A/66/PV.31 General Assembly

First of all, I would like to begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of duties as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. Japan highly respects your strong leadership during the current session and reaffirms its commitment to contribute to your work. Let me also convey to His Excellency Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Japan’s deep appreciation for his tireless efforts in guiding the diverse activities of the United Nations and for his latest report on the work of the Organization (A/66/1). I have distributed copies of my written statement in the Hall, so I will make my oral statement concise by focusing on the elements that I find most important. As the Secretary-General mentioned several times in his report, this has been a year of extraordinary challenges for my country, Japan. As six months have passed since the great East Japan earthquake, Japan reiterates her sincere gratitude for the helping hands extended from all over the world. The Government of Japan has been utilizing all of its resources to restore and reconstruct the disaster- affected areas. At Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power stations, efforts are being made to move up the existing target period in order to achieve cold shutdown status by the end of the calendar year. Although some countries are, regrettably, still imposing undue restrictions on imports from Japan, our Government will continue to provide prompt and accurate information on this matter, with maximum transparency. Foremost among the challenges confronting the United Nations is the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In order to achieve the MDGs by the target date of 2015, the global community must demonstrate clear political will and work together with all stakeholders to deliver concrete results in the remaining period. For its part, Japan reiterates its unshaken commitment to the MDGs, focusing in particular on health and education. With regard to human security, a significant step forward was the adoption in July 2010 of resolution 64/291, entitled “Follow-up to paragraph 143 on human security of the 2005 World Summit Outcome”. Based on that resolution, a report of the Secretary- General will be issued during the sixty-sixth session, and Japan hopes to discuss this very important subject in the General Assembly. United Nations peacekeeping operations represent the realization of the most fundamental principles of the Organization. Japan is eager to contribute to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in the fields in which it excels. That will include dispatching Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) personnel to Mission headquarters as staff officers and possibly sending a JSDF engineering unit after necessary field study. Japan continues to work to support and advance a seamless approach to peacebuilding. The Peacebuilding Commission has the mandate to promote such an integrated strategy with the aim of disrupting the vicious circle of conflict and poverty and to fill some of the most conspicuous gaps. The United Nations must also play a proactive role in the Middle East peace process. Japan fully understands the earnest aspirations of Palestinians to build their own nation and strongly hopes for an immediate resumption of direct negotiations between the parties. Japan calls on all concerned to refrain from any provocative actions that could impede the peace process. A complete freeze on settlement activities is essential in that connection. Japan is committed to contribute continuously to the efforts of the international community for the realization of a two- State solution. As regards a new Libya, it is essential that the international community provide continued support. Japan commends United Nations leadership in the coordination of international assistance. Japan will support the country’s nation-building efforts, utilizing its expertise and technological capacity. In that regard, Japan decided to contribute $2 million through the International Committee of the Red Cross and to support the initial release of up to $1.5 billion of frozen Libyan assets. In our efforts to promote global peace and security, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation is a primary goal for all nations, including Japan. That is why Japan will again this year submit a draft resolution calling for united actions towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Our ultimate goal regarding climate change is an expeditious adoption of a new, single and comprehensive legal document that will establish a fair and effective international framework in which all major economies participate. To that end, it is important to make progress at the upcoming seventeenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban. International support should be seamlessly implemented beyond 2012. Japan will continue to contribute, including through the early establishment of the Green Climate Fund. Japan believes that a transition to a green economy is an effective and appropriate approach to achieve sustainable development. In that regard, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development should provide the opportunity to express the determination and concrete policies necessary for the transition to a green economy. In the area of human rights, Japan remains committed to its active role in the discussions in the General Assembly, the Third Committee and the Human Rights Council. The work and the functions of the Human Rights Council should be continuously reviewed. Gender equality and the empowerment of women must be actively integrated into the work of the United Nations. Having seen the establishment of UN-Women in the past year, we view the current momentum as opportune for renewal of our commitment to promoting the advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Comprehensive reform of the United Nations cannot be considered successful without the achievement of substantive Security Council reform. The intergovernmental negotiations held during the Assembly’s sixty-fifth session provided increased momentum to that endeavour. We must accelerate the stagnated reform process with proactive commitment and a great sense of urgency. To that end, Mr. President, we are counting on your keen awareness of the need for early reform of the Security Council and your outstanding leadership to bring the process forward in a transparent manner, in order to achieve a concrete outcome during the current session. The intractable stagnation of the world economy at present has adversely affected the financial situation of Member States. Mindful of our efforts to ensure transparent, accountable and efficient management of the United Nations, we call for rationalization of the Secretariat. Redeployment of existing resources should be the first approach in addressing newly mandated funding requirements. In the forthcoming consultations on the 2012-2013 proposed programme budget and the peacekeeping operations mission budget, utmost attention must be paid to financial discipline and cost- effectiveness. In that regard, Japan welcomes the efforts made by the Secretary-General to reduce the level of his proposed programme budget by 3 per cent. I close today by affirming once more Japan’s willingness to participate in and firm commitment to the efforts to ensure a more effective and efficient United Nations.

The Chinese delegation welcomes the report of Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon on the work of the Organization (A/66/1). At present the world is undergoing major development, transformation and change. Multipolarization and economic globalization are deepening. New changes have appeared in global economic governance. At the same time, the profound impact of the international financial crisis has yet to be eliminated, and economic recovery is still faced with uncertainties. In addition, the debt crisis remains acute and bulk commodity prices continue to rise. The international security situation has become more and more complicated, and regional hot spots keep appearing. Situations in West Asia and in North Africa are still turbulent. Over the past year, faced with multifaceted threats and challenges, the United Nations has actively promoted multilateral cooperation. It has played an important role in implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), responding to natural disasters, providing humanitarian relief, deploying peacekeeping operations, facilitating post-conflict reconstruction and addressing issues related to climate change and global health. In addition, it has done a lot in areas such as safeguarding energy and food security, combating terrorism and protecting human rights. Here I take the opportunity to express my delegation’s appreciation to the Secretary-General for his hard and outstanding work over the past year. The world is currently at a new critical juncture in its development efforts. Sustainable development remains an arduous task. The unevenness in North- South development is still pronounced. Achieving the MDGs is a pressing issue. The United Nations should play a leading and central role in international development. The most urgent task is to implement the various objectives and programmes. We should pay particular attention to the special difficulties of the developing countries. Next year the United Nations will hold the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil, which will have a major impact on the international environment and development agenda. China hopes that the Conference will take stock of international cooperation in those fields over the past two decades, galvanize consensus and take specific actions to promote the global cause of sustainable development. The Conference and the preparatory process should carry forward the Rio spirit and principles of the 1992 Conference in Rio, especially the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and promote progress in the three pillars of sustainable development in a balanced and coordinated fashion. At the same time, they should respect the autonomy of States in pursuit of sustainable development and pay special attention to the concerns of developing States. Over the past few years food security has been a big challenge. The most severe drought in the past 60 years is occurring in the Horn of Africa, leading to widespread starvation. Food security has bearing not only on the economies and livelihoods of countries and their people, but also on global development and security. The unequal balance between food supply and demand is detrimental to the realization of sustainable peace in the world and common prosperity. To safeguard food security in the world, the international community should adopt the principle of common development and take effective measures for coordination, stabilize the prices of bulk commodities such as food, and prevent excessive speculation. The United Nations is the most universal representative and authoritative international, intergovernmental organization. It is also the platform on which to practice multilateralism. Since its founding, the United Nations has played an irreplaceable role in maintaining world peace and promoting common development. In light of the changing international situation, China supports the conduct of necessary and reasonable reform by the United Nations so as to enhance the Organization’s authority and efficiency and to respond to new challenges and threats, and thus to better implement the obligations entrusted by the United Nations Charter. That is based on the United Nations need for self-perfection and development. It is also the common vision and expectation of its Members. United Nations reform should be all-dimensional and multisectoral. It should also achieve good results in the field of development and give necessary guarantees, in mechanisms and resources, to promote the realization of the MDGs, so that the majority of developing countries can benefit from the reform. This year is the fortieth anniversary of the People’s Republic of China’s resumption of its legitimate membership in the United Nations. Over the past 40 years China has participated comprehensively, actively and deeply in United Nations affairs. The level of cooperation between the two parties has been increasing and the areas of cooperation have been expanding, and good results have been achieved. China has all along advocated for, and supported, the United Nations to play a central role in international affairs and has made unremitting efforts to that end. As always, China will continue to abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and support the Organization in displaying its advantages so that it will become an envoy in maintaining world peace, a pioneer for common development and an example for international cooperation. China will continue to actively undertake its international obligations to the best of its abilities, adhere to the path of peaceful development, follow an independent and peaceful foreign policy, be committed to creating a peaceful international environment, and facilitate the common development of the world.

During the past few years, the world has undergone multiple crises, natural and man-made. Often, such crises have demanded collective responses, and the international community has admirably risen to the occasion. However, some crises are more complex and have defied easy solutions. Early warning, monitoring and preventive mechanisms are desirable but are not always easy to implement. The United Nations thus continues to be indispensable in setting common goals and leading the coordination of international efforts. As its Member States, we must each play our part in supporting the work of this institution, for, as imperfect as it may be, it remains our best hope in the face of the new challenges that will surely come our way. Thailand concurs with the report of the Secretary- General on the work of the Organization (A/66/1). We agree that we must find innovative ways to deal effectively with the current challenges and work together with States and non-State partners to prepare for the many tests ahead. Most importantly, Thailand commends the Secretary-General for prioritizing the need to deliver results to those most in need, and for emphasizing the need to promote sustainable development well beyond 2015, the agreed date for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The demands placed on the United Nations indeed constitute a tall order, especially given resource constraints and often complex and unpredictable conditions. Nevertheless, Thailand firmly believes that the United Nations, as an indispensable institution, can and must adapt to deliver the results expected of it. On the topic of delivering results for those most in need, I would like to share some of Thailand’s views. First, sustainable development must place people at the centre. National and community-level ownership must be promoted. Development models must go beyond aggregate numbers but be nuanced enough to take into account specific local contexts and real needs. Secondly, in post-crisis reconstruction, international assistance should be guided by a long- term view. Domestic institutions must be strengthened so that they have the capacity to deliver services to those in need long after the international news crews and the aid workers have left the scene. Thirdly, good governance ensures effective administration and policy implementation. Communication should be two-way, so that the people are kept well informed and are well and truly heard. Fourthly, international cooperation — whether North-South, South-South, bilateral or triangular — is vital for the exchange of knowledge, best practices and skills. The United Nations can do much to facilitate that process, especially in the areas of disaster-risk reduction and post-disaster response. In facing global crises, natural or man-made, the United Nations should strive to be a builder of trust, building on its unique global membership and comprehensive work agenda. Trust among nations and in the United Nations system is necessary to ensure the smooth, effective and expeditious delivery of results. In this light, Thailand supports reform of the United Nations to strengthen its effectiveness, accountability and transparency, as well as to encourage and ensure greater participation of all Member States. Regarding the work of the Organization, Member States should be closely consulted and kept informed on the work and initiatives of the Secretariat, United Nations mandate holders, agencies, funds and programmes on a regular basis and in a transparent manner. Furthermore, close consultations between the United Nations country team and the Government concerned regarding the country programme will ensure that the activities of the United Nations on the ground truly reflect priority needs and that their implementation yields optimal results. In closing, I would like to reiterate Thailand’s support for the realization of the vision that the Secretary-General has outlined in his comprehensive report.

On behalf of my delegation, allow me first of all to thank the Secretary- General for his report on the work of the Organization. We share many of his assessments of the current world situation and the activities of the United Nations during the past year. However, we must ensure that the United Nations delivers. We must deliver in order to achieve the MDGs and other internationally agreed development goals. We must deliver to bring peace to places of conflict. And, we must deliver to promote human rights, the rule of law and democracy. It is in this context that my delegation welcomes the report before us (A/66/1), which focuses on three critical areas. I wish to take this opportunity to share some thoughts on each of those three issues. First, in order for the United Nations to deliver results to the people, addressing development is key. The global partnership on development is of vital importance because of the fast approaching deadline of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is even more vital because of the persistent effects of the economic and financial crisis, together with high food and energy prices. In that regard, we must continue to encourage all partners, including developed countries, international organizations and international financial institutions, to work together to ensure the achievement of MDG targets. The volatile food crisis and the impact of climate change have exacerbated the situation in Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa. While we fully concur with the need to increase development assistance to Africa, we should also find an effective way to translate our pledges into specific and concrete programmes targeted specifically at the immediate needs of the continent. With regard to peace and security, we must make United Nations peacekeeping missions reliable at all times and under all conditions. We must ensure availability of their equipment and other resources, as well as adequate training of personnel, so that they will be equal to the complexity of their mandated tasks. We continue to face natural disasters that create unprecedented humanitarian challenges requiring international response. We must build a robust emergency response and disaster preparedness scheme as a long-term investment that will contribute to the achievement of humanitarian and development objectives. We need to reaffirm that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and inter-related, and must therefore be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis. While welcoming the commitments and various measures undertaken by Governments to reform and meet the demands of the people, we are concerned about the escalation of tension and violence. We underline the need for an inclusive and people-led political process aimed at effectively addressing the legitimate aspirations of citizens. Secondly, in securing global goods, even with the promising progress on climate change, there is still much that has to be achieved between now and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban later this year. What is of the most concern is the downward spiral we are witnessing in the negotiations since the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancún in 2010. This is the most crucial year for climate change negotiations. Public health issues constitute the major component of the MDGs, in terms of nutrition, maternal health, child health, water and sanitation, as well as HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. Furthermore, poverty alleviation and gender mainstreaming are closely linked to public health intervention. We are remained concerned that each year, millions of women and children die of preventable causes. Consequently, we must make a decisive move together to improve the health of every woman and every child around the world. We are further concerned about the many forms of threat to international peace and security. We are worried that the continued existence of nuclear weapons and the increasing arms race cast a shadow over the stability and security of the world. We are alarmed by continued terrorist acts around the globe. However, all measures to counter terrorism must be consistent with the rule of law and a deep and abiding respect for human rights. They must be in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. We believe that reinvigorated multilateral disarmament diplomacy with enhanced engagement by all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, could galvanize political power. Thirdly, we can only create a stronger United Nations, if we have a reformed Organization. We must persevere in strengthening the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and their subsidiary organs, as well as the Human Rights Council. The Peacebuilding Commission should play a stronger role in helping countries emerging from conflict. As to the Security Council, it needs to be reformed to reflect the current world situation and to make it more representative, accountable and effective. We are very much appreciative of the Secretary- General’s effort to strengthen the Organization by overseeing a strategy to promote gender balance and by adopting various policies designed to empower and promote women in the Secretariat. We consider system-wide coherence as an integrated process, instead of a divided one. We believe that all five relevant areas within the system-wide coherence are strongly interconnected and need to be discussed in a comprehensive and balanced manner. We also believe that cooperation and partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations are key in addressing today’s global challenges. As Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), we are also ready and willing to enter into a strategic partnership with the United Nations. We will lend our efforts to develop greater cohesion and a common platform on global issues in order to pursue the goal of an ASEAN community within a global community of nations. We acknowledge that the formulation and implementation of global policy cannot be achieved by Governments alone. The role of civil society and the business community is essential. If we want our work to achieve the goals of the United Nations, engagement and partnership with them are required. Let me conclude on a more personal note. If we maintain a spirit of friendship and open dialogue, we will be able to advance the agenda before us at the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly. In this respect, Mr. President, you can count on the cooperation and support of my delegation.

My delegation would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report contained in document A/66/1. I wish to refer to the following elements of the Secretary-General’s report. My delegation would like to re-emphasize the fact that development is impossible without the empowerment of women. The United Nations should put women at the centre of development so as to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The United Nations should continue to prioritize the development needs of Africa in its pursuit for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), which is the continent’s premier framework for economic, social and political advancement. The past ten years have provided increased confidence and hope about what is achievable in Africa. The Organization’s support for the efforts to achieve the successful implementation of NEPAD is therefore prudent. My delegation commends the United Nations in its support of national authorities in the area of humanitarian assistance. We would encourage it to redouble its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the Horn of Africa, which, owing to drought, is experiencing the most severe food crisis in the world today. South Africa will host the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban from 28 November to 9 December. The question we in the Organization need to focus on is how to deal with the issue of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. The outcome should guarantee progress and produce some sense of the legal framework vis-à-vis both the Kyoto Protocol and the Convention. That is the most pressing issue. Substantive progress is also needed on the means of implementation, especially on the set of finance- related issues, which includes the design of the Green Climate Fund and the functions of the Standing Committee, as well as sources of funding and the scale of finance. My delegation is concerned about the continuing stalemate in the disarmament machinery of the United Nations. One of the outcomes of the first Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD-I) was recognition of the need for “a single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of limited size taking decisions on the basis of consensus” (resolution S-10/2, para. 120), namely, the Conference on Disarmament. In the light of the past achievements of the Conference, it is regrettable that that institution has for many years now failed to fulfil its basic mandate. As a result of the continuing deadlock, many have understandably started to question the Conference’s relevance and value as a forum for pursuing disarmament goals. Another result of SSOD-I was the establishment of the United Nations Disarmament Commission as a deliberative body on disarmament and subsidiary organ of the General Assembly. The Commission is also not fulfilling its mandate, and this year again failed to produce any concrete recommendations. My delegation considers this an unfortunate trend in an Organization like ours that was established with the aim of ensuring international peace and security. It is my delegation’s opinion that there can be no development without peace. In that context, we would like to stress the need for a more concerted international effort to promote peace and security, particularly in Africa. The United Nations should recognize the need to develop a strong partnership with the African Union and its subregional organizations in order to encourage an early response to disputes and emerging conflicts. It is also important that the Security Council be reformed so that it reflects global geopolitical realities. The African and Latin American continents have waited too long to gain permanent representation. In conclusion, we thank the Secretary-General and the Secretariat for their service to this institution.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his valuable report on the work of the Organization (A/66/1), which reflects his clear vision and firm determination to enhance multilateralism and strengthen the role and authority of the United Nations. As this report is the Secretary-General’s last report on his first term in office, and comes on the heels of his second term, I would like once again to congratulate him on the confidence of Member States that resulted in his unanimous appointment to a second term. Over the year covered in the report, the Secretary-General has shown leadership and determination in dealing with many of the issues in the international arena, from supporting the results of the free and fair elections in Côte d’Ivoire; to backing the return to normalcy in Somalia and Afghanistan and many other parts of the world; to playing a leading role in the search for a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, to name only a few. His support of Egypt after the revolution of 25 January is yet another milestone in his achievements. We thank him for his visit in March, which opened the door for much-needed support from the United Nations for the transitional Government’s efforts to return life to normalcy and establish solid foundations for a democratic society that has full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and applies the rule of law. Over the few days of the high-level segment of this session, the Secretary-General convened eight high-level meetings, on both a thematic and a country basis, setting a new record for a proactive approach that should be followed — from dealing with terrorism, to nuclear safety and security, to enhancing the effectiveness of the disarmament machinery, to human trafficking and to extensive discussions of situations in many countries around the world. We greatly appreciate the Secretary-General’s initiative in that regard. What do we now expect from the Secretary- General in the first year of his second term? We expect full support for the establishment of a sovereign, independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, a State that is a full Member of the United Nations, in fulfilment of a long-overdue international commitment. We expect speedy progress, working along with the three depositary States of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in selecting a facilitator and a host country that enjoy the consensus of the regional countries, and to proceed energetically with convening a 2012 conference on establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. We expect redoubled attention to Africa’s developmental needs and those of the least-developed countries. We expect more concerted efforts on the part of the United Nations and the international community to assist the Republic of South Sudan in building its national capacities in various fields. We expect a proactive approach that will ensure the success of the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development and set in motion an active action plan towards sustainable development, based on its three pillars. We expect a successful conclusion at the coming Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban that will save our planet. We expect reform of governance structures at the international level that will enhance the voice and participation of developing countries in the United Nations and enhance the Organization’s role vis-à-vis other emerging structures. We expect more attention to be paid to younger generations and their education, training and employment. We expect a strong drive towards full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and more coordinated efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime, and to deepen the roots of understanding between civilizations and religions. The expectations are very high, and cover a wide range of issues, not all of which I can touch on here. But Egypt trusts that the Secretary-General is keeping an eye on each of them, and will spare no effort to achieve them. For him to succeed, however, we need a strong political commitment from each and every one of us to achieving those objectives and more, and to keeping the United Nations at the core of multilateralism.

