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Remarks by the President of the General Assembly<\/b><\/p>\n
H.E. Dennis Francis<\/b><\/p>\n
At the Official Opening of the SDG Pavilion at COP28<\/b><\/p>\n
Dubai, UAE<\/b><\/p>\n
1 December 2023<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Madam Deputy Secretary General,<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/p>\n
It is a great pleasure to join you at the official opening the SDG Pavilion at COP28.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
When I assumed the Presidency of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly, in September, I did so mindful that the SDG Summit \u2013 as the premier event during the High-Level Week \u2013 would set the tone and tenor for the entirety of the session.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I reminded the Member States of this, recognizing that implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs \u2013 the most broad, comprehensive, and interconnected roadmap ever created \u2013 were perilously off course.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Without any doubt, the impacts of the pandemic, inflation, and global conflict are significant stressors that have severely derailed progress in delivering our 2030 blueprint \u2013 a milestone promise to the world\u2019s peoples that their wellbeing and prosperity matter.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
For the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ \u2013 and for the entirety of the multilateral system \u2013 it is a matter of obligation that we honor our commitments and do all we can to deliver the 2030 Agenda, as far as practicable, within the prescribed timeline, regardless of the hurdles.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Distinguished Participants,<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
This holds true for climate action as well \u2013 as the environment and climate change are integral dimensions of sustainable development.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Paris, in 2015, the world rejoiced when countries adopted a bold Agreement to halt climate change in its tracks.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yet regrettably \u2013 like the SDGs \u2013 we have not yet substituted our words for meaningful transformative climate action.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
We have not addressed this challenge with the principled conviction, determination, resource mobilization, or collaboration required to deliver a just and sustainable outcome.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
And we are thus paying the price, the increasing price, for this delay.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
That is clear in the sea-level rise \u2013 which poses a real existential threat for Small Island Developing States.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is also evident from the intensity of the heatwaves and forest fires we endured this summer and before, around the world.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is amply evident in the rampaging droughts and floods, that are eroding livelihoods, and undermining food security.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
We may be delayed in our response \u2013 but, with heightened determination for purposive action, we can yet seize the remaining opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
There is still time for course correction to pivot implementation and to supercharge our efforts on sustainable, climate-resilient development.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Doing so, however, dictates that we work together \u2013 and much harder \u2013 for effective resource mobilization, ensuring that everyone who needs grants and financing can readily access them.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Solutions require that we build credible strategic partnerships and embrace solidarity, and work across public and private sectors to deliver innovative solutions.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
And that we reach for the big, bold, transformative actions that can move the needle on mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage \u2013 in leaps and bounds, rather than incrementally.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/p>\n
Friends, colleagues,<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As President of the General Assembly, I am fully committed to doing my part to accelerate progress on the SDGs and Paris Agreement. As announced this morning,\u00a0 It is my intention to host a Sustainability Week, next April, in New York, to do just that.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
In collaboration with some Member States and other stakeholders, I intend to convene the Week \u2018Sustainability Week\u2019 in multiple high-level segments and building on some already mandated events, including:<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a flagship event on socio-economic inequality and debt sustainability.<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a Global Stocktaking on Energy, to complement progress made here at COP28.<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a High-level meeting on Sustainable Transport, to address emissions and concerns from the transportation sector.<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 an informal dialogue on building global resilience and promoting sustainable development through infrastructure connectivity, to supercharge efforts to empower those furthest behind; and<\/p>\n
–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a High-level thematic event on Tourism, to recognize the sustainability needs in this critical sector.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
