At the
outset, I would like to join with those expressing their
cordial congratulations to Mr. John Ashe on his election
to serve as President of the General Assembly at its
sixty-eighth session. I am convinced that his extensive
professional experience will contribute to the efficient
and successful work of this session. I would also like
to express our appreciation to his predecessor, Mr. Vuk
Jeremi., for his efforts as President at the previous
session.

We fully share the commitment of this session to
contributing to the development of a post-2015 global
development agenda in order to enhance the progress
already achieved towards the full implementation of the
decisions taken at the Rio de Janeiro United Nations
Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).

The modalities of the High-level Political Forum on
Sustainable Development were approved at the sixty-
seventh session of the General Assembly, and its first
meeting took place some days ago here in New York.
We expect the Forum, which replaces the Commission
on Sustainable Development, to become a universal and
effective platform for regular dialogue and for reviewing
achievements and developing and coordinating the
programme of actions aimed at promoting sustainable
development.

Further progress in achieving sustainable
development depends in many respects on the adequate
and timely financing of the planned programmes
and projects. In that regard, the activities of the
Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable
Development Financing, which is mandated to develop
recommendations on effective strategies for financing
sustainable development, are of key importance.

We support efforts to develop a sustainable
development goal for water resources. We believe that
the following should be taken into consideration in that
regard: ensuring universal access to safe drinking water
and sanitation, introducing the integrated management
of water resources at the national and regional levels,
increasing the efficiency of water use and secondary use
of water, adequately financing and investing in water-
economy facilities and infrastructure, transferring and
introducing advanced technologies, and setting up
mutually acceptable mechanisms for the gathering and
dissemination of information and data.

As stated in the Rio+20 outcome document,
“water is at the core of sustainable development as it
is closely linked to a number of key global challenges”
(resolution 66/288, annex, para. 119). The water-
related resolutions of the General Assembly initiated
by Tajikistan and co-sponsored by other Member States
have made an invaluable contribution to the realization
of the key role of water resources in the achievement
of sustainable development. This year marked the tenth
anniversary of our first global project, the International
Year of Freshwater, in 2003. The General Assembly
took another important decision when it proclaimed
2005-2015 the International Decade for Action, “Water
for Life” (resolution 58/217).

In 2010, Tajikistan initiated the General Assembly
resolution that declared 2013 the International Year of
Water Cooperation (resolution 65/154). When promoting
that resolution in conjunction with other countries, we
operated on the assumption that the events during that
International Year would contribute to strengthening
dialogue and mutual understanding and enhancing
cooperation and partnership on the basis of multilevel
and comprehensive approaches towards solving water
problems. Most important of all, we expected that
the International Year of Water Cooperation would
become a major platform for consolidating efforts and
improving our treatment of water resources.

Today, it is still too early to draw conclusions
regarding the outcome of the Year. However, I would like
to note that the International Year of Water Cooperation
has provided a truly unique opportunity to promote
the dialogue on the search for and establishment of
a just, mutually advantageous and effective water
cooperation system. It is specifically that idea that
was the focus of the statements and reports of the

participants at the High-level International Conference
on Water Cooperation, organized by the Government
of Tajikistan in cooperation with the United Nations on
20 and 21 August in Dushanbe. I would like to take this
opportunity to extend our appreciation to the President
of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General and all
our partners — Member States and international and
regional organizations — for their active participation
in the work of that successful Conference.

Based on the outcomes of the Conference, the
Dushanbe Declaration of the High-level International
Conference on Water Cooperation and the Dushanbe
framework for action on water cooperation were issued
and circulated among Member States as documents of
the General Assembly. In his statement at the opening
ceremony of the Dushanbe Conference, the President
of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Emomali Rahmon,
proposed the development of a post-2015 vision for
global water, which could serve as the road map for
the implementation of the water-related sustainable
development goals. We would like to call upon all
delegations to support that initiative.

It is common knowledge that water resources are
central to the achievement of the development goals set
forth in the Millennium Declaration (resolution 55/2).
Our efforts at poverty eradication directly depend on
the rational management of water resources. The efforts
undertaken have not yet produced the large-scale effects
that we all expected at the dawn of the Millennium.
However, the progress is obvious. According to The
Millennium Development Goals Report 2013, over the
past two decades, more than 2.1 billion people have
received access to improved drinking water supplies and
1.9 billion people improved their sanitation conditions.
Despite those statistics, 768 million people are still
using water from unsafe sources and about 2.5 billion
people do not have access to basic sanitation. Moreover,
the level of progress differs, not only in regions and
countries, but also in rural and urban areas within the
same country.

The special General Assembly event that took place
recently in New York provided another opportunity
for a sound assessment of progress and identification
of ways to accelerate implementation of the MDGs
and do so with maximum success. That is particularly
important under current circumstances, when the
financial, economic, food and energy crises and climate
change undermine the current still unsustainable and
uneven progress in the implementation of MDGs.

Experience shows that it is impossible to achieve
development goals without ensuring reliable and
universal access to energy. The United Nations Decade
of Sustainable Energy for All (2014-2024) provides a
unique opportunity for the practical implementation of
that aim. We believe that, along with ensuring reliable
and sustainable access to energy, it is essential to
encourage and promote in every way possible increased
use of renewable energy, the transfer of advanced
technologies and a more efficient energy supply and
energy saving. Tajikistan, which is experiencing
economic and population growth, lacks large oil and
gas deposits but has huge hydropower potential. It is
making every effort to develop all aspects of power
generation, on which the population’s well-being
critically depends.

Our Government is undertaking additional efforts
to make full use of its own potential when it comes
to addressing socioeconomic issues. On 2 March,
Tajikistan successfully completed the negotiation
process and joined the World Trade Organization as the
one hundred and fifty-ninth member of that multilateral
system for regulating world trade. We are interested in
advancing the trade interests of developing countries,
including those of landlocked countries.

In that context, on 16 and 17 September in Dushanbe,
the tenth annual meeting of the Intergovernmental
Commission for the Transport Corridor
Europe-Caucasus-Asia was held. That meeting
was followed on 18 September by the High-level
International Conference on Development of Road
Transport and Transit Potential in Central Asia for the
period up to 2023. Those events made an additional
contribution to the process of preparing for the 10-year
comprehensive review of the implementation of the
Almaty Programme of Action.

Effective regional cooperation can provide
considerable support to the establishment of a new global
partnership for achieving sustainable development.
In our region, the development of multidimensional
cooperation depends in many respects on strengthening
peace and stability in Afghanistan. We support the
efforts of the Government of Afghanistan and the
international community to address the challenges
of the transition period, reconciliation and post-
conflict rehabilitation in Afghanistan. We believe that
socioeconomic development is the key to achieving
lasting peace in that country. International aid to
Afghanistan should be, above all, aimed at promoting

a full economic recovery, further strengthening the
social sphere and generating new jobs.

The borders with Afghanistan’s neighbouring
countries should be considered the front line in
combating drug-trafficking and, in that regard, efforts
with respect to their logistical strengthening and the
prompt creation of a modern and effective Afghan
border police presence should be stepped up. There
is an urgent need for Afghanistan to be fully included
in the multidimensional regional cooperation process.
Involving the neighbouring countries in the development
of Afghanistan and giving due consideration to the
regional context in the post-conflict rehabilitation
of the country will guarantee success in the ongoing
efforts undertaken by the world community.

It is clear that illicit drug trafficking has become
one of the major sources of financing of international
terrorism. The urgency and magnitude of the problems
associated with drugs and illicit drug trafficking are
clear indications of the global danger threatening
international stability and security as a whole. The
international community must unify its efforts to reduce
the supply of and demand for drugs and its efforts
aimed at integrating national and regional efforts into
the international drug-control strategy.

During the period of its membership in the United
Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, 2014 to 2017,
Tajikistan will strengthen and expand its interaction
with other Member States and international and
regional organizations in practical implementation of
the international conventions on drugs and the Political
Declaration and Plan of Action on International
Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced
Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem.

Combating terrorism is a long-term and complicated
joint task that will require strengthening by applying
the entire spectrum of political, economic and
financial measures. We deem it important to expedite
the coordination and adoption of a comprehensive
anti-terrorism convention. Regional and subregional
organizations capable of providing support to the
global system for combating international terrorism
must play an important role in combating terrorism and
extremism.

In recent years, Tajikistan has intensified its
interaction with United Nations law enforcement
mechanisms, including the special procedures of the
Human Rights Council. The country’s main priorities
in this field are the strengthening of international
mechanisms for the protection of human rights, the
bona fide implementation of the commitments assumed
and the promotion of multilateral cooperation in the
field of human rights protection. We view the Human
Rights Council as an important forum for constructive
dialogue and cooperation in the field of human rights.

Guided by the desire to make a contribution
to an open and fair dialogue in the field of human
rights, Tajikistan has for the first time decided to put
forward its candidature for the Human Rights Council
for the period 2015 to 2017. We hope that Tajikistan’s
candidature for that period will receive support at the
election to be held during the sixty-ninth session of the
General Assembly, in the fall of 2014.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the entire
range of long-term goals requires a clear and sound
review of the actions under way towards a transition
towards sustainable development. We are convinced
that the United Nations, as the unique, universal
mechanism for multilateral cooperation, must remain
the centre of coordination of our collective efforts to
ensure peace, security, development and human rights.
Meanwhile, the role of the United Nations itself must
be strengthened through comprehensive reform and by
enhancing its ability to rapidly and adequately respond
to problems, effectively meet the numerous global
challenges and counter threats.


