[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ custom_margin=”-41px|||||” custom_padding=”33px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
I (H.E. Osama Abdel Khalek, Permanent Representative of Egypt and Vice-President of the General Assembly) have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the President of the General Assembly, H.E Mr Abdulla Shahid.<\/p>\n
Her Excellency, Ms. Annika Strandh\u00e4ll, Minister for Climate and the Environment of Sweden,
His Excellency, Mr. Keriako Tobiko, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry of Kenya,
Ms Inger Anderson, Executive Secretary of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵEP, and Secretary General of the International Meeting Stockholm+50<\/p>\n
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,<\/p>\n
I am delighted to welcome you all to this preparatory meeting for the International Meeting \u201cStockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity\u201d to be held on June 2nd and 3rd.<\/p>\n
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the co-hosts of the International Meeting, the Governments of Sweden and Kenya, for their leadership and guidance on the preparatory works.<\/p>\n
The International Meeting: Stockholm+50 takes place at the apex of many environment and climate events taking place this year \u2013 providing an ideal opportunity to take stock of progress and gaps.<\/p>\n
These meetings include important COPs of the Rio Conventions, the Ocean Conference as well as the commemoration of 50 years of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵEP. I take this opportunity to congratulate Member States for the monumental outcomes of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵEA 5.2. The solidarity and spirit that shaped the historical decision to begin negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution is a pivotal revolution for the future of our planet.<\/p>\n
My friends,<\/p>\n
As a preparatory forum, the objective of our meeting today is to lay the groundwork for the International Meeting of Stockholm +50.<\/p>\n
In discussing the background documents for the three Leadership Dialogues today, we will reflect on the interconnectedness of humans and the environment through an expanded community of thinkers and voices on environmental issues.<\/p>\n
Our preparations and outlook for Stockholm +50 and the planet must be guided by profound conviction and resolve. It must take inspiration from the commitments and determination of our forebearers, which culminated in the Stockholm Declaration and the environmental policies and laws that followed.<\/p>\n
From its inception, the Stockholm Declaration has led the way for global environmental multilateralism – a language unfamiliar to many and even opposed at the time.<\/p>\n
International development frameworks that we have adopted today, and that guide our work – including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Rio Conventions \u2013 follow from the Stockholm Declaration.<\/p>\n
Fifty years on, we continue to do more harm than good to nature. The rate of pollution is unprecedented in scale, destroying the natural habitats and ecosystems that we rely upon.<\/p>\n
Our very own actions have diverted and stalled our progress in what is meant to be a Decade of Action – as the world grapples with a human-induced climate crisis, a pandemic, and conflict.<\/p>\n
Excellencies, distinguished colleagues,<\/p>\n
Responding to the needs of the planet requires not only concerted action but a comprehensive paradigm shift. From our consumption methods to production practices, we must always consider the toll of our human footprints on the environment.<\/p>\n
The recent IPCC report is a stark reminder of the scale of the climate crisis and the severe potential repercussions awaiting us soon. We must act together, and we must act fast.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, there is hope, as I continue to reiterate. We have the knowledge, and we have the capacity. All that remains is summoning the political will to translate that into action.<\/p>\n
That is why on my part, later this year, here in the Halls of the General Assembly, I will convene a \u2018Moment for Nature\u2019. It will be another opportunity, for all stakeholders to come together and map out where we need to do more and how it can be done. I invite you all to join me at this important undertaking for nature.<\/p>\n
Friends,<\/p>\n
By protecting the environment, we are ultimately protecting our own well-being. We must never forget how interconnected we are with nature and how reliant we are on the health of global ecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity.<\/p>\n
I encourage member states and stakeholders to avail the discussions and process of this preparatory meeting as an opportunity to shape a Stockholm +50 that will continue to deliver for a greener and bluer planet for everyone, everywhere.<\/p>\n
I wish you all a constructive meeting.<\/p>\n
I thank you.<\/p>\n
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Stockholm+50 Preparatory Meeting (delivered on behalf of the PGA by H.E. Osama Abdel Khalek, Permanent Representative of Egypt and Vice-President of the General Assembly)<\/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":[111],"tags":[550,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-262553","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n