[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-41px|||||” custom_padding=”33px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ 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=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
25 April 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n H<\/span>is Excellency<\/span> Dr. Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi, President of Botswana<\/span><\/p>\n H<\/span>is Excellency<\/span> Ambassador Collen Vixen <\/span>Kelapile<\/span>, President of ECOSOC <\/span><\/p>\n Her Excellency Amina<\/span> Mohammed<\/span>, <\/span>Deputy-<\/span>Secretary-General of the United Nations<\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/span><\/p>\n Distinguished delegates,<\/span><\/p>\n Ladies and gentlemen,<\/span><\/p>\n \n I am delighted to join you today for the 2022 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development.<\/span><\/p>\n \n We meet at a time when t<\/span>he COVID-19 pandemic has <\/span>dramatically <\/span>altered the development trajectory for many <\/span>countries<\/span>, <\/span>especially developing countries, <\/span>upending lives and livelihoods.<\/span><\/p>\n \n T<\/span>he impacts have been uneve<\/span>n<\/span> at best, tragic at worst;<\/span>deepening <\/span>political cleavages, <\/span>social inequalities<\/span>,<\/span> and macroeconomic fragilities.<\/span><\/p>\n \n This is <\/span>particularly <\/span>the case for <\/span>c<\/span>ountries in <\/span>s<\/span>pecial <\/span>s<\/span>ituations, specifically<\/span> the<\/span> Least Developed Countries, Land-locked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States<\/span>,<\/span> as well as <\/span>for some middle-income countries.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Many of these <\/span>countries<\/span> risk losing an entire generation\u2019s worth of hard-won development gains. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Aware of these challenges, and as President of the General Assembly,<\/span> I re-constituted the Board of Advisers on <\/span>Least <\/span>Developed Countries, Land-locked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States<\/span> (LLS)<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n I rely upon them for their advice, particularly around<\/span> entry points and pathways to unlock the potential of countries in special situations<\/span>, <\/span>and<\/span> to <\/span>increase their resilience in the face of compounding crises<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n \n On the topic of sustainable <\/span>financing, several suggestions emerged. <\/span><\/p>\n \n First<\/span>, countries in special situations face increasing <\/span>vulnerabilities at the systemic level<\/span>, especially in accessing finance. Short-term response measures to address inflation, vaccine inequity, and gender equality gaps must be complemented by longer-term strategies that account for multidimensional vulnerabilities. International support must <\/span>include increased investments, trade facilitation, and reallocation of Special Drawing Rights to LLS countries, among other<\/span>s<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n \n As you would be aware, I have convened a High<\/span>–<\/span>Level Panel of Experts to <\/span>finalize<\/span> a Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index for Small Island Developing States. <\/span><\/p>\n \n The work of the panel is on-going. Its outcome will be an important contribution to <\/span>address<\/span>ing<\/span> the vulnerabilities these countries face at a systemic level, as well as <\/span>to help <\/span>unlock the potential of countries in special situations.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Second<\/span>, <\/span>shrinking fiscal space and debt burdens are major bottlenecks<\/span> for the development of LLS countries. <\/span>D<\/span>ebt sustainability, restructuring, and transparency must <\/span>therefore <\/span>be prioritized. <\/span>These will be part of the discussions at the Thematic Debate on Debt, the President of ECOSOC and I are convening <\/span>at the end of May. <\/span>This will be an opportunity for the international community to have a focused and inclusive discussion on how to ensure more systemic<\/span>,<\/span> SDG-aligned<\/span>,<\/span> debt relief; address gaps in the international debt architecture; and prevent future debt crises. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Third<\/span>, <\/span>the <\/span>full implementation of <\/span>commitments in <\/span>agreed <\/span>to <\/span>multilateral frameworks<\/span>,<\/span> such as the 2030 Agenda<\/span> for Sustainable Development<\/span>, <\/span>the <\/span>Addis Ababa Action Agenda<\/span> on Financing for Development<\/span>, the Paris Agreement, and COVAX is urgently needed. <\/span><\/p>\n \n We know what is required. We have discussed and negotiated these frameworks. <\/span>Now we must <\/span>mobilize<\/span> the <\/span>political will to implement them.<\/span> We need to also pay particular attention <\/span>to <\/span>the context specific needs and actions identified in the programmes of actions for LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS<\/span>,<\/span> and policy options that have been identified for Middle Income countries. <\/span><\/p>\n \n \n Excellencies,<\/span><\/p>\n \n The countries in special situations<\/span> must be placed at the center of the recovery efforts of the international system<\/span>. T<\/span>he plight of vulnerable <\/span>middle-income countries <\/span>must <\/span>also <\/span>be fully considered.<\/span> The 2030 Agenda will be won or lost <\/span>in these countries<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n \n More resources and investments should be allocated to these countries for risk reduction and resilience building in the face of <\/span>rising poverty, <\/span>climate change, natural disasters, debt vulnerabilities<\/span>,<\/span> and food insecurity<\/span>, particularly worrisome in light of the <\/span>crisis in <\/span>Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n \n It is my hope that the outcome of this year\u2019s Forum will enable countries to be better positioned to achieve the SDGs<\/span> and increase their resiliency<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies, <\/span><\/p>\n \n The COVID-19 pandemic placed economies under stress, while also exacerbating existing challenges. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Even before the pandemic, financing for development, especially international public financing was short. Access to long term financing, including international public finance, lending by development banks, and commercial financing, will enable countries <\/span>to respond better to the crisis and recovery more sustainably. <\/span><\/p>\n \n We need to build capacities, build stronger institutions, <\/span>and <\/span>support better governance to ensure that financing for <\/span>development is sustainable and stimulate<\/span>s<\/span> growth. This forum\u2019s deliberations will be important<\/span> moment<\/span> to give direction to the international community in this regard. <\/span><\/p>\n \n For many, <\/span>developing and developed countries alike, <\/span>the tourism sector is a major driver of economic growth and development, providing livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people<\/span>,<\/span> and allowing many more to benefit from diverse cultures and the natural environment.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Recovery efforts <\/span>present an opportunity to invest in sustainable tourism strategies that are SDG-aligned and resilie<\/span>nt<\/span> against<\/span>future pandemics and shocks. <\/span><\/p>\n \n In recognition of this, n<\/span>ext week I will convene a high-level thematic debate on how tourism can advance recovery for people, <\/span>planet, and prosperity.<\/span> I look forward to your active engagement at the event. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Ladies and gentlemen,<\/span><\/p>\n \n Important initiatives have been undertaken to focus the international community\u2019s attention on the <\/span>need to ensure<\/span>financing <\/span>for <\/span>development in the era of COVID-19. <\/span>But much more needs to be done. <\/span><\/p>\n \n One thing is clear: the <\/span>international community <\/span>must<\/span> strengthen<\/span>efforts to shore-up support for <\/span>countries, especially countries in special situations<\/span> to <\/span>prevent a vastly unequal global recovery. <\/span><\/p>\n \n I look forward to this Forum\u2019s contribution to advancing financing for sustainable development <\/span>and helping to create a better future for all<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n \n I thank you.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 2022 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"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-264442","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