It is with much
pride that the Government and the people of the Solomon
Islands join me in congratulating a fellow islander,
Ambassador John Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda, on

his election as President of the General Assembly at its
sixty-eighth session. As one of his Vice-Presidents, we
assure him of Solomon Islands’ support and cooperation
during his tenure in office.

I take this opportunity to commend his predecessor,
Mr. Vuk Jeremi. of Serbia, whose leadership guided us
through over 300 resolutions, the adoption of the Arms
Trade Treaty and the convening of a number of high-
level thematic debates. Solomon Islands also wishes
to acknowledge Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for
his service and commitment to our global world. I
would also like to welcome Kiribati, whose permanent
representation in New York completes the Pacific small
island developing States (SIDS) presence in a single
city.

My delegation welcomes the sixty-eighth session’s
theme, “The post-2015 development agenda: setting the
stage”. The world has changed since the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) were launched.
Populations have grown, cities have expanded, and
consumption and production patterns have pushed us
to our planetary boundaries. Solomon Islands’ MDG
national scorecard remains mixed. We have progressed
on some fronts and remain off track on others.

The post-2015 development agenda offers us
an opportunity to change the way we do business.
In that regard, Solomon Islands seeks a new spirit
of partnership that will reform the global economic
architecture. My subregion in the Pacific supplies
60 per cent of the world’s tuna. Over three decades, the
Pacific Islands have developed fisheries institutions and
legal and management frameworks. With international
support, we can supply the world with fish. Solomon
Islands, as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries
Agency and of the parties to the Nauru Agreement,
calls for a new mindset that would provide the Pacific
Island States with the space and capacity to develop its
domestic industries and restructure the fishing fleets of
distant-water nations in the region.

The Pacific Fisheries Vessel Day Scheme has
allowed us to realize our development aspirations. Two
new fishing industries have established themselves this
year in Solomon Islands. We remain firm in our resolve
that the Scheme shall remain the central pillar in all our
fisheries negotiations.

Solomon Islands welcomes the President’s proposal
of convening a third thematic debate on sustainable
energy during this session. We note that 1.3 billion
people, half of whom live in least developed countries,
have no access to electricity. The Istanbul Programme
of Action recognizes that access to affordable, reliable,
renewable energy is crucial to accelerating sustainable,
inclusive economic growth, increased social equity and
a sustainable and clean environment.

Expanding energy access for our rural populations
and reducing energy costs are national priorities
for Solomon Islands. I am pleased to announce that
Solomon Islands joined the International Renewable
Energy Agency (IRENA) last month. We hope to work
with IRENA in unlocking some of our hydroenergy
potential. I am pleased to say that we already have a
working relationship with the World Bank and the Asian
Development Bank on hydro-projects. We are also in
discussion with the Clinton Foundation on harvesting
our geothermal potential. Once that gets off the ground,
it will be a private-public sector partnership. Bilaterally
a number of partners, including the Republic of China,
Italy and Japan, have people-centred solar programmes
in the country. Those programmes continue to light up
our community schools and villages. Renewable energy
also improves public service delivery to our rural
populations and empowers Solomon Islanders to make
sustainable choices in life.

Globally, the Pacific SIDS are themselves helping
to fill the information gaps in global renewable energy
databases, in cases where information on the Pacific
is lacking. A Pacific renewable energy database will
be developed in cooperation with the United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific. The vision is to focus on enhancing the
Pacific region’s inclusion in the international energy
dialogue and to provide sufficient data to inspire new
global partners to concentrate more on on-the-ground
investments, less on studies.

Infrastructure development is critical in opening
more opportunities for our rural populations. We
acknowledge New Zealand for the construction of
our second international airport and other partners,
such as Australia and the European Union, for the
wharves, airfields and roads they have helped to build.
Those structural investments allow Solomon Islands
to enhance its trade and strengthen the unity of the
country.

Climate change remains a global issue that needs
a global solution. We join all small island developing
States and least developed countries in conveying our
concern about the slow progress of climate change

negotiations. The alarming pace of climate change is
posing unprecedented threats to humankind’s survival.
In May, carbon dioxide concentration reached a
new threshold of 400 parts per million. For Solomon
Islands, this means that the livelihood and well-being
of our people are now under threat. Corals stop growing
at 500 parts per million.

We are heartened by the Secretary-General’s
proposal to convene a climate change summit next year.
We hope that the summit will not be a talkfest, but that it
will garner the necessary political will of Member States
to increase their level of commitment to reducing and
phasing down greenhouse-gas pollution commensurate
with scientific guidelines. The summit remains our best
hope for preventing the impact of climate change from
reaching an irreversible level. We once again register
our regret that certain countries have reneged on their
historical responsibility and unilaterally decided to opt
out of their multilateral obligations.

The world will celebrate 2014 as the International
Year of Small Island Developing States. The SIDS
conference is scheduled to be held in Samoa next
year. We count on the world to enable small island
developing States to eradicate poverty, build resilience
and unleash the potential of our youths. That will
require the enhanced implementation of the Barbados
Programme of Action and the Mauritius Strategy for
Implementation towards an evidenced-based outcome.

In seeking a sustainable future for our people, last
year we announced that we would establish a national
university. I am pleased to say that we launched
Solomon Islands National University in April. A
second university, the University of the South Pacific,
has also completed all formalities and is expected to
begin the construction of its fourth campus in one of
our provinces. The development of human capital will
allow Solomon Islands to build a knowledge-based
society and have more job-ready nationals to meet our
development needs.

This week the international community convened
the first inaugural meeting of the High-level Political
Forum on Sustainable Development. In preparation for
the Forum, the Pacific small island developing States
formed the Pacific Islands Development Forum this
year. Solomon Islands is one of the founding members
of the Forum, an alliance of States and non-State and
private-sector actors that focus on the green economy
in the context of sustainable development. The Pacific
Islands Development Forum intends to speak with a
united voice in the High-level Political Forum. Pacific
SIDS look forward to working with the Forum.

I am pleased to announce that Solomon Islands
began a new journey two months ago. The 10-year-old
Pacific Islands Forum Regional Assistance Mission
to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) — led by Australia
and supported by New Zealand and Pacific small
island developing States — went through a transitional
phase. RAMSI, provided for under Chapter VIII of
the Charter of the United Nations, now provides only
police assistance. The success of the transitional phase
belongs to our people and our region. On that note, I
take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government
and the people of Solomon Islands, to express our
profound gratitude and appreciation to all our regional
neighbours. We thank them very much.

Multilateralism remains a cornerstone of Solomon
Islands’ foreign policy. Country ownership remains a
foundation of any cooperation and programme. This
year, under United Nations Development Programme
leadership, the United Nations Development Assistance
Framework for the Pacific (2013-2017) was launched.
The $292 million programme covers 14 Pacific
countries and territories, all with the same priorities.
We call on the United Nations to align itself with
Solomon Islands national sustainable development
strategy 2011–2020. It is for that reason that over the
years we have called for an enhanced United Nations
country presence. We renew the call to upgrade the
United Nations Development Programme country
office from the level of deputy resident representative
to that of resident representative.

A peaceful, just and stable democracy is critical for
sustainable development. Solomon Islands continues
to invest in strengthening its governance system. A
political party integrity bill is being introduced in
our national Parliament. The political party bill aims
to give more power to our electoral commission to
properly manage our national election process. We
are also putting in place a sustainable, cost-effective
and inclusive voting registration system. That is an
expensive exercise; we have sought partnership with
the United Nations, the European Union and Australia.
We thank our partners for their ongoing support to
our electoral reform programme. That assistance
complements work done on e-governance. Solomon
Islands this year established a metro area network as
a single secure network connecting 85 Government

offices. We hope that will improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the Government’s computer machinery.

Solomon Islands would like to see a strong United
Nations. We are encouraged by the Assembly’s
commitment to achieving real progress on reforming
and revitalizing two of our principal organs, the
Security Council and the General Assembly. We assure
the Assembly of our support on those two endeavours.

My delegation also welcomes the modernization of
the Secretariat Building and the conference rooms and
the renovation of the General Assembly. We are also
pleased to note that United Nations competitive exams
will be held in my capital in the next two months. We
are holding the exams for the third consecutive year.
I thank the Secretariat, and in particular the United
Nations human resources personnel, for their outreach,
and sincerely hope the nationals selected will contribute
to the diversity of the Secretariat.

Changing global realities have seen the emergence
and expansion of South-South cooperation. This year,
Solomon Islands established two new diplomatic
missions in Cuba and Malaysia, respectively. On
18 April, Solomon Islands raised its flag in Havana. We
also welcomed Cuba as a Pacific Islands Forum post-
forum dialogue partner three weeks ago. Similarly, in
Malaysia last month the first resident Solomon Islands
Ambassador presented his credentials. We intend to
strengthen our ties with the wider Asian and Pacific
region, including the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations and India. We have some 100 medical students
in Cuba; the first graduates are expected in 2014. We
thank Cuba for its cooperation.

For more than two decades, the General Assembly
has called overwhelmingly for the lifting of the more
than five-decades-old economic blockade imposed on
Cuba by our friend and partner the United States of
America. Confrontational lines will need to be replaced
with dialogue and cooperation. We cannot look to the
future if we cling to the past. We hope that a forward-
looking policy will be embraced by the United States of
America in easing the blockade.

I turn now to bilateral cooperation with Papua New
Guinea, my Melanesian neighbour. Papua New Guinea
continues to provide opportunities for young Solomon
Islanders in terms of employment and scholarships.
Visa-free work schemes have been launched, and trade
relations continue to grow to new heights.

In my subregion, the Melanesian Spearhead
Group — composed of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu
and Solomon Islands — represents one of the most
diverse regions of the world. A quarter of the world’s
languages are spoken by the more than 8 million people
of the subregion. Enhanced free trade has unified the
culturally rich diverse populations. Today, the Group
is exploring other economic, security and political
cooperation.

On Fiji, Solomon Islands welcomes the progress
put in place by the Government of Fiji for the people
to freely express themselves through the parliamentary
elections scheduled for 2014. Solomon Islands notes
the adoption of Fiji’s new Constitution and wishes
the Government and people of Fiji every success in
determining their own future.

The inalienable right to self-determination is a
key pillar of the United Nations. With respect to New
Caledonia, members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group
continue to support the Territory’s self-determination
process in accordance with the Charter of the United
Nations, the relevant human rights instruments and the
Noumea Accord. In regard to the Territory of French
Polynesia, I take this opportunity to thank the General
Assembly and all Pacific small island developing States
for adopting by consensus resolution 67/265, on the
self-determination of French Polynesia in May. The
questions of the Territories of French Polynesia and
New Caledonia are scheduled to be discussed by the
Fourth Committee next week.

On human rights, Solomon Islands recognizes
that all States bear the responsibility to protect their
citizens. We believe that all States must take feasible
steps to ensure that the rights of their people are
protected. Solomon Islands, in that regard, condemns
all human rights violations against civilians, wherever
they may occur.

On the Middle East, we continue to watch with horror
the daily carnage and the humanitarian catastrophe in
Syria. We note with concern the preliminary findings
of the United Nations investigation team confirming the
use of chemical weapons. Solomon Islands welcomes
the Russian and United States initiatives to destroy
chemical weapons in Syria, and further supports all
efforts to find a diplomatic and political solution to the
civil war.

On Israel and Palestine, we support all international
efforts for the two States to resume negotiations and
achieve a just, lasting and sustainable peace.

Solomon Islands remains an arms-free State. We
note that the use of conventional and unconventional
arms in the wrong hands threatens international peace
and stability. Solomon Islands welcomes the recently
adopted Arms Trade Treaty and hopes that major
players in the arms trade will sign that international
framework. That will strengthen the Treaty. Solomon
Islands continues to follow and assess the Treaty’s
progress.

On the question of the Republic of China, Solomon
Islands call for the Republic’s meaningful participation
at United Nations specialized organizations. We would
like to acknowledge the Republic of China’s recent
participation in the Assembly of the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a guest of the
organization’s President. We recognize that as a first
step. We continue to seek observer status for the
Republic of China both at ICAO and at the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Those requests mirror the observer status that the
Republic of China currently enjoys at the World Health
Assembly.

Solomon Islands continues to serve on the United
Nations Executive Board. We welcome the new
Executive Director of UN-Women, Ms. Phumzile
Mlambo-Ngcuka, and assure her of our cooperation.
We note with concern that the UN-Women strategic
plan for 2014-2017 is underfunded. We call for political
and financial support for the plan. We support the
Executive Director’s call that priority be given to the
economic empowerment of women in rural areas.
We hope the Executive Board can also address UN-
Women’s representation vacuum in the Pacific.

Gender violence remains an issue in Solomon
Islands, and my country joins the international
community in condemning sexual violence.

We continue to seek an inclusive society. In
partnership with an Australian entity, Solomon Islands
organized national games for persons with disabilities
in our country and other events. Although we still
have a long way to go in creating a disability-friendly
society, we remain determined to achieve that end.

Let me close where I began. The post-2015
development agenda is our shared agenda. We must
remain united and work as one, with one aim, to deliver
one set of goals, under a single process with common
but differentiated responsibilities. Present and future
generations depend on what we do today.


At
the beginning of this week, at the opening of the
general debate, the international community strongly
condemned the heinous attacks that have once again
struck Kenya. That situation should lead us to reflect
on our ability to prevent, manage and settle conflicts.
Kenya’s tragedy is to be situated near the territory of
Somalia, which for too long has been left to terrorist
groups. The lesson is to avoid the creation of any
vacuum that could serve as fertile ground for subversive
movements. That is why in Central Africa the member
States of the subregional community have reacted
quickly to the risk of the “Somalization” of the Central
African Republic ever since the beginning of the crisis
there, despite our limited resources.

The dialogue on the humanitarian crisis in the
Central African Republic that we, the partners of
that ravaged country, held recently in New York, on
25 September, clearly indicated that the international
community has taken stock of the challenge and
has decided to resolutely provide assistance to the
Central African Republic on the political, security,
humanitarian, economic and financial levels, and to
ensure that it has a successful transition, like that of
Mali, a country which we commend and which deserves
all our attention and solidarity today as it did yesterday.

Therefore, beyond the humanitarian emergency,
the Central African Republic must be given all the
resources necessary to restore the authority of the
State, enable its Administration to operate, revive the
economy and prepare for elections. An international
support mission in the Central African Republic
is being established under African leadership. We
encourage the Security Council to swiftly adopt a
resolution supporting that initiative, which is aimed at
creating the necessary conditions to restore peace and
security, which would ensure the much-needed stability
and the effective implementation of the transition
road map. As a mediator and as chair of the follow-
up committee of the Economic Community of Central
African States on the situation in the Central African
Republic monitoring that crisis, the Congo can only
welcome that very encouraging development.

Also in the context of my country’s neighbourhood,
by participating in the signing of the Peace, Security
and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic
Republic of the Congo and the Region, which took
place on 24 February, President Denis Sassou Nguesso
reaffirmed his commitment to a foreign policy aimed at
peace and security in the world in general and in Africa,
particularly in Central Africa and the Great Lakes
Region. In doing so, he favoured the quest for peaceful
solutions and showed his willingness to continue along
that path. The various consultations he has initiated in
the context of the implementation of the Framework
agreement and the appeals directed to him demonstrate
his approach.

In that spirit, the Congo is pleased with the
conclusions of the Second Meeting of States Parties
to the Framework Agreement, which was held in New
York on 23 September. We commend the leadership of
the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, while we call
for those efforts to culminate in talks in Kampala.

Just two years ago, we welcomed the wave of
popular uprisings — the so-called Arab Spring, which
led to the fall of some political regimes in the Arab
world, sometimes by force of arms. We welcomed
those movements, just as we welcomed the enormous
changes that transformed the European landscape after
the fall of the Berlin wall, in 1989. Today, in view of
the developments in some of those countries, whose
populations aspired and still legitimately aspire to
freedom, democracy and social justice, I cannot fail
to recall the remarks that I made from this rostrum
during the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly
(see A/66/PV.27). I called then for greater caution and
prudence, convinced that the overthrow of a political
regime does not necessarily bring freedom and
democracy, since they must be won and nurtured by
other victories that cannot be imposed from the outside.

The situations we have just mentioned are replete
with lessons, not just because of the internal instability
that may result from them, but also and above all because
of their unpredictable negative impact on regional and
international peace and security.

It that regard, I shall mention other challenges to
international peace and security, particularly those
of the Syrian tragedy, which is unfolding relentlessly
before our eyes, and the untenable Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, which has consumed so many human lives and
so much energy and time.

With regard to the situation in Syria, my delegation
strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons and
welcomes the Syrian Government’s adherence to
the Chemical Weapons Convention and its decision
to place its stockpile of chemical weapons under
international control for destruction. Nevertheless, we
believe that only a political solution can put an end to
the martyrdom of the Syrian people and the fratricidal
war that has already killed more than 100,000 people.
That is why the Congo welcomes the United States-
Russian agreement and the discussions under way in
the Security Council on the adoption of a resolution
that would mark the first steps in a process that will,
we hope, in the near future, bring together the Syrian
actors and all parties involved around a table in the
framework of a conference for peace in Syria. In that
regard, once again, we believe that the focus must be
placed on finding a peaceful solution.

At the same time as Syria is agreeing to
eliminate its stockpile of chemical weapons, it is
appropriate to recall one of the most serious threats to
humankind — the nuclear danger. It is indeed urgent
for the nuclear-weapon States, as well as for those that
have other weapons of mass destruction, including
biological weapons, to implement concrete measures
enabling the elimination of those arsenals and making
progress towards real disarmament, while ensuring
respect for the prohibition of nuclear proliferation for
military purposes. This is also the moment to commend
the overtures made here by Iran concerning its nuclear
programme.

Last year, the Congo supported the General
Assembly’s historic decision to confer United Nations
non-Member observer State status on Palestine. It was
a symbolic act that the Assembly welcomed almost
unanimously. The new American initiative designed
to relaunch the Israeli-Palestinian talks also deserves
the support of the entire international community. Here
too, the Congo encourages dialogue and rejects any
recourse to force or violence.

Given the current series of political crises and in
the spirit of peace and justice, how can we fail to ask
that the embargo unjustly imposed on the Cuban people
for five decades be lifted? That unilateral decision is
contrary to the principles and values of the Charter of
the United Nations and to international order, based
on non-interference in a State’s internal affairs and
peaceful cooperation.

The damage done by the economic and financial
crisis that recently shook the world is far from being
repaired; even if here and there we can see some signs
of recovery, they are unfortunately not capable of
relaunching sustained growth. The progress that about
40 developing countries have made has definitely led to
some rebalancing of power, as the Human Development
Report 2013 of the United Nations Development
Programme indicates. However, the fruits of that growth
are unequally distributed. Similarly, the disparities both
within countries and between rich and poor countries
once again raises the problem of inequality and social
justice, which often causes social unrest. Between now
and 2015 there will be numerous African countries
that will not meet the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs).

For my own country, there has been significant
progress in achieving the MDGs, especially those
relating to education and maternal and child health,
thanks to my Government’s efforts and initiatives in
areas such as abolishing school fees, providing free
textbooks, recruiting teachers and providing free
Caesarean sections, vaccinations and antiretroviral
treatments. However, progress has been somewhat
slow in fighting poverty and promoting decent jobs.
Nonetheless, combating poverty remains a major
concern to which my Government accords high priority
through investment programmes in health, education,
professional training, infrastructure, agricultural
production, forestry and mining.

We have reasons to hope for progress between
now and 2015. The national context is being prepared.
The Republic of the Congo enjoys reassuring stability
and a favourable economic environment. Lasting
peace has been established. We are consolidating the
democratic process, which is strengthened by a regular
dialogue between the Government and the opposition
on organizing peaceful elections. My country has also
built a harmonious overall framework for implementing
its development policy, focused on modernizing and
industrializing the country on the basis of our national
development plan for 2012-2016.

The favourable rise in the price of petroleum
products and other natural resources such as wood has
enabled my country to register significant increases
in its economic growth rate, now over 5 per cent per
year since 2010, allowing for inflation. That economic
improvement has notably benefited State revenues,
which have been going up steadily. The Republic of the
Congo has also benefited from substantial debt relief
after reaching the completion point for the Heavily
Indebted Poor Countries Initiative in January 2010 and
will from now on have more resources available for
national development programmes, particularly in the
social sectors.

Structural reforms undertaken through the Extended
Credit Facility of the International Monetary Fund have
enabled us to make essential progress in managing the
public finances and macroeconomic stabilization. The
business climate continues to improve. Other measures
have been taken to enable the Congo to speed up its
achievement of the MDGs between now and 2015.

The 2012 United Nations Conference on
Sustainable Development (Rio+20) outlined for us
“The future we want”. Ambassador Ashe, who was one
of the co-facilitators of the Rio+20 process and is now
the President of the General Assembly, is therefore well
placed to help us to set the stage that will enable us
to reach the horizon that is the future we want. “The
post-2015 development agenda: setting the stage” is the
theme of the current session. It invites us to establish the
foundations for another vision of development, focused
on poverty eradication and human development.
My delegation agrees with the President that what is
needed is an ambitious, bold programme that takes new
and emerging development challenges into account
and that better integrates the economic, social and
environmental aspects of sustainable development.

The Congo, a country in the forested Congo
basin, can only concur with that view. The Congo’s
commitment to sustainable development at the national
level, as well as at the regional and international
levels, has been unflagging. It is in that context that,
after having spoken for Africa throughout the Rio+20
process, the Congo has continued its active commitment
within the framework of the Open Working Group on
Sustainable Development Goals. Once those sustainable
development goals have been defined, there remains the
vital issue of how to finance sustainable development,
which will be tackled by establishing a committee of
experts on the issue.

It is regrettable that the issue of climate change,
which affects all humankind, is still suffering from a
lack of consensus. Permit me to revisit a subject of deep
concern for developing countries such as ours, namely,
the issue of financing the fight against climate change,
which should be a central element in our negotiations.
For our part, we affirm the importance of supporting

developing countries in establishing low-carbon
regimes that can adapt to climate change in order to
tackle the worldwide problem that humankind is facing.

In regard to the programme entitled “Reducing
Deforestation and Forest Degradation and Enhancing
Environmental Services in Tropical Forests”,
established by the International Tropical Timber
Council, the Congo welcomes the consensus on the
importance of participation by all countries, according
to their capacity and national context, in the fight
against deforestation, forest degradation and of
increasing stocks of forest carbon, which is responsible
for almost 20 per cent of total greenhouse-gas
emissions. Our interest in conserving nature and
protecting wildlife has impelled us to launch a fierce
fight against poaching. In that context, next year the
Congo is organizing a major international meeting
on combating that scourge. Participants will include
political and technical stakeholders involved in wildlife
management, countries that buy wildlife products, and
international organizations.

The world has changed, and we must deal with the
new geopolitical challenges that have helped new forces
to emerge onto the international scene. Every living
organism must evolve. The United Nations, which we
would like to see become more transparent, dynamic
and democratic, cannot avoid that law of nature.

As President John F. Kennedy noted as early as in
1963, at the eighteenth session of the General Assembly,

“The United Nations cannot survive as a static
Organization. Its obligations are increasing as well
as its size. Its Charter must be changed as well as its
customs. The authors of that Charter did not intend
that it be frozen in perpetuity.” (A/PV.1209, p. 7)
We are therefore at the heart of an important and timely
debate.
United Nations reform is therefore urgent
and possible. It must be based on the principles of
democracy, justice and equality. In that regard, the cycle
of the intergovernmental negotiations on the question
of equitable representation on and increase in the
membership of the Security Council and other matters
related to the Council should lead, through a consensual
framework, to concrete results. That reform is part of
the will of the Member States to make the Organization
an institution that expresses the values of modernity
and is open to the future, a sanctuary for builders of the
future of the world, a world where planetary challenges
require concerted global solutions, a world that is being
built on the bedrock of solidarity, unity, mutual respect
and tolerance.


It is a great honour to
address the General Assembly for the first time in my
capacity as President of the Republic of Cyprus.

While it is realistic and pragmatic to acknowledge
that in an anarchic international system the political
and economic leverage and might of States, or even
of international organizations, are asymmetric
and unequal, one should never forget the founding
principles of the Charter of the Organization, which
were formulated as a result of the traumatic historic
experiences of two world wars.

Bearing in mind the aim of promoting the
fundamental United Nations principles, I would like to
share my deep concern regarding what is happening in
various parts of the world, threatening the sovereignty of
States and regional and global stability through, among
other things, acts of State violence, acts of terrorism,
the infringement and calling into question of sovereign
rights enjoyed by States, the annexation of territories
through the illegal use of force, the production and
use of weapons of mass destruction, the sponsoring
and harbouring of secessionist or terrorist movements,
religious fundamentalism manifested through terrorist
attacks, the forcible displacement of millions of people,
and hunger and distress, which intensify migration
flows and create demographic changes.

These are but a few examples that bear out the
need to evaluate, through collective debate and self-
assessment, whether the United Nations principles,
values and methods have indeed contributed to what we
have all been hoping for — the maintenance of peace
and security and respect for the fundamental freedoms
and human rights of all people.

I am not a romantic ideologist; quite the contrary,
I am a pragmatic realist who acknowledges that in this
imperfect world it is extremely difficult, even impossible,
to expect the full and unquestioning implementation of
United Nations principles and values. However, what
is happening today risks overthrowing the current

world order, calling into question the relevance and
effectiveness of this international Organization.

It is not my intention to cast doubt on or minimize
the multidimensional contribution of the United Nations
to a plethora of cases over the past seven decades. What
is important is to enhance the Organization’s role and
safeguard the effectiveness of its decisions, as well
as its actions. Should decisions or resolutions based
on international law condemning violations of human
rights not be implemented or enforced, that could be
seen as fostering or even rewarding arbitrariness. In
that case, regional differences and conflicts could be
prolonged indefinitely, serving the petty interests and
expedience of their perpetrators at the expense of
international law and our universal principles.

I do not intend to enter into detail of what we are
witnessing and experiencing every day in different
parts of the world. I will limit myself to the example
of my own country, a small European country that has
for almost 40 years been violently divided, despite
numerous Security Council resolutions calling for its
reunification and the withdrawal of the occupation
forces.

I take this opportunity to assure the General
Assembly that, despite the current economic difficulties
we are facing, I am committed to working tirelessly
and with determination to reach a viable and lasting
settlement so that all the communities of Cyprus may
live and thrive in a modern European country that fully
respects the values and principles of the United Nations
and the European Union, safeguards the fundamental
freedoms and human rights of all its people, and
ensures their peaceful coexistence and prosperous
collaboration.

As I have already conveyed to the Secretary-
General, it is my firm belief that the current status quo
is unacceptable and that its prolongation would have
further negative consequences for Greek and Turkish
Cypriots. Therefore, a comprehensive settlement is not
only desirable, but should not be further delayed. In
that respect, I wish, as a leader with a sincere vision
of reuniting my country, to once more call on Turkey
and our Cypriot compatriots to demonstrate the same
determination and commitment and become partners in
the effort for the reunification of a peaceful, secure and
prosperous homeland.

The reference made by the President of the Republic
of Turkey, Mr. Abdullah Gül, in this very Hall (see
A/68/PV.5) to the 2004 proposal that, through genuine
democratic procedures, was not accepted by the vast
majority of Greek Cypriots for a number of substantive
reasons, does not absolve Turkey from its obligations
and responsibilities concerning the efforts to find a just
solution and does not truly reflect the realities on the
ground, as borne out by the relevant United Nations
resolutions.

Nonetheless, I welcome the decision of Turkey to
respond positively to my proposal to hold meetings with
the negotiator of the Greek Cypriot community. I hope,
and at the same time expect, that this positive response
will be followed by practical and substantial steps and
the adoption of a constructive attitude, guided by good
faith, that will contribute effectively towards reaching
a settlement.

In that respect, it is my strong belief that it is of
paramount significance that a dynamic impetus be
launched, either before or even during the negotiating
process, in order to restore the confidence of the people
of Cyprus in the prospect of reaching a settlement. Such
an impetus can be achieved only through the adoption
of bold measures that are seen as game-changers and
as creating a win-win situation, not only for both
communities but also for all interested stakeholders.

With that in mind, I have submitted a package
proposal that, among other things, includes the return
of the ghost city of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants,
under the auspices of the United Nations and in line
with Security Council resolution 550 (1984). The return
of Famagusta, along with the evident advantage of
reviving the hope of the people of Cyprus, will also
provide a number of benefits. The infrastructural
restoration of a city that has been uninhabited for 39
years will undoubtedly lead to the creation of new jobs
in a wide variety of professional fields, providing a
major boost to the economy of the country. At the same
time, by working together, building mutual trust and
enjoying the results of joint collaboration, Greek and
Turkish Cypriots will come closer to the realization of
the benefits of sharing together a prosperous future,
just as we have done in the past.

I believe that the Assembly shares my assessment
that this proposal, which is complementary to
the negotiating process, is to the benefit of both
communities and that its acceptance would provide a
much-needed stimulus to the prospect of reaching a

settlement. At the same time, in order to avoid entering
into a new frustrating negotiating process, the time for
the start of the negotiations is not as important as that
they be conducted in a comprehensive manner with
clear substance, aims and targets.

To that end, I consider it essential that, before the
start of the negotiating process, it be clearly established
that the basis and solution to be reached will adhere
to the relevant United Nations resolutions, the high-
level agreements and the evolving transformation of
the Republic of Cyprus into a bi-zonal, bi-communal
federal State with a single international personality,
single sovereignty and single citizenship. Moreover,
the settlement must embody our capacity as a European
Union (EU) member State and fully enshrine its
values and principles by enhancing the role of the EU
in the negotiating process. I have to clarify that such
a role played by the European Union would merely
supplement and complement the United Nations good
offices mission in order to guarantee not only our
effective and efficient participation in the European
Union, through the proper implementation of the
acquis communautaire, but also the restoration of the
fundamental freedoms and human rights of all Cypriots.

Last but not least, an important humanitarian
aspect of the Cyprus problem is the issue of missing
persons. We salute the progress achieved so far. The
issue must be resolved as soon as possible, regardless
of the developments in the negotiations.

The positive and stabilizing role that Cyprus can
assume in the eastern Mediterranean — especially
in the areas of combatting terrorism, fighting the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and
providing humanitarian assistance —has in the past
few months received extensive recognition. Keeping
Cyprus peaceful and stable and maintaining its
constructive regional role is a primary objective of my
Government. We have proven that we are a reliable
and interconnecting bridge between Europe, North
Africa and the Near and Middle Easts — in terms of
both perception and actions — as well as a credible
and stable country that gives true credence to being
a safe haven. That has been demonstrated in practice
several times during periods of massive humanitarian
evacuations. We stand ready once more, if it is deemed
necessary — and hopefully it will not be — to contribute
in a substantive manner to any international call to
provide humanitarian aid and facilities to the nationals
of any third country.

A recent and most encouraging development in our
area is taking place in the field of energy cooperation.
The very promising potential of hydrocarbon
exploration in the Levantine basin requires that all
countries in the region work closely together, bilaterally
and regionally. Pertinent to that and a testament to our
constructive role in the region is the fact that Cyprus
has assumed a leading role in bringing neighbouring
hydrocarbon-producing countries together, seeking
opportunities not only for maritime boundary
agreements, but also for joint efforts in exploring those
hydrocarbon resources. Energy, in my opinion, should
be not a source of conflict, but a catalyst for conflict
resolution and regional integration.

The Millennium Development Goals framework
has galvanized unparalleled development efforts and
guided global and national development priorities since
2000. While three of the eight Goals have been achieved
prior to the final deadline, much work remains to be
done ahead of 2015. With only two years left, enhanced
commitment, resources and efforts are needed, as is a
coordinated and integrated approach that can contribute
to accelerating progress towards the achievement of all
the Millennium Goals.

As a small island State facing particular challenges,
we understand well why the coherence of all processes
leading to a single and universal post-2015 development
agenda is crucial. New and emerging asymmetric
challenges — such as climate change and natural
disasters, terrorism, inequalities and the necessity for
the prevalence of the rule of law, democracy and human
rights — require renewed and collective commitment
and an effective target-oriented post-2015 framework
with poverty eradication and sustainable development
at its heart.

As the Secretary-General says in his report entitled
“A life of dignity for all: accelerating progress towards
the Millennium Development Goals and advancing the
United Nations development agenda beyond 2015”,

“the world’s quest for dignity, peace, prosperity,
justice, sustainability and an end to poverty has
reached an unprecedented moment of urgency”
(A/68/202, para. 1) “and the world’s nations must
unite behind a common programme to act on those
aspirations” (ibid., para. 120).
Cyprus strongly subscribes to the joint efforts in
fulfilling this task.

A few months ago, my country received
unprecedented international attention because of
the economic crisis. I am proud to say that, due to
the persistence, determination and resilience of the
people of Cyprus, we are rising to the challenge and
will soon lead our country to the path of recovery and
growth. My political vision is for Cyprus to receive
international attention yet again, but this time for all
the right reasons.

This points to an end in the long-standing
anachronistic division of my country, in line with
the aspirations of our people, especially the younger
generations, to coexist peacefully in a European
country that fully respects their fundamental human
rights and freedoms. I am certain that all will agree
that the reunification is in the interests not only of the
people of Cyprus, but also of the entire international
community, since a solution to the Cyprus problem
will undoubtedly have a very important spillover effect
on efforts to achieve a much-needed environment of
stability, security and peace in our region.

For our part, we are determined to rise to the
challenge of this historic responsibility and do our
utmost with the aim of providing a more stable,
prosperous and conciliatory future in our immediate
region, so that our legacy is remembered by generations
to come.


I thank the President for
raising for discussion at this year’s general debate
a very pertinent subject, namely, “The post-2015
development agenda: setting the stage”. Shaping our
planet’s future after 2015 is indeed a crucial task ahead
of us, as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described
very impressively in his presentation this morning (see
A/68/PV.5). While we remain fully committed to the
full implementation of the Millennium Development
Goals, the post-2015 agenda has started.

One idea that has caught my particular attention is
to upgrade the eradication of hunger from an indictor
to a goal in that new agenda. More still needs to be
done, and everyone must contribute a fair share: States,
international organizations, the private sector, academia
and civil society alike. Let me assure the Assembly that
Austria will contribute its share as well.

The international community currently faces major
threats in its search for global security. The Middle
East remains exposed to fundamental challenges. We
welcome the agreement reached between the United
States and the Russian Federation on a framework for
the destruction of the Syrian chemical weapons arsenal.
We believe that the Security Council should refer the
situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.
Accountability is, and remains, necessary to stopping
the atrocities and prevent future crimes.

The path to democratic participation and a new
beginning in Syria — the actual goal of the civilian
protests that started two and a half years ago — remains
crucial. Unfortunately, the parties seem to be firmly
set on a military solution to the conflict. However, it
should be clear that the best way to achieve a sustainable
solution can only be a political, negotiated one. That is
the Austrian position.

By now the civil war in Syria is greatly affecting all
neighbouring countries. The conflict is a Syrian one,
but the consequences go far beyond its borders. It has
indeed become international.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict seems to have
been overshadowed by the upheavals in the region. I
have followed events there for almost 40 years. I am
convinced that what is needed for a solution is the
willingness not only to negotiate in good faith but also
to take into account the needs and sensibilities of the
negotiating partner: the other side. I, for one, cannot
believe that the value of the new settlements to Israel
outweighs the damage they cause by being an obstacle
to peace and reasonable conditions.

We welcome that the new United States
Administration has devoted its full attention to that
long-standing question and that direct negotiations
resumed at the end of July. What we need now is decisive
leadership. We are convinced that a breakthrough in
the central conflict would also mean a decisive step
towards stabilization of the entire region.

While we continue to support the ongoing transition
processes in the Arab world, recent developments
in the region have cast a shadow on the democratic
gains achieved so far. Progress on the difficult path to
democracy will greatly depend upon whether all parts
of society are included.

Vienna and its United Nations headquarters
serve as a platform for the discussion on sustainable
development. Austria is very pleased that the Office of
the Special Representative for the Sustainable Energy
for All initiative in Vienna started its activities on
1 July. We welcome the initiative’s cooperation with
thematic and regional hubs, as well as with other
specialized organizations like the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization.

Austria is also the host country of the newly
established International Anti-Corruption Academy.
This international organization and centre of excellence
has already undertaken several successful activities in
fighting corruption — a major obstacle to reasonable
development in all areas of society. I thank the Kingdom
of Thailand for hosting the second Assembly of Parties,
scheduled to take place in December. Furthermore, I
would like to invite all States that have not yet done so
to become members of the Anti-Corruption Academy.

This year’s Forum of the United Nations Alliance
of Civilizations took place in Vienna in February, with
the forward-looking theme of “Responsible leadership
in diversity and dialogue”. More than 1,500 participants
from Government, civil society, the private sector and
the media, as well as a youth forum of 150 outstanding
and highly dedicated participants, provided most
valuable input for the discussions of the Forum.

In that context, I am also pleased to report that the
King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre
for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue was
inaugurated in Vienna on 26 November 2012. The
Centre — a joint initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of
Austria — serves as an interactive platform for religious
leaders, experts and civil society alike.

Multilateral cooperation can deliver solutions
to global problems. The historic accomplishment of
the Arms Trade Treaty is an important example in
that regard. We look forward to its earliest possible
entry into force. At the same time, the international
disarmament and non-proliferation regime is being
challenged, day after day, by alarming developments.
We were, and still are, deeply shocked by the use of
chemical weapons in Syria. We observe North Korea’s
continued development of nuclear weapons and missile
capabilities with concern. And we have new hope
that the Iranian nuclear issue will be resolved by
negotiations, which, after the election of a new Iranian
President, should be resumed shortly.

Similarly, the continued reliance on nuclear weapons
and the limited progress towards nuclear disarmament
are of great global concern. Nuclear disarmament and
non-proliferation efforts can be achieved only when
they go forward together. Nuclear weapons should be
stigmatized, banned and eliminated. The humanitarian
consequences of nuclear weapons have to be put at the
centre of our attention.

While some might believe that there is a
contradiction between respect for cultural and religious
differences on the one hand and the universality of
human rights on the other, I am convinced that they
reinforce each other. If people and nations can count on
human rights being protected, they will show respect
for the other side.

The Human Rights Council, with its universal
periodic review mechanism and special procedures,
has, within a few years, developed into an effective
instrument to address human rights violations and
crisis situations in many instances. Austria, as a current
member of the Council, is contributing to those efforts
with targeted initiatives for the safety of journalists, the
protection of religious minorities and the promotion of
the rights of the child.

We welcome the continuing trend towards the
universal abolition of the death penalty, which is a
longstanding interest of mine. However, too many
countries still maintain a retentionist policy with regard
to that cruel and inhuman form of punishment. Our
diplomatic efforts therefore have to be reinforced.

We are worried by the increasing number of
human rights violations based on sexual orientation or
gender identity. The 1993 World Conference on Human
Rights in Vienna and the 2005 World Summit firmly
placed human rights at the centre of United Nations
activities. Respect for human rights is an indispensable
prerequisite for peace, security and development.

Last year, the High-level Meeting of the General
Assembly on the Rule of Law provided an excellent
opportunity for us to renew our commitment to the
rule of law at the national and international levels.
The Austrian Government is considering setting up an
Austrian rule-of-law trust fund, designed to support
international actors in strengthening the rule of law
and to offer legal expertise and deploy legal experts
free of charge to developing countries, at their request.
International law and the rule of law are the foundations
of the international system. Austria strongly believes
that only an international system based on the rule
of law can lead to lasting peace, security, economic
development and social progress. Obviously, that is
particularly true for the use of force, which should
occur only in self-defence or when authorized by the
Security Council.

In that spirit, let me confirm that Austria remains
fully committed to an effective United Nations system.

In that connection, I especially want to thank Secretary-
General Ban Ki-moon for his tireless efforts and his
commitment to peace, the rule of law and human rights.


On behalf of President Enrique Peña Nieto,
it is an honour for me to address the plenary of this
Organization, a symbol of universal values and of the
best causes of humankind.

On behalf of the people and Government of Mexico,
I thank the international community for the generous
expressions of solidarity and support following the
weather-related events in my country. They contribute
to the work of the Government and to the fraternal
participation of civil society in providing assistance to
those affected.

Over the past two weeks, Mexico has suffered the
unprecedented simultaneous arrival of two hurricanes,
Ingrid and Manuel, one on the Pacific coast and the
other on the Atlantic coast. Over the past few decades,
Mexico has worked hard to bolster its capability to

prevent and respond to natural disasters. However,
the increased vulnerability we face in the world
underscores the need and urgency for action. That is
why we welcome the Secretary-General’s decision to
convene a summit in September 2014 to address the
impact of climate change. Mexico will participate
enthusiastically and will continue to contribute to the
implementation of the agreements reached in 2010 at
Cancún.

I join in the international community’s unanimous
condemnation of the unspeakable attacks against
civilians in Nairobi. Mexico expresses its solidarity
to the Government and people of Kenya, as well as
our condolences to relatives of the victims. Such
unfortunate acts constitute an affront to peace and
clearly demonstrate the need for us to remain vigilant
in the fight against terrorism. We also join those who
have expressed their condolences to the Government
and people of Pakistan following the recent earthquake.

My countrty believes in multilateralism and
reiterates its unflinching commitment to the
Organization. We support the diplomatic initiatives
aimed at finding a peaceful political solution to the
crisis in Syria, in particular the agreement reached by
the United States and Russia on eliminating chemical
weapons in that country.

The prohibition of the use or threat of use of
chemical weapons is absolute. The events of 21 August
outside Damascus are unacceptable. The dismantling
and destruction of the Syrian arsenals, under the
auspices of the Organization for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons and the Security Council, must be
immediate and unconditional. There can be no room
for dilatory tactics or blackmail. Mexico supports the
convening of the “Geneva II” international conference
on Syria as soon as possible, with the goal of achieving
lasting peace there.

The challenges we face today compel us to seek
a Security Council that is truly representative of the
international community, without positions of privilege
reserved for a few; a Council that is transparent and
accountable; and a Council that acknowledges that a
veto does not work in situations involving genocide,
war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Mexico believes that disarmament should continue
to be one of the key goals of the United Nations. In
keeping with my country’s longstanding contributions
to the cause of disarmament, in February 2014 in
Nayarit, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, we will host the
second Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of
Nuclear Weapons.

Human security is also affected by the irresponsible
use of, and illicit trafficking in, conventional weapons.
Mexico therefore welcomes the adoption of the Arms
Trade Treaty. Demonstrating great vision, the Mexican
Senate has approved the Treaty, and I deposited our
instrument of ratification yesterday. We will comply
with it immediately, even before its entry into force
worldwide. Mexico calls on all States to ratify the
Treaty, which is a testament to the Organization’s ability
to achieve common solutions to shared challenges. I
also hope that the United Nations will show the same
willingness to take on the fight against sexual violence
as a weapon in conflict situations.

Mexico is also acting responsibly in dealing
with the global drug problem. Like Chile, Colombia
and others, Mexico believes we should evaluate
internationally agreed policies in the search for more
effective responses based on a focus on health and
a framework of respect for human rights and from a
perspective of damage control. The goal must be the
well-being of society in all its aspects.

Along with Costa Rica, Paraguay and others, we
believe we should give priority to prevention so as
to reduce the impact on health and, in particular, the
violence associated with drug problems. Similarly, it
would be helpful to strengthen international cooperation
so as to reduce the illegal flows of arms and money that
fuel criminal networks.

Along with Guatemala and others, we believe the
new global strategy should be based on an open and
inclusive debate leading up to the special session of the
General Assembly scheduled for 2016. We welcome the
Antigua Declaration issued at the General Assembly of
the Organization of American States as a first step in
the right direction towards the 2016 special session.

The fight against organized crime must always
respect the rule of law and human rights. When there is
a risk or merely a possibility that the right to privacy of
any citizen might be infringed by any Government, we
have demanded that it be investigated and the parties
responsible held accountable. In Mexico, the protection
of personal data is a human right guaranteed by the
Constitution.

Mexico believes firmly in free trade and in
building mechanisms that promote the free circulation

of people, goods and capital. That is why we and Chile,
Colombia and Peru formed the Pacific Alliance, which
is organized in a spirit of openness and plurality, as
the heterogeneity of its members with observer status
reflects. Our only goal is for the Pacific Alliance
to be an inclusive, useful tool for the promotion of
prosperity for the citizens of our nations. That is also
the spirit behind our work this year in the Association
of Caribbean States.

During this session of the Assembly we will
begin the process of evaluating our achievement of
the Millennium Development Goals and outlining
a road map for the post-2015 agenda. The success
of the Millennium Development Goals is rooted in
focusing the actions of the international community
on clear and ambitious targets. Despite that, it is
important to acknowledge that painful inequality and
a lack of participation and access to development still
persist among the most vulnerable groups in highly
industrialized countries, as well as developing ones.
Poverty, inequality and social exclusion exacerbate
conflicts and help to undermine the rule of law. The
development agenda must be based on a commitment
to inclusion. Policies that bring together mechanisms
promoting development and openness to innovation,
coupled with political determination on the part of the
international community, will enable us to advance
towards a world with opportunities for all.

Inclusion should be a central premise in the
negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda,
thus ensuring not only a narrowing of the poverty and
inequality gaps but also active participation by society’s
most vulnerable groups. That is why we will convene
a meeting in Mexico to promote a global perspective
on inclusion, in which Governments, civil society and
United Nations agencies, funds and programmes will
participate with the aim of defining the parameters of
inclusion and its impact on development policies, so
we can establish minimum thresholds for inclusion to
which every human being is entitled. In that context, we
acknowledge the high-level events being held within the
framework of this session of the General Assembly — on
persons with disabilities and on international migration
and development. Full observance of the rights of such
groups is an essential component of the post-2015
development agenda.

Mexico is a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation
that is proud of its 68 indigenous peoples. That is why
we attach such importance to the World Conference on
Indigenous Peoples,to be held in 2014, for which great
event we will host a preparatory meeting.

Our experience shows that to achieve the goal
of inclusion, we must consider every dimension of
poverty — lack of income and financial inclusion,
nutrition, health, education, housing and basic services.
Both through our national crusade against hunger
and as a member of the Group of 20, Mexico has
sought to place such deficiencies at the centre of the
debate. The innovative feature of our national crusade
against hunger lies in its focus on a multidimensional
measurement of poverty and in the fact that it seeks
to overcome the deficiencies thus measured in order to
arrive at sustainable and structural ways of mitigating
the conditions that lead to hunger.

In the spirit of moving Mexico forward, we are
undertaking transformative reforms for increasing
access to quality education, telecommunication, the
financial system and social security. Strengthening
international support will be crucial to implementing
the post-2015 development agenda. We must meet
the international commitments on financing for
development agreed on under the Monterrey Consensus
and achieve coordinated, transparent cooperation
with clear goals. That is why Mexico will host the
first High-level Meeting of the Global Partnership for
Effective Development Cooperation next year. Central
to the agenda for that forum will be the mobilization of
domestic resources for development. Mexico therefore
agrees with all measures that help prevent the erosion
of our tax base and its migration to jurisdictions with
low or no taxes.

Today the world is coming closer together, because
we have a greater global awareness. We are all affected
by the suffering and challenges of other nations,
wherever we are. Let us capitalize on that awareness in
order to include those who are excluded and to extend
a hand to those who have not had our opportunities.
Let us do what is necessary to make our world a place
where greater equality is a reality.

President Enrique Peña Nieto wishes to leave no
doubt as to his and Mexico’s commitment to a peaceful
world, a world in which the best causes of humankind
make headway, an inclusive world in which inequalities
are reduced and extreme poverty is eradicated and a
world in which economic growth produces prosperity
for all. From this rostrum, Mexico declares its firmly
held belief in its global responsibilities.


On behalf of His Majesty the Sultan and
the people of Brunei Darussalam, I wish to congratulate
you, Sir, on your election as President of the General
Assembly at its sixty-eighth session. We thank our
former President, Mr. Vuk Jeremi., for his efforts and
contributions over the past year.

Let me begin by expressing our sincere condolences
to the Government and the people of Kenya and to the
families of the victims of the terrorist attack. Such an
act deserves our condemnation. Our deepest sympathies
also go to those affected by the recent earthquake in
Pakistan.

Thirteen years ago before the Assembly, our
leaders made a promise to our peoples to fulfil their
hopes and expectations for a better life. This is why we
see the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as a
highly important global partnership. It has shown us
that progress can be made if we work together locally,
regionally and internationally. I would therefore like to
place on record our expression of appreciation to our
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his predecessor,
Mr. Kofi Annan, for the support and commitment
provided by the United Nations to realize that historic
initiative.

We are now approaching the end of the 15-year
period. Like many other nations, Brunei Darussalam
has been able to learn much from its experiences in
implementing the MDGs. We understand the high
expectations for all to do well. However, we need to
consider the problems that some Member States are
struggling with. Those include limitations to natural
resources, political conflict, socioeconomic problems
and natural disasters. That is why this year’s theme is
so appropriate. It is focused on setting the stage. For

us in Brunei Darussalam, it means having a national
vision — Brunei Vision 2035 — that clearly provides
direction towards attaining a dynamic and sustainable
economy in the interests of our people.

In line with the Vision, we place great emphasis
on helping our younger generation realize their hopes.
We have done this by providing quality education,
encouraging innovation and creating better job
opportunities. We also do what we can to assist fellow
developing countries, either bilaterally or in partnership
with other countries and international organizations,
in human resource development, offering scholarships
to study in Brunei Darussalam and training under
community outreach programmes within the region. We
hope that the people-to-people approach will promote
cultural exchanges and understanding.

At the same time, our regional work has been
strongly influenced by other Member States’ efforts
to achieve the MDGs. Within the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), we have an agreed
plan to achieve an ASEAN community by 2015. Brunei
Darussalam, as this year’s ASEAN Chairman, has
chosen the theme “Our people, our future together”.
It signifies our people’s role in ASEAN’s community-
building efforts. In addition, we have also encouraged
our member States to start working on an ASEAN
plan beyond 2015, to further strengthen our mission
in promoting peace, stability and prosperity. We will
also continue to work together to strategically position
ASEAN in the wider region and the world at large.

In that regard, we are pleased that Secretary-
General Ban Ki-moon has accepted our invitation to
come to Brunei Darussalam for the fifth ASEAN-
United Nations Summit. We look forward to sharing
our views and experiences with him, and hope that will
strengthen cooperation between our Association and
the United Nations.

We are also encouraged by the recommendations
put forward in the recent report of the High-level Panel
of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Agenda on how
we can better assist our people in their daily lives by
providing food security and quality education and
eradicating extreme poverty. Overall, the MDGs have
offered us many lessons indeed, and now it is time for
all of us to move forward. Regardless of the statistics
of who has achieved the goals and who has not, we feel
that much has been attained through the very concept of
the MDGs. The Goals have opened up opportunities to
every Member to develop in its own way and to involve
its people in that development, even beyond 2015.

Unfortunately, the options open to some people are
severely limited. That is so when the basic, fundamental
right of self-determination has been denied. We refer
particularly to the people of Palestine, whom we
believe can attest to that. Their legitimate struggle for
a homeland of their own remains unresolved. Hence,
we support the calls of the international community for
intensified efforts towards realizing this basic right,
which we take for granted today.

The date of 29 November 2012 was indeed a
memorable day in the history of Palestine, when it was
accorded observer State status in the United Nations
(see A/67/PV.44). I would like once again to express
our support for Palestine’s full membership and for its
people’s legitimate struggle to exercise their right to
their own independent and sovereign State.

The worsening situation in Syria continues to be of
serious concern. We join the international community
in condemning the use of chemical weapons, which
has caused the loss of lives in that country. More
importantly, we support all efforts, particularly those
of the United Nations, to find a peaceful solution to the
crisis. In that regard, we welcome the United States-
Russia framework agreement for the elimination of
Syrian chemical weapons and the recent adoption of
Security Council resolution 2118 (2013) on Syria.

Before I conclude, we would like to thank the
Secretary-General and all his staff, as well as the
United Nations Volunteers, for their hard work. We
highly respect the peacekeepers for the sacrifices they
have made in the maintenance of international peace
and stability. We hope that our efforts within various
United Nations agencies and bodies will lead us to the
future that we all want.


I congratulate
President Ashe very warmly on his election to the
presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth
session. I congratulate also Mr. Vuk Jeremi. for his able
leadership as President of the General Assembly at its
sixty-seventh session. I admire the Secretary-General,
Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his wisdom, bold initiatives and
successes as head of the United Nations.

Rapid technological innovations are transforming
our world. The changes involved are also creating new
conflicts within and among States. The vulnerable, the
deprived and the disadvantaged have been the most
affected. That reminds me of my father and the Father
of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,
and his visionary call, in his first appearance before the
General Assembly, in 1974, for a world order based on
peace and justice and a global economic arrangement to
free the world of poverty, hunger and aggression. As his
daughter, I am proud to have been among leaders who
adopted the Millennium Declaration in 2000, to have
been at the review of the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) in 2010 and to be participating now
in the transition from the MDGs to the post-2015
development agenda.

I hope that this year’s theme — “The post-2015
development agenda: setting the stage” — will help us
to design a pragmatic strategy for those goals. The Open
Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals
and the newly established High-level Political Forum
are making good progress. Our experience also will
be useful in overcoming the challenges to the MDGs
by 2015 and in preparing the post-2015 development
agenda.

Bangladesh has submitted to the United Nations
a draft of the post-2015 development agenda that
covers socioeconomic and environmental goals and the
resources required for achieving them. We also held a
Global Leadership Meeting on Population Dynamics
in Dhaka, whose declaration placed human individuals
at the centre of the entire development agenda. The
declaration incorporated population growth, ageing,
urbanization and migration as the priority issues.
The meeting also strongly identified the need for
mainstreaming migration in the post-2015 development
agenda, particularly to accommodate the expected
climate migrants.