I should like to take the opportunity afforded, at the start of the session, by the review of the report of the Secretary- General on the work of the Organization (A/66/1) to once again congratulate you warmly, Mr. President, on behalf of my delegation, on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. As you strive to fulfil your exciting mission, Sir, you can count on the active support of the Senegalese delegation. All the thinking that we shared during the general debate only a few days ago calls for a new way of thinking and acting by the international community in crafting bold solutions with a view to freeing our world from the many base actions that prevent humankind from thriving. In that respect, it appears clear to us that we need to take a closer look at mediation paths so that we can, on the one hand, prevent conflicts with their always tragic consequences, and, on the other, wrestle down the exorbitant costs of peacekeeping operations. Here, emphasis should be placed on the underlying causes of crises by combating, in particular, cross- border crime, drug trafficking, the illicit flow of arms and all forms of human rights violations, while at the same time promoting good governance and democracy. While it is undeniable that as a result of such activities the United Nations is the crucial platform in the search for solutions to existing concerns, we must recognize that, given the complexity of emerging challenges, any weakness, slowness or negligence might undermine the effectiveness of the creditable actions that we conduct. Accordingly, we should pay particular attention to the changes that have occurred in the Middle East, which will certainly have a decisive impact on peace and stability in the region. As a universal Organization, the United Nations has the main responsibility to use its prerogatives to find optimal responses to the obstacles before us in our ongoing quest for peace. We must break through the status quo to find vital solutions for creating conditions for coexistence in peace and security between Israelis and Palestinians. That will without a doubt require the establishment next to Israel of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian State, in secure and internationally recognized borders. That is the only possible means of salvation in the region. We welcome the determined action of the international community that has allowed our sister republic of Côte d’Ivoire to emerge, finally, from the impasse that it was in as a result of 10 years of crisis, with disastrous consequences for the entire West African subregion. Similarly, thanks to our joint efforts, the security situation in a number of African countries, particularly in Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and the Sudan, has made significant progress. But that progress must not cause us to lose sight of the tragic situation in Somalia, which deserves greater attention from us. Saving future generations from the scourge of war requires that we be determined to promote and protect human rights, as we can see in the major upheavals throughout the world. In fact, we have a common responsibility to act so that the atrocities resulting from the commission of serious crimes of violence do not recur. We must also work for the emergence of an international criminal justice that is effective, just, impartial and apolitical. It would also be appropriate, even though satisfactory progress has been made, to ask how the United Nations intervenes in its theatres of operation and to pursue reforms already undertaken for greater effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, which should be part of peacebuilding. Without sustainable peace, all efforts at development are doomed to failure. In that respect, we should mobilize our efforts to ensure the adoption in 2012 of a robust arms trade treaty. Today more than ever, the globalization of crises that transcend borders reminds us of the vital need for a multilateral approach, one that is more engaged and inclusive, if we wish to have a positive collective impact on the future of humankind. In truth, more than a need, it is for us an urgent necessity that we rethink and reformulate the methods and means of action that have guided us up to now. As the Secretary-General says in his report, we are struck by the observation that our progress has been timid in our common objective of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. It has been clearly established that we can now succeed only if we are effective in honouring our commitments within the existing frameworks and partnerships in order to, inter alia, manage debt, promote free and equitable trade, improve the volume, quality and mechanisms for providing assistance, and facilitate access to modern technologies. What is most important for us in Africa is re-establishing a global order where our continent would fully play the role that it should have. In that respect, the Secretary-General is correct in affirming that Africans need neither pity nor charity; what they do need are the tools that would allow them to create jobs and income. Transparency, openness, inclusion — those should be the key words of the new order that we wish to build together. In conclusion, Mr. President, I would like to share with you the conviction that, if we are united in one and the same movement, we will be in a better position to prevent the risks of disaster and reach a new global agreement on climate change. There can be no denying ─ those are the challenges and threats of the twenty-first century. Similarly, we should do everything we can to succeed in our crusade against terrorism by, among other things, getting down to adopting a global convention on that subject. The challenges are, of course, enormous, but the wager can be won if we match the complexity of the task with faith and commitment.

We thank the Secretary-General for his report, which he presented to us, as he does every year, under the symbol A/66/1. We agree with him that we are living in a time of global transition and, we would add, uncertainty. Certainly, to paraphrase the Secretary- General, the status quo is being weakened, and we are moving towards something new, the precise contours of which have not yet emerged. Economies that were traditional leaders of the world economy are now facing serious structural problems, which tends to reduce their performance. At the same time, some emerging economies appear to be replacing the traditional leaders as the drivers of world economic growth. The gap that separates the poorest fifth of the world from the richest tenth appears to be growing, adding new reasons for the frustrations of tens of millions of persons, especially youth, who feel displaced and without a future. In addition, over the brief time that has elapsed since the report was first circulated, short-term prospects for the world economy have worsened, in the light of the indicators from both the European Union and the United States of America. Again, just as happened in 2008 and 2009, there is a danger that those trends will extend to the rest of the global economy. At the same time, the displaced persons alluded to earlier have acquired a voice they never had before, thanks to the new communications technologies at their disposal. We are observing unprecedented changes in some countries, where structures of authoritarian power, carefully built over decades, are giving way to the voice of the previously displaced, who demand a better future. That constitutes a source of hope for some of us, and a threat to stability for others. Change, after all, always entails risks, but also opportunities. There are other unprecedented phenomena. All humankind is facing a challenge whose presence was discernible for a number of decades, but which is now making itself evident with more tangible impacts. We refer to the irreversible harm we are inflicting on our common habitat, the earth, not only by preying on its natural resources, but also through the emission of greenhouse gases, which have been shown to have disastrous consequences on the environment. The abnormal number of droughts, on the one hand, and torrential floods, on the other, which have stressed to the limits the resources of the humanitarian aid that the United Nations provides, is yet another tangible manifestation of this phenomenon. Finally, on matters of peace and security, we face a panorama that, in the best of cases, can be characterized as consisting of lights and shadows. While some progress has been achieved in the fight against terrorism, new hot spots of indiscriminate violence flare in places such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with a resurgence of piracy on the high seas. While we celebrate the peaceful solution of a longstanding dispute, reflected in the creation of the new State, South Sudan, new outbreaks of tension are appearing, both in Africa and in the Middle East. This translates into a complex and packed agenda for the United Nations, in all its dimensions: maintaining peace and security, defending human rights, promoting sustainable and long-term development, providing humanitarian assistance and responding to new challenges, which range from combating transnational crime to climate change. Hence, the eternal question of whether the Organization is adequately equipped and organized to deal with such challenges, when its current structure was designed for a different world, that of the second half of the 20th century. The report of the Secretary-General addresses all of those challenges in its first four chapters, which cover the traditional four pillars of development, peace and security, humanitarian affairs, human rights and rule of law. The report then presents a novel configuration entitled “Securing global goods”, which includes climate change, global health, countering terrorism, and disarmament and non-proliferation. In each case, an attempt is made to take the measure of progress already made and the long road yet to be covered. One can agree or disagree with the assessments, but it should be recognized that the Secretary-General’s presentation is nuanced and takes into account the enormous differences experienced by different countries, and the crucial importance of analyzing each case on its own merits. The next-to-last chapter of the report addresses our own Organization, again with an analysis of progress in the matter of system-wide coherence. The creation of UN-Women is offered as a paradigmatic example of progress and reform. It is important to acknowledge the important advances that have been made in adapting the Organization to new demands. The best example lies in the significant transformations introduced in the various United Nations peacekeeping operations dispersed across the globe. Important improvements are also reported in the capacity of the Organization to deal with natural disasters. But there are other areas, such as the reform of the three main intergovernmental bodies, and especially the Security Council, where we remain stalled after two decades of fruitless dialogue. Responsibility for the latter situation lies, of course, with our own intergovernmental forum, the General Assembly, which has not found the way to reach a consensus, for reasons that are well known. The last chapter of the report arrives at a conclusion with which we believe that all delegations can concur: the need for the United Nations has never been greater than it is now, given the need to address the diverse requirements and demands of today’s world. Here, the Secretary-General makes a clarion call for all Member States and the Secretariat to work together. Speaking for my own delegation, we answer that call in the affirmative.

