Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr Dennis Francis,
to the Sixth Meeting of Group of Friends of Human Security
Wednesday 6 December 2023
As Delivered
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Excellencies,
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
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I am delighted to?address the Group of Friends of Human Security?today.
This informal platform holds paramount significance in fostering a shared comprehension of the fundamental principles underlying the concept of human security ¨C which, as we know, has been tirelessly championed particularly by Japan.
The concept of human security was endorsed by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly in 2012.
Human Security embodies the concept of preserving the fundamental elements that are of utmost importance in our lives ¨C our essential needs, our physical well-being, and our dignity.
It places the right of people at the forefront ¨C for them to live in freedom and dignity, free from poverty and despair.
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And it recognizes the interlinkages between peace, development and human rights.
Excellencies,
Our contemporary world is fraught with multifaceted threats and crises ¨C on numerous fronts. Epidemics, persistent poverty, conflicts, climate change, forced migration ¨C all greatly undermine the prospects for?peace, prosperity, progress,?and?sustainability.?
The pandemic ¨C with its pervasive impact on all facets of our collective well-being and the profound fear it is spreading worldwide ¨C has been accompanied by a persistent series of crises, including natural disasters, that have also significantly heightened security concerns.
I therefore welcome that today¡¯s discussion is looking at how we can collectively surmount these challenges, and find ways on how human security can also be a catalyst for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Respect for international law, including international human rights law, is essential to achieve our common goal.
As we approach the 75th?anniversary of the?Universal Declaration of Human Rights, my earnest hope is that we will use this occasion to recommit to the principles enshrined in the Declaration ¨C and work much harder?together?to achieve a world where the?equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are respected and upheld.
Excellencies,
The people-centered approach of human security stands as an indispensable tool to achieve the fundamental aspiration of UDHR and the 2030 Agenda ¨C ensuring that no one is left behind. These two concepts are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
Getting back on track to deliver the SDGs by 2030 is an ¡°ethical imperative.¡±
I urge this group to work with all Member States to strive to close the implementation gap ¨C which will require strong political will.
I encourage you to use today¡¯s discussion to identify best practices, wherever they can be found ¨C national to regional levels, and from the field ¨C on how human security can effectively contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.
And to ensure that these informal exchanges will yield transformative outcomes to feed into the upcoming report by the Secretary General.
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I thank you.