A/78/PV.55 General Assembly

It is my sad duty to pay tribute to the memory of the President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, who passed away on 4 February 2024. On behalf of the General Assembly, I should like to convey our condolences to the Government and the people of Namibia and to the bereaved family of His Excellency Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob. It is with profound sadness that we gather here today to mourn the passing of His Excellency President Hage Gottfried Geingob  — a towering figure in Namibian history and politics and, indeed, a beacon of leadership on the African continent. As the third President of independent Namibia, the legacy of the late President is indelibly etched in the history of his nation’s liberation struggle and the ensuing journey towards freedom, democracy and prosperity. His remarkable life journey epitomized true resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice and equality, while his leadership was characterized by inclusivity, pragmatism and a deