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I congratulate the United Nations Environment Assembly for adopting a landmark Resolution to end plastic pollution through an international legally binding instrument. <\/p>\n
While plastic has afforded us many conveniences and technological advances, found everywhere from the International Space Station to surgical rooms, it is clear that its convenience has been abused. The nearly ubiquitous use of plastic and the resultant plastic pollution now constitutes a serious environmental and health concern. Indeed, microplastics can be found everywhere from drinking water to glaciers to mountaintops.<\/p>\n
The dramatic levels of plastic pollution affect sustainable development, and undermine our efforts to achieve the SDGs, as well as undertake global climate action. <\/p>\n
The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵEA resolution has rightly identified the transboundary nature of plastic pollution and recommended concerted actions at the local, regional and global levels. It recognizes the need for enhanced international collaboration on green technology, capacity building, and scientific and technical cooperation to ensure the sustainable design and use of plastic products.<\/p>\n
I am pleased to note that this resolution marks the beginning of, and paves the way for, an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, which could include both binding and voluntary approaches, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic.<\/p>\n
Protecting the planet remains a key priority of my Presidency of Hope. I am committed to fully utilizing the convening power of the General Assembly to spur meaningful global actions aimed at protecting the planet. In July, I will convene a High-Level Thematic Debate, entitled a \u2018Moment for Nature\u2019 to reflect on solutions and accelerated actions on the environmental agenda. <\/p>\n
The adoption of the resolution comes at an opportune moment, when sustainable recovery from the pandemic, guided by the SDGs, has received renewed focus. Promoting sustainable production and consumption of plastics, including product design and waste management, will help preserve our planet, its environments, and our collective well-being. <\/p>\n
Over the last 50 years, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵEP has contributed dozens of landmark instruments and agreements that have greatly contributed to the protection of the global environment. The resolution on ending plastic pollution would be an important addition to this portfolio and help solve the triple planetary crisis. We protect our air, land and water. We protect our health, and the health of the planet \u2013 ensuring our perpetuity as a species for generations to come.<\/p>\n
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Statement by the President of the General Assembly on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Environment Assembly Resolution to end plastic pollution<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":353,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p>
I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p>
Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p>
A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[102],"tags":[550,556,553,674],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-259616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-press-statements","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","tag-ukraine","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n