The Byelorussian delegation welcomes the Secretary- General’s report on the work of the Organization (A/66/1). We note the constructive nature of the report with its approaches to planning the work of the Organization for the medium and long terms. We welcome the report’s content as a conceptual approach to dealing with a host of topical questions on the international agenda. First of all, the report notes measures aimed at accelerating progress in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, which were set forth in the Millennium Declaration (resolution 55/2). We support the Secretary-General’s commitment to working towards the development of ideas for a framework programme for development for the post- 2015 period, with concrete recommendations to be made in 2012. In this regard, we place high hopes on the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, to be held in Rio de Janeiro next June. Belarus is ready to play an active role in preparing for the Conference and to work on its outcome document. Faced with the threat of a new wave of global crises, the United Nations must play a leading role in restoring the world economy. We note, in that connection, the efforts of the Organization to seek a balance between the interests of various groups of States and cooperation with middle-income countries. We are convinced that coordinated measures on the part of the United Nations to orient the operational bodies of the Organization towards a fuller and more effective response to the particular needs of this large group of countries would help improve the situation. Bearing in mind the destructive potential of the global crisis in terms of using socio-economic pretexts to stir up clashes between countries, we believe it necessary for the United Nations to focus on a systematic handling of current issues and to make as much use as possible of the entire arsenal of instruments of preventive diplomacy. We view preventive diplomacy as one of the most effective ways of preserving peace. Belarus is unequivocally against the use of force in settling conflicts, because it often has unpredictable negative consequences and does not meet the interests of long- term stabilization. We believe that there is no alternative to a political dialogue. In that regard, we emphasize the need to strengthen the Organization’s capabilities in peace mediation, by strengthening measures aimed at preventing the initial causes of conflicts and making fuller use of opportunities afforded by regional and subregional organizations, such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which are in the best position to know about the problems within their areas of responsibility. Belarus, as chair of the CSTO, is prepared to do everything it can to help here. We share the Secretary-General’s serious concern regarding the lack of noticeable progress in the work of the Conference on Disarmament. It is our position that the Conference on Disarmament is a unique negotiating body on questions of disarmament and international security and has global significance. In our opinion, progress in the Conference depends on the political will of the group of the world’s leading States with respect to starting a negotiating process for nuclear disarmament. Belarus supports efforts aimed at crafting a new international instrument that would help deal with key problems stemming from the uncontrolled spread of conventional weapons on a global scale. To become universal, such an instrument would have to be adhered to by all States without exception; it would have to be discussed only at the United Nations, and a final decision would have to be adopted strictly on the basis of consensus. To be effective, it must be aimed at achieving concrete goals and purposes flowing from the key problems affecting the interests of all States Members of the United Nations. International terrorism remains a significant threat to international peace and security. Recent acts of terrorism have confirmed that even socially well-off and politically stable States are vulnerable in the face of such threats. We are convinced that this evil can be eliminated only by consolidating the mutually reinforcing efforts of Governments and organizations at the regional and international levels. Important measures include completing work on the comprehensive convention on international terrorism, strict compliance with the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, providing international assistance and building up the capacities of States to combat terrorism. We would also like to draw the Assembly’s attention to the need to develop global measures to counter the use of information technologies for propagandizing violence, recruitment for terrorist groups, and popularizing or justifying terrorism. We share the position of the Secretary-General on the need to increase the effectiveness of measures designed to uphold the rule of law. We express the hope that, at the opening of the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly, a high-level event on the rule of law will help preserve and strengthen the existing system of international law as a deterring factor against lawlessness and legal nihilism. With respect to the concept of responsibility to protect, we know that it needs to be clearly formulated with an exhaustive list of criteria and conditions for implementation. The concept cannot and must not be used to put pressure on sovereign States. The responsibility to protect should not condone violations of the principles of the sovereign equality of States or non-interference in their sovereign rights or the non-use of force. The use of military force by the international community must exceptional in practice and must be carried out in strict conformity with the Charter. We believe it necessary to provide for the appropriate international legal strengthening of the principle of responsibility to protect, and mechanisms to prevent abuses must be based on strict compliance by Member States with the Charter of the United Nations and the obligatory rules of international law. Global partnerships can serve as an important instrument in preventing crises, a concept that Belarus has been actively supporting. We are pleased to note the further strengthening of partnering relationships between the United Nations and other international organizations, groups of Member States, civil society and the private sector, for the purposes of development. We take note of the measures adopted aimed at ensuring a system-wide coherence in the United Nations. In that regard, we welcome the beginning of the operation of the recently created gender entity, UN-Women. We express confidence that this office will provide the necessary support to States in order to improve the situation of women on the ground. We believe that among the key thrusts of the work of UN-Women should be to combat human trafficking as one of the negative phenomena that hold women back in their rights and opportunities. We hope that the agenda of this new organization, fulfilling the mandates that were initially assigned to it, will become an active member of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons and will make a contribution to implementing the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons adopted by the General Assembly. We support the Secretary-General’s idea on the need to support youth and provide young people with broad opportunities to receive an education or vocational training, acquire technical skills and benefit from job placement services. Young people are the potential and driving force of any society. We welcome the recent holding, within the context of the International Year of Youth, of a high-level meeting. We hope that now work will begin on effective global policies to defend the interests of youth. The tragedy in Fukushima confirms the need to strengthen United Nations agencies responsible for conducting scientific assessments of the consequences and effects of atomic radiation and deriving effective ways to overcome them. Belarus notes in that regard the work done by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. However, the appearance of new countries that have developed the necessary scientific potential and knowledge on the effects of atomic radiation has not been yet been reflected in the membership of the Committee. We are convinced that it would increase the effectiveness of the Committee’s work if we appointed six candidate States as members during the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly. We hope that Members States of the United Nations will do everything possible to strengthen the Committee with the advisory support of the Secretariat of the Organization and that the Assembly will take the necessary decisions to improve the performance of the Committee in the long term. On the list of measures in the fight against climate change, we focus on realistic steps to create an effective model for cooperation, regulated by international agreements on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have tried to make our contribution to such multilateral efforts, and we initiated the adoption of the amendment to annex B of the Kyoto Protocol establishing quantitative commitments on such emissions. The amendment will enter into force when the parties have satisfied their domestic procedures. In that regard, we ask delegations to speed up the adoption of the necessary domestic legislation required to implement the Convention, which would thus help us follow through on international efforts to fight climate change. An important step in that effort will be achieving a comprehensive agreement at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. We hope that the Conference will be successful and give an impetus to establishing a global mechanism under United Nations auspices that would provide access to modern energy technologies for developing and middle-income countries. The transfer of those technologies will help defend our planet from irreversible changes. We share the opinion of the Secretary-General that a strong and unified United Nations is in the interest of its Member States. Such an Organization would be able, of course, to deal with the complex challenges we have before us. That is why the question of United Nations reform stands out as sharply as ever. Without such reform, we can never have the tools we need to prevent global crises. We call on the Secretary- General to pursue efforts in that direction. We consider our joint efforts to revitalize the work of the Assembly and to reform the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council to be a priority.