It is my hope that this Sustainability Week will build upon the SDG Summit, as well as progress hopefully to be achieved at this COP28 \u2013 and further accelerate actions across these and other sectors.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
To surmount the challenges \u2013 bold action is required to deliver peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
But no meaningful progress will be achieved if we prematurely throw in the towel and accept defeat \u2013 and as a result, no lives will be improved, no children educated, no healthcare expanded, and no ecosystems nurtured and strengthened.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Delivering on each of these objectives requires action \u2013 and action requires optimism and collaboration.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I trust that this Pavilion \u2013 a testament to the power and promise of the SDGs \u2013 will inspire renewed confidence in us to keep pushing for delivery.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I thank you.<\/p>\n
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Remarks by the President of the General AssemblyH.E. Dennis FrancisAt the Official Opening of the SDG Pavilion at COP28Dubai, UAE1 December 2023\u00a0Madam Deputy Secretary General,Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,It is a great […]<\/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":"
Remarks of the President of the General Assembly<\/p>\r\n
H.E Dennis Francis<\/p>\r\n
GA plenary meeting on the
Report of the International Criminal Court,<\/p>\r\n
Monday, 30 October 2023<\/p>\r\n
As Delivered<\/i><\/i><\/p>\r\nPresident of the International Criminal Court, Judge Piotr Hofmanski,<\/i><\/i>\r\n\r\nExcellencies,<\/i>\r\n\r\nDistinguished Delegates,<\/i>\r\n\r\n\u00a0<\/i>\r\n\r\nToday we gather to consider the annual report of the\u00a0International Criminal Court (ICC) \u2013 a\u00a0 critical pillar of the international legal order.\r\n\r\nThe ICC stands as a perennial symbol of our shared commitment to justice and humanity\u2019s greatest aspirations.\r\n\r\nIt serves as an emphatic reminder that\u00a0no one \u2013 I repeat, no one \u2013 should be exempt from accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community,\u00a0and that regardless of their status, position or location, perpetrators of such crimes will invariably face the weight of justice.\r\n\r\nIndeed, when it comes to the most egregious crimes against humanity,\u00a0 accountability knows no exceptions and justifiably so.\r\n\r\nIn those grave and heinous cases \u2013 when national legal systems prove unable or unwilling to bring perpetrators to justice \u2013 the ICC must step in.\r\n\r\nAccordingly, the ICC stands as a testament to our unshakeable resolve to end impunity, and moreover, to deter others from the commission of such crimes in the future.\r\n\r\nThe Court is indeed a truly unique embodiment of our collective resolution to upholding the principles of justice and accountability.\r\n\r\nI express my\u00a0 fulsome appreciation to the Court for its diligent efforts,\u00a0 as indeed to its judges and its prosecutor, as well as to the dedicated staff who have laudibly committed themselves to the pursuit of justice \u2013 and indeed, to what is\u00a0right<\/i>.\r\n\r\nThe report highlights both the progress and the challenges faced by the ICC this year, specifically as regards the prevention and punishment of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.\r\n\r\nThese principles are fundamental to our global vision of peace and are integral to our mission of maintaining international peace and security, promoting respect for human rights, and delivering justice to those who have suffered the gravest injustices.\r\n\r\nLadies and Gentlemen,<\/i>\r\n\r\nWe must acknowledge that the Court operates in a multifaceted international landscape.\r\n\r\nIts jurisdiction spans cases where state parties have brought situations to the attention of the Court, including situations referred by the United Nations Security Council.\r\n\r\nWhile it may present a unique set of challenges \u2013this duality in referral mechanisms underscores the importance of international cooperation.\r\n\r\nDespite these challenges, the hope for universal ratification of the Rome Statute, and the Kampala amendments, serve as a profound affirmation of the ICC's enduring commitment to justice.\r\n\r\nAs more countries join and support the ICC, the bold ambition of ending impunity for the most serious crimes becomes increasingly realistic to achieve.\r\n\r\nAs we engage in this discussion, let us remember the voices of the victims, whose suffering must compel us to take meaningful action.\r\n\r\nI underscore the\u00a0need for universal cooperation with the court among Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States in our common pursuit of a more just and peaceful world.\r\n\r\nI call upon States to support the ICC where it faces constraints in its pursuit of justice, including predictable funding to effectively undertake its investigations and prosecutions.\r\n\r\nIn line with the fundamental principle of complementarity, States should cooperate\u00a0with the ICC and with each other in investigations and prosecutions, including by sharing information and evidence to uphold the rule of law and ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes.\r\n\r\nLet us remain committed to strengthening the international legal framework and ensuring that the ICC continues to fulfill its essential role in our global efforts to prevent impunity and injustice and to promote lasting peace.\r\n\r\nI thank you and look forward to a fruitful discussion on this important matter.","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-274511","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n