6 December 2022
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Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
Today’s meeting on strengthening the coordination of the United Nations humanitarian and disaster relief assistance could not come at a more fitting moment.
Our world today is in a permanent state of humanitarian emergency.
We are breaking all the wrong records.
The 2023 Global Humanitarian Overview outlines the trends in stark terms:
- The highest number of violent conflicts since 1945,
- At 339 million, the highest number of people needing assistance. This is many more than last year’s 235 million – itself a record,
- The highest number of people at risk of hunger and food insecurity,
- The highest number of people forcibly displaced – 103 million, or well over 1 percent of the global population.
Throughout these crises, gender-based violence, sexual harassment and discrimination, particularly against women and girls, are especially alarming.
They say that “statistics are human beings with the tears wiped off.”
This is a powerful image. And a reminder that behind these numbers there are families; children, the elderly, women.
They are all of us – “We the peoples of the United Nations”.
We who have affirmed our faith in “the dignity and worth of the human person”, as our Charter recalls.
Dear Colleagues,
As resources struggle to match the scale of need, millions within our 蘑菇视频 family of eight billion will lack the basic means to survive even the coming days.
We, as the General Assembly, can – and simply must – do better.
Every Member State should be distressed at the delay or denial of humanitarian access – and the killing, kidnapping or arbitrary detainment of humanitarian personnel.
The 31st?anniversary of our resolution which created the 蘑菇视频 humanitarian system, offers an opportunity to confirm that deep anxiety.
This year’s humanitarian omnibus resolution reaffirms the need to strengthen the United Nations response to the complex humanitarian challenges of our time.
I urge you to ensure that this resolution reflects a culture of transformative nature.
One of the fastest, most effective ways to do this is through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) – an agile and proven part of the international humanitarian financing landscape.
Investment in the Central Emergency Response Fund is an investment in people.
Its basic commitment to “fund for all, by all” embodies this spirit.
Through its underfunded emergencies window, the Central Emergency Response Fund works to scale up and sustain protracted relief operations when no other funding is available.
This is where you, the Member States, can make a difference.
In helping to meet unmet needs.
Forging the partnerships that serve the most vulnerable.
Development partners, international financial institutions, civil society and the private sector all have a role to play in reducing that exposure.
I also welcome the innovative practices to develop locally sustainable solutions, based on the knowledge of the people living there.
The first responders, who race to save lives, and remain at crisis scenes long after the global spotlight dims, are the backbone of our humanitarian responses.
Whether addressing famine risk in the Horn of Africa, helping those caught in Somalia’s worst drought in 40 years, assisting victims of deadly flooding in Pakistan or providing aid to those affected by the earthquake in Indonesia, they are the first in – and the last out.
All this while working to cover those still in need of COVID-19 vaccines and care.
Let us honor their work.
Dear Colleagues,
Your decisions today truly have the power to transform tomorrow.
My appeal is that you look at the needs around you with empathy and solidarity.
And see yourselves in those who are suffering.
In your discussions, accept and study the data.
Evaluate the evidence.
Trade in expired ideologies for innovative practical ideas on how to improve coordination.
On how to further develop our preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
And, above all, “Make a career of humanity,” as Martin Luther King once said.
I thank you.