At the outset, permit me to extend my warm felicitations to you, Sir, on your assumption of the important post of President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. You can count on the full cooperation and constructive support of my delegation as you steer our work over the coming year. Less than a week has passed since our leaders assembled here in the Hall to share their perspectives and visions on the current international system. When our Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh, addressed the Assembly on 24 September (see A/66/PV.22), he spelled out some of the daunting challenges that confront the international community at this time of flux and uncertainty. Terrorism is a scourge of humankind. It is a global problem that requires global solutions. It has spared no country, region or city in the world, be it New York, London, Abuja or Mumbai, to name but a few places. I am happy that the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee, which India has the honour of chairing, adopted an outcome document on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) that contains two consensus benchmarks, namely, that the international community has zero tolerance for terrorism and that no cause or grievance whatsoever can justify it. India believes that the adoption of a comprehensive convention against international terrorism would provide a solid legal basis for the fight against terrorism. In our view, the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is incomplete in the absence of such a convention. On the important issue of reforming the Security Council, negotiations during the sixty-fifth session demonstrated, without a shred of doubt, Members’ strong support for expanding both the permanent and non-permanent Security Council membership categories. We welcome the decision of the President to reappoint Ambassador Zahir Tanin as Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations. We urge Ambassador Tanin to immediately convene an informal plenary meeting to discuss Council reform. Last year, the United Nations played a significant role in helping the people of South Sudan realize their aspirations. It was with a sense of accomplishment that India, along with the rest of the international community, welcomed that new country into our fold. The path ahead is by no means easy, but we are confident that, with adequate resolve, patience and perseverance, we can help that newborn nation as it embarks upon the task of nation-building. This year we also have another opportunity to translate the dreams of the Palestinian people into reality. As Prime Minister Singh said to the Assembly on 24 September, we look forward to welcoming Palestine as an equal Member of the United Nations. This month, the population of our planet is set to pass the 7 billion mark. This is not a mere statistical milestone but yet another reminder of the grinding poverty, inequality and deprivation that continue to be the fate of an unacceptably large cross-section of humankind. It also shines a spotlight on the many unfinished tasks ahead of us on the global development agenda. We have made some progress since the world community met in New York in September 2010 to review progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), although overall the picture is mixed. Our deep political commitment notwithstanding, the hard truth is that countries have done little to advance MDG 8, namely, developing a global partnership for development. In that regard, the commitment made by developed countries to provide 0.7 per cent of gross national produce in official development assistance should be met as soon as possible. Equally significant is the need for ensuring affordable access to technology and building capacity. Poverty reduction, gender empowerment, maternal health and infant mortality figures continue to show variable trends, with marked disparities between regions. The acute rural-urban divide in all the indicators makes the progress lopsided. What is most worrisome is that despite significant reductions in extreme poverty in the developing world, the proportion of people who go hungry has remained static. This glaring disconnect calls for renewed attention to the mechanisms governing access to food in the developing world. We believe it is important that the United Nations system focus on the needs of the most vulnerable populations in developing countries. Sustained priority must be given to the special needs of least-developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States. Member States and the United Nations system must encourage timely action on the Istanbul commitments. We must also pay particular attention to Africa, in recognition of its special needs. The focus on women’s issues in the United Nations system has received a substantial boost through the transformative step that Member States took last year to create a unified gender entity, UN-Women. We are happy to note that the new entity has embarked on its important tasks with purpose and vigour, even as it settles into its new structures and mandate. My delegation’s efforts at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference will be to ensure expeditious negotiations that lead to an ambitious, balanced and fair outcome. In doing so, we should be mindful that its defining features should be the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibility, and respective capabilities. I would also like to draw the Assembly’s attention to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to be held in Rio de Janeiro next year, which holds great promise for the global sustainable development agenda. We must seize the opportunity to return sustainable development, as defined by the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (A/CONF.151/26 (Vol. 1)), to the centre of the global development matrix. We appreciate the efforts of the secretary-General in advocating the principles of the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law. We also recognize their synergistic link with human welfare and socio-economic development, including the achievement of the MDGs. The review of the Human Rights Council last year was a welcome development. Peacekeeping constitutes the most visible enterprise of the United Nations. India has had the proud privilege of contributing more than 100,000 peacekeepers to peacekeeping operations in the past six decades. As one of the largest contributors of troops and resources, India is acutely conscious of the dramatic changes that have taken place in the peacekeeping landscape. We remain supportive of all the Secretary-General’s efforts to strengthen the capability of peacekeepers to keep the peace in increasingly difficult and complex situations by taking these changed realities into account. It is imperative to ensure that any decision on peacekeeping mandates not be isolated from equally important decisions on resources and capacity, in order to achieve the satisfactory execution of those mandates. Equally, India is conscious of the fact that peacekeeping cannot be a substitute for the tasks of nation- and peacebuilding. The Government of India is committed to the principle and practice of peacebuilding. India attaches the highest priority to the goal of universal disarmament. We continue to be guided by the visionary action plan for a nuclear-weapon-free and non-violent world presented by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1988, which sets out a road map for achieving nuclear disarmament in a time-bound, universal, non-discriminatory, phased and verifiable manner. We further welcome the attention given to the issue of nuclear safety and security. And we support international efforts under the aegis of the International Atomic Energy Agency to enhance levels of safety and security. In conclusion, we look forward to forging ahead on the crucial issues before us during the current session of the General Assembly and to working towards meaningful and results-oriented outcomes.

