prospérité en Afrique, tout en réduisant les émissions de gaz à effet de serre.

En septembre, les dirigeants ont adopté le Pacte numérique mondial afin de renforcer la coopération internationale et les capacités dans le domaine des technologies révolutionnaires telles que l’intelligence artificielle. Le Pacte renferme le premier accord véritablement universel sur la gouvernance internationale de l’intelligence artificielle, l’idée étant que chaque pays ait voix au chapitre. Il y est également souligné que les infrastructures publiques numériques, comme les systèmes de paiement numérique, peuvent encourager l’activité économique et l’intégration régionale.

J’invite instamment l’Afrique à saisir cette occasion pour tirer parti du potentiel de transformation offert par la technologie et à promouvoir un développement et une croissance économique qui profitent à tout le monde, dans le respect de l’environnement.

L’Organisation des Nations Unies est fière de soutenir les Africains et les Africaines dans cette entreprise capitale.

***
 

Source: United Nations – English

cience is central to tackling our world’s greatest challenges.

We face a scorching planet, conflicts igniting and spreading like wildfire, a digital revolution with endless possibilities and untold risk, and Sustainable Development Goals that are still off track.  

Now, when the stakes could not be higher for humanity, we must harness the power of science to forge solutions for people and planet alike.

This idea is central to the Pact of the Future, adopted in September by Member States. The Pact places science at the heart of achieving the 2030 Agenda, and ensuring that all countries can benefit through enhanced science and technology cooperation. 

This is why I created the Scientific Advisory Board. Uniting experts on public health, climate, and artificial intelligence, the Board will regularly engage with UN leadership and connect with global networks of scientists and academics, especially in developing countries. And it will help ensure that science shapes, informs and delivers effective policy solutions around the world.

Your Forum is a reminder that when science and policy are united, we can meet the needs and aspirations of societies and all people. 

We are counting on the World Science Forum to continue this important work, and ensure that science remains the bedrock of a peaceful, prosperous and healthy future for all people. 

Source: United Nations – English

he United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is clear: every child, everywhere has the right to life, protection, and development.

Yet, these basic rights have been cruelly snatched away from the children of Palestine.

In Gaza, an estimated 44% of all those killed are children – and those who survive endure horrors no child should ever know.

Torn from their families and denied education. Scavenging for food and firewood among rubble littered with unexploded ordnance. Living amid rivers of sewage and towering piles of waste. Risking their life and health with every step and suffering. Many face lifelong disabilities – and all will carry deep psychological scars that will reverberate for generations.

In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, an average of one Palestinian child has been killed every two days since October 2023.  Young lives are further constrained by an inherently discriminatory regime of occupation affecting their most basic rights.

Amid these nightmares, the entire United Nations family – including the backbone of the humanitarian response, UNRWA – strives to provide hope and dignity to children across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  UNRWA is irreplaceable and its vital work must continue unimpeded. 

Let us spare no effort to support all these essential efforts and promote and respect the rights of the Palestinian child. 

Let us remember and reinforce the rights of all children of the region – including children in Lebanon, and children in Israel who suffered from the 7 October terror attacks by Hamas. 

Let us join forces as members of the international community and civil society organizations to end the cycle of violence, ensure respect for international law and protect human rights.

And let us stand together for a future where every child in Palestine, across the Middle East, and around the world can grow up in peace, safety, and dignity.

Source: United Nations – English

n Africa Industrialization Day, we celebrate the inspiring progress and economic growth the continent has achieved over the decades.

From the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to the continent’s young, innovative and entrepreneurial population, to Africa’s growing leadership in renewable energy, Africa is fast-becoming an integrated global economic force across diverse sectors.

This year’s theme emphasizes the enormous potential of emerging technologies — especially artificial intelligence — to power African growth in green manufacturing.

Artificial intelligence can sharpen the continent’s competitive edge in green manufacturing — boosting productivity, job-creation and African prosperity — while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In September, leaders adopted the Global Digital Compact to enhance global cooperation and capacity-building in groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence. The Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence to give every country a seat at the AI table. It also highlights how digital public infrastructure — like digital payment systems — can boost economic activity and regional integration. 

I urge Africa to seize this opportunity to harness the transformative potential of technology, and drive inclusive and environmentally conscious development and economic growth.

The United Nations proudly stands with all Africans in this essential effort.

***
La Journée de l’industrialisation de l’Afrique est l’occasion de célébrer les progrès et la croissance économique exemplaires enregistrés par le continent au fil des décennies.

De l’Accord prometteur portant création de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine qu’elle a conclu à sa population jeune, innovante et dynamique, en passant par le rôle moteur toujours plus grand qu’elle joue dans le domaine des énergies renouvelables, l’Afrique devient rapidement une force économique mondiale intégrée dans divers secteurs.

Le thème de cette année met l’accent sur l’immense potentiel que présentent les technologies émergentes, en particulier l’intelligence artificielle, qui peuvent contribuer à stimuler la croissance du continent dans le domaine de la fabrication écologique.

L’intelligence artificielle peut en effet doper la compétitivité du continent dans le secteur de la fabrication écologique en favorisant la productivité, la création d’emplois et la prospérité en Afrique, tout en réduisant les émissions de gaz à effet de serre.

En septembre, les dirigeants ont adopté le Pacte numérique mondial afin de renforcer la coopération internationale et les capacités dans le domaine des technologies révolutionnaires telles que l’intelligence artificielle. Le Pacte renferme le premier accord véritablement universel sur la gouvernance internationale de l’intelligence artificielle, l’idée étant que chaque pays ait voix au chapitre. Il y est également souligné que les infrastructures publiques numériques, comme les systèmes de paiement numérique, peuvent encourager l’activité économique et l’intégration régionale.

J’invite instamment l’Afrique à saisir cette occasion pour tirer parti du potentiel de transformation offert par la technologie et à promouvoir un développement et une croissance économique qui profitent à tout le monde, dans le respect de l’environnement.

L’Organisation des Nations Unies est fière de soutenir les Africains et les Africaines dans cette entreprise capitale.

***