Our aim is to become a middle-income country
and to realize our Vision 2021 by setting goals that
are in line with the MDGs. We have already met or
are on track to meet Millennium Development Goals
1 through 6. Poverty has been reduced from 56.6 per
cent in 1991 to below 26 per cent today. In the past four
and a half years, the average gross domestic product
growth rate remained at 6.4 per cent; 50 million people
have joined the middle income group; export earnings
rose from $10.53 billion in 2006 to $27.03 billion
today; remittances increased from $5 billion in 2006
to $14.5 billion; foreign currency reserves improved
from $3.49 billion in 2006 to $16 billion; and power
production capacity also increased from 3,200
megawatts in 2006 to 9,059 megawatts today, to name
a few indicators.

Bangladesh is therefore often called a model of
economic development and the standard-bearer of
South Asia. Our achievements received an MDG award,
a South-South Award, a Global Diversity Award and
a food award for 2013 from the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations. Those recognitions
were achieved largely due to the practice of the
principles found in the resolution entitled “People’s
empowerment and development” (resolution 67/107),
which I submitted and which the General Assembly
adopted at its sixty-seventh session.

Using state-of-the-art digital technology, people
today are getting more than 200 services from 4,582
digitized Union Information and Service Centres.
Rural women are also receiving health-care services
from 15,500 digitally interconnected community health
clinics and union health centres, which have extended
health-care services to people’s doorsteps. Advanced
cell phone technologies are also providing services to
more than 100 million subscribers.

I believe that real national development is achievable
only through education. Education is the main driving
force for attaining the peace and prosperity of a nation
and for upholding justice, the rule of law, democratic
values and people’s empowerment. Real development
also demands the empowerment of women and their
equal participation with men in all walks of life.

Our new educational policy provides girls free
education up to higher secondary school, monthly
stipends for 11.9 million students of poor families, and
free textbooks to all students up to the secondary level.
Our policies have also helped develop women leaders
from the grass roots to the topmost level. In politics,
so far, 14,000 women have been elected to local
Government bodies and 70 to Parliament. Five women
are serving as Ministers and one as Whip. Bangladesh
is possibly the only nation today with women occupying
the position of Prime Minister, Speaker, Leader of the
Opposition and Deputy Leader, all at the same time.
The 10 per cent of posts reserved for women have helped
many succeed in reaching high positions in the judicial
and administrative branches, in diplomatic posts and in
the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.

Our policies of empowering the people, particularly
the vulnerable, include social safety-net programmes,
such as vulnerable group feeding and development;
housing and livelihood for the homeless; monthly
pensions for senior citizens, widows, destitute women,
insolvent freedom fighters and people with disabilities;
maternity allowances for a total of 4.3 million
people; and food and nutrition security for more than
1 million rural people through One House, One Farm
schemes, to name a few. The disadvantaged and the
physically challenged are provided with education,
skill development and interest-free loans for self-
employment and, in the formal sector, a 1 per cent quota
has been reserved for them. For those with autism and
other developmental disorders, a resolution on autism
spectrum disorder was introduced by Bangladesh at
the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly
(resolution 67/82). It was adopted, unifying us all in our
quest to provide them their rightful place in the world.

However, our progress in all spheres has been
sadly held back because of climate change. Fraught
with increasing natural disasters, Bangladesh faces
a calamitous future due to global warming and sea
level rise. It is estimated that a 1˚ Celsius increase in
temperature would lead to a 1 metre rise of the sea
level, submerging one fifth of Bangladesh and forcing
30 million climate migrants to move elsewhere,
thereby creating crisis of a huge magnitude within
and beyond our borders. I therefore reiterate the call
that I made at the sixty-fourth session of the General
Assembly (see A/64/PV.4) for a legal regime to ensure
the social, cultural and economic rehabilitation of
climate migrants. I again call for a fast-track funding
mechanism for least developed countries to ensure
sustained funding for the realization of our adaptation
and mitigation action plans on climate change.

Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971
through monumental sacrifices. Our sacrifice began
with bloodshed to preserve our mother tongue,
Bangla, on 21 February 1952. At my Government’s
initiative, UNESCO immortalized that sacrifice in
1999 by UNESCO by its declaration of 21 February as
International Mother Language Day. The measures we
have taken so far in that regard include the establishment
of the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka
and asking the United Nations to declare Bangla as one
of its official languages. I thank the United Nations for
introducing a Bangla website and radio programme,
and the United Nations Development Programme for
publishing its Asian report in Bangla.

During our 1971 war of liberation, Pakistani
occupation forces — in collaboration with their local
cohorts — perpetrated genocide, rape, arson and
crimes against humanity. More than 3 million people
sacrificed their lives and a quarter of a million women

lost their honour to achieve independence. Since then,
it has been the ardent hope and aspiration of the nation
to bring the perpetrators to justice. Accordingly, our
Government constituted two war crimes tribunals
under the international crimes tribunals act of 1973
to try them. The trials are being held with the highest
standards of judicial practices. The successful
completion of the trials would heal the wounds of
war and move Bangladesh on to the road of peace and
progress. I urge the international community to support
the trials process for the sake of justice, human rights
and the rule of law.

The anti-liberation forces have always been working
to destroy the secular nature of our nation. Under the
direct patronage of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-
Jamaat alliance Government from 2001 to 2006, they
coalesced to form terrorist outfits, which began with
bomb and grenade attacks killing people, especially
secular leaders and members of Parliament. On
21 August 2004, they made an attempt to assassinate
me by lobbing 13 grenades at a public rally that I was
addressing to protest the grenade attack on the British
High Commissioner on 21 May 2004. In that attack,
24 people were killed and more than 500 injured.
Miraculously, I survived. As members are aware, earlier
a more brutal attack was carried out, on 15 August
1975, killing my father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, the Father of the Nation, and 18 members of
my family. My younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, and I
survived only because we were out of the country at
that time. The gruesome attacks cemented my resolve
to eliminate terrorism and to adopt tough anti-terrorism
and anti-money-laundering acts.

At home, our Government is entrenching democracy
in order to ideologically defeat terrorism and extremism.
Our commissions on elections, anti-corruption, human
rights and information have been strengthened. During
our Government’s tenure, the elections commission has
conducted 5,777 elections, electing 63,995 persons to
the Parliament, city corporations, municipalities and
other local bodies, without receiving any complaint.
The elections commission has therefore amply proven
that it can hold free, fair and credible national elections.

With respect to foreign affairs, we aim to cement
peace by resolving outstanding issues with our
neighbours, by increasing cooperation with them
through strengthening connectivity and by maintaining
good relations with all countries of the world according
to the dictum of the Father of the Nation, “Friendship
towards all, malice towards none”.

Our commitment to global peace is proved by
our role as a top troop-contributor in United Nations
peacekeeping operations and as a Vice-Chair of the
Peacebuilding Commission. It is also reflected by
our position on disarmament and the nonproliferation
agenda. During my first term as Prime Minister, from
1996 to 2001, Bangladesh became the first South Asian
nation to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty and the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
In my current term, I am happy to again be the first in
the region to have signed the Arms Trade Treaty, and
to have acceded to the remaining instruments of the
Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons at this
year’s treaty-signing event. Our role in world affairs
is based on justice and democratic values, with the
aim of ensuring international peace and security and
supporting disarmament.

The promotion of cultural expression and interfaith
and intercultural dialogue is essential for peace and
development in the post-2015 era. My personal initiatives
to disseminate those values at home and abroad were
recognized by UNESCO in 2012, when we were awarded
the Cultural Diversity Medal. Culture is integral to the
identity of every State Member of the United Nations.
Therefore, my country has proposed — to UNESCO and
in the General Assembly’s thematic debate on culture
and development — including culture as a theme of the
post-2015 development agenda. I reiterate that call here
today and request the support of all present.

Bangladesh is hampered by resource constraints
and inadequate external assistance. To achieve the
MDGs by 2015 and to implement the post-2015
development goals, we need our development partners
to honour their pledges to contribute 0.7 per cent of
gross national product (GNP) as official development
assistance (ODA) and 0.2 per cent of GNP as ODA to
the least developed countries (LDCs). I urge them to
also grant LDCs duty-free and quota-free access to
their markets, as well as an equal voice in the Bretton
Woods and international financial institutions and
the free movement of labour. The implementation of
part IV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
is also essential for the benefit of both sending and
receiving countries.

The elaboration of the post-2015 development
agenda is a daunting task for all States Members of the

United Nations. We must be united in agreeing on a
common framework for the development agenda that
would fulfil our aspiration to build a just, prosperous
and sustainable world where no person or nation is
left behind. Bangladesh, representing 160 million
progressive and resilient people, will lead those efforts
up front.

The globalized world has unique complexities
that sometimes threaten peace. Justice-based policies
are imperative to eradicate such threats. Justice is
the panacea for peace that enables development and
progress, which in turn dispel the challenges posed to
freedom, democracy, human rights, the environment
and the equitable sharing of transboundary resources
such as water, among others, as well as the challenges
posed by climate change.

Our resolution on the culture of peace, introduced
at the Assembly every year, is drafted in that spirit and
is always adopted by consensus. It conveys the message
of mutual respect for peoples and nations in our bid
for a world of peace and promise. I believe that we all
aspire to such a world for our future generations.