At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of this session of the General Assembly. I am sure that, thanks to your wisdom and experience, the work of this session will be a success. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the work of the Organization this year (A/66/1). And I wish to emphasize the importance of this debate on the report. It is fortunate that, following the general debate, the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly begins its deliberations with this report, which takes stock of the Organization’s work as it pertains directly to the world’s hopes and expectations for achieving development and strengthening international peace and security. We face a number of international challenges and crises that call for a prompt and robust response in order to achieve security and development for the whole world. The report is focused on the special needs of Africa. We would like to stress the importance of providing support for development in Africa. Along with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, that should be considered a top priority for the United Nations. It is also important to increase resources to Africa and to address the continent’s debt problem, especially with regard to least developed countries, most of which are in Africa. We hope that such support will be coupled with support for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular in the cultural and social fields. My country places particular importance on the implementation of the internationally agreed MDGs. We hope that the Economic and Social Council will play a leading role in monitoring and following up the commitments made in connection with the implementation of the MDGs. It is also important to take stock of the obstacles faced by developing countries in achieving the MDGs. We had hoped that the Secretary-General’s report — specifically under heading B of chapter II, entitled “Peacebuilding” — would have commended the Government of the Sudan for its commitment to peace, especially given the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which led to the declaration and establishment of South Sudan. The Sudan promptly recognized South Sudan. We therefore call on the Organization not to heed the policies of some countries that do not want to give credit to those that deserve it. We would also like to draw the Assembly’s attention to the fact that the Sudanese leadership, under President Omar Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir, has enabled the people of South Sudan to realize their right to self- determination, for the sake of peace and stability in the country. My country continues to call for good neighbourly relations with the Government of South Sudan based on understanding and common interests. In conclusion, we hope that the next report of the Secretary-General will include a plan to step up international cooperation, in particular in the areas of science and technology, given their importance in bolstering economic and socially sustainable development for our people. We hope that this will help us to benefit from the progress made at the international level on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We also hope that the work of the Organization will be based on professionalism, impartiality and neutrality, in line with the letter and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations and with a view to fostering cooperation among States at this critical juncture in world history. The Organization should distance itself from any narrow-minded agenda that seeks to target some countries on the basis of selectivity and policies based on double standards. And we hope that the Organization will soon be reformed in order to help us maintain international peace and security and achieve our development goals.

I wish to thank the Secretary-General for the comprehensive presentation of his report (A/66/1) on the work of the Organization. In particular, we take note of the analysis and reporting on major developments and trends and the need for the reinvigoration of global cooperation under the United Nations. As rightly stated in the report, we have a collective responsibility to secure and promote global goods. Given their complexity and interrelated and wide-ranging nature, they require global cooperation of the highest order. As we consider the symbiotic relationship between peace, security and development we are glad to see that the report first turns its attention to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs, which all countries must achieve by 2015, remain our key development objectives. However, the conditions and opportunities for achieving them are not the same for all. Against a backdrop of structural constraints and multiple vulnerabilities, accentuated by the adverse impacts of climate change and a series of mutually exacerbating crises, least developed countries (LDCs) are likely to miss many of the important MDG targets. For LDCs, the medium-term goal is to graduate from their status. That hinges on achieving the MDGs and on building their productive capacity, infrastructure and institutions as a development multiplier. Graduation from LDC status requires strong political will and determination on the part of LDCs and their development partners, as well as effective and robust international support measures in a sustained and predictable manner. We call for the full, timely and effective implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action. The credibility of the United Nations lies in its ability to fulfil the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security as enshrined in the Charter. A continuous evolution in the external environment demands continued adjustment in the approach of the United Nations, while fundamental principles remain constant. A holistic approach to peace and security is needed to address diverse and complex threats in the modern world. In recent years, demands have increased phenomenally for greater United Nations involvement in preventive diplomacy, crisis management, conflict resolution and the building of sustainable peace. Increased responsibility demands increased political commitment and matching resources. Peacekeeping, which remains a flagship enterprise of the United Nations, is constantly evolving. In our view, unity of purpose among the members of the Security Council and the mobilization of its entire political capital, based on merits and principles and a coherent strategic framework with an explicit mandate, will largely determine the success of peacekeeping operations on the ground. Equally important is the need to have an institutionalized consultative framework with troop- and police-contributing countries and the provision of adequate human and material resources. The safety, security and motivation of peacekeepers should form an integral part of a successful peacekeeping mission. We remain steadfast in our commitment to contributing to peacekeeping. We underscore the important role of the Peacebuilding Commission. The consolidation of national ownership and capacity-building and strong support for economic regeneration and youth employment, together with stabilization of the security situation and coherence and effective coordination among all stakeholders, are some of the defining features of successful peacebuilding efforts. Conflicts, natural disasters, poverty, hunger and multiple crises have aggravated humanitarian challenges worldwide. We call for greater United Nations capacity, both in terms of resources and manpower. We welcome the efforts of the United Nations to further improve needs-based joint planning efforts. We call for United Nations assistance in developing streamlined and effective disaster risk reduction strategies to minimize people’s exposure to natural hazards, especially in LDCs. Nepal’s commitment to human rights is unequivocal. Peace, development and human rights must be pursued in a coherent and holistic manner. The right to development must form an integral part of the global human rights agenda. Global warming has frequently led to erratic and extreme weather, affecting human health, ecosystems and biodiversity. My country, which is both a least developed and landlocked country, is highly vulnerable to climate change, which has precipitated the melting of snow in the Nepalese Himalayas — the perennial source of freshwater for over 1 billion people in South Asia. Approximately two dozen of our glacial lakes could overflow their banks at any time, causing a huge loss in lives and property. That is why we have launched the initiative to promote a sustainable mountain development agenda, with a view to highlighting their special vulnerabilities and fragilities. We are deeply worried by the lack of progress on climate talks. We call for ambitious goals, with due regard for the equitable aspects of climate change. Nepal attaches high importance to the Rio+20 Conference on sustainable development, to be held next year. The Conference will be an important occasion to collectively advance the sustainable development agenda, with a central focus on human well-being, while taking into account the vulnerabilities of LDCs. Nepal calls for the general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction in a time-bound manner. The Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament for Asia and the Pacific, located in Kathmandu, could be instrumental in revitalizing the Kathmandu process to facilitate dialogues and deliberations on confidence-building in the region. Terrorism must be defeated in all its forms and manifestations. The early conclusion of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism is critical to strengthening global partnership and to collaboration in fighting that deadly menace. The global health agenda must receive continued priority. It is also important that the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS (resolution 60/262) and the Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (resolution 66/2, annex), which was held just a few days ago, be implemented with priority, fully ensuring the resource requirements of developing countries, in particular of LDCs. We must ensure that the power and authority of the General Assembly are enhanced commensurate with its standing as the only universally representative body. Nepal supports the expansion of the membership of the Security Council in both categories. The reform agenda must address all interrelated issues, such as representation, as well as transparency and accountability in the working methods of the Security Council. The role and contribution of smaller States in the maintenance of international peace and security should also be duly acknowledged. The Economic and Social Council must take a leading role in ensuring coherence and consistency in global economic, financial and trading systems and in promoting global economic relations, in close cooperation with the Bretton Woods and other relevant institutions. The United Nations has a crucial role in shaping the policy debate on, and establishing global norms in, economic and financial matters, which must be strengthened. Nepal welcomes all efforts aimed at promoting system-wide coherence, including the operationalization of UN-Women. In conclusion, Nepal’s commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter is profound and resolute. For us, the United Nations represents a solid manifestation of multilateralism. Despite tumultuous developments over the years, the United Nations has preserved its standing as a centrepiece of international relations. As the world becomes more integrated and the problems facing humankind become more complex and diverse, the United Nations remains a pivotal and indispensable organization for us all.

As this is the first time that I take the floor at the General Assembly, allow me to start by congratulating you, Mr. President, and all the members of the Bureau on your unanimous election to preside over the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly. We would also like to take this opportunity to express the full support of the delegation of Mozambique as you discharge of your noble mission and responsibilities. The delegation of Mozambique welcomes this year’s annual report (A/66/1), a document that highlights the main achievements of the past session, the challenges that the Organization had to overcome and, above all, the remaining commitments to be met. In that regard, it constitutes an important guide for the work ahead. We thank the Secretary-General for the comprehensive report and all United Nations staff for the positive results, which could be achieved only with their dedicated engagement and commitment to deliver on the work of the Organization. In the past five years, we have witnessed a fast- changing world, marked by the prevailing combined effects of various crises and aggravated by the magnitude and frequency of natural disasters, to mention just one. In that challenging environment, the United Nations has shown its ability to adapt and transform itself to cope with new and complex realities. Today, the Organization remains our source of strength and inspiration, as it is under its umbrella that we congregate to strive to foster inclusive and sustainable responses to new and old challenges alike. The report has several examples of that resilience, from responses to threats to peace and security to those taken in the context of humanitarian disasters. We note with satisfaction that the United Nations has strengthened its partnership with regional and subregional organizations, an important step in improving early warning mechanisms, conflict prevention and crisis management. As underlined by His Excellency President Armando Guebuza in his statement during the general debate, “We reaffirm our recognition of the role of the regional and subregional organizations as pillars in the promotion and maintenance of peace, security and stability”. (A/66/PV.13, p. 9) We note with concern that, four years before the 2015 deadline for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, the Secretary-General has once again reiterated the call made last year for the necessary financial resources to be made available if we are to succeed in achieving the targets to which we committed ourselves. The situation is even graver in Africa, a continent where the total number of people living in extreme poverty and facing food insecurity continues to rise due to a sharp increase in food and energy prices in 2011. In addition, the economic performance of several African countries is not being complemented by the disbursement of the additional financial support pledged by development partners, including that promised six years ago at the Group of 20 Summit at Gleneagles. In that regard, we await with expectation the proposed recommendations for a post-2015 development framework, as well as the outcome of the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability, as they will outline our future path to equitable and sustainable development. It is vital that, as we approach 2015, the international community reaffirm its commitment to an inclusive global development agenda that caters for the needs of every Member State, from the least developed countries to the most developed ones. We should work together to ensure that the next framework sustains and consolidates the gains made so far, reinforces the commitments to overcome the shortfalls, and identifies ways to tackle the new challenges before us. The recent social uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East bear testimony to the vulnerability of peace and stability in the absence of adequate satisfaction of basic human needs and rights. We salute the United Nations for its timely involvement in fostering dialogue and in supporting the authorities of the affected countries as they endeavour to respond to the needs of their people in an emergency situation. As those countries return to normalcy, the role of the United Nations continues to be of paramount importance in helping to build democratic institutions and respond to the social needs of the people. Our experience of transition from conflict to peace shows that an impartial and credible partner, such as the United Nations, is critical in building confidence and fostering dialogue among the various national stakeholders. The United Nations also plays a critical role by making appropriate expertise available in various relevant domains that we all recognize. In efforts to support the ongoing transition processes, the role of the international community cannot be overemphasized. In that regard, we applaud the political decision to establish the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. As one of the eight pilot countries working on the Delivering as One initiative since 2007, Mozambique follows with particular interest the activities of the Organization to reinforce system-wide coherence at all levels. We therefore welcome the progress made in that regard, including activities related to the implementation of the Plan of Action for the Harmonization of Business Practices in the United Nations System. It is worth noting that, in its country- led evaluation of Delivering as One, Mozambique identified among the challenges the need to fast-track the strategic consolidation of the delivering as one experience by decentralizing roles and responsibilities between United Nations Headquarters and country offices, and the need to move forward with streamlining and harmonization among United Nations agencies at the country and Headquarters levels. Mozambique has made significant progress in leading a partnership with the United Nations system that is much more coherent in its support to national poverty reduction plans and strategies. For example, the Government has just signed a new multi-year United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for 2012-2015 which, for the first time, brings together all United Nations activities in the country into a common framework that is fully aligned with our poverty reduction strategy paper. The implementation of the new UNDAF will focus on building on the lessons drawn from delivering as one and moving even further towards system-wide coherence in the coming years. In that regard, Mozambique is pleased to see that the Secretary-General’s report acknowledges some of those lessons, such as the importance of strong Government leadership, the importance of strong United Nations system-wide leadership and coordination at country level and the need to reinforce the common funding programming systems to avoid competition and fragmentation. Mozambique has paid particular attention to achieving tangible poverty reduction results as a hallmark of the Government’s poverty reduction programmes. We are therefore pleased that the new UNDAF anchors that same vision for the next generation of delivering as one. Good examples are already visible and having an impact in the areas of nutrition, social protection and climate change adaptation, where joint United Nations programmes in support of Government goals has meant more effective support and results. Mozambique is of the view that there is no turning back on the accelerated United Nations reform process at the country level. We look forward to actively contributing to these and other lessons learned during the ongoing independent evaluation of Delivering as One and at the intergovernmental meeting of the programme country pilots, to be held in Uruguay in November. Finally, we would like to reaffirm the continued engagement and commitment of Mozambique in support of United Nations work to deliver on the five imperatives highlighted by the Secretary-General in his opening statement (see A/66/PV.11) at the current session: sustainable development, prevention, building a safer and more secure world, supporting nations in transition and empowering women and youth. Together, no challenge is too large; together, nothing is impossible.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item for this meeting. May I take it that the General Assembly takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization, which is contained in document A/66/1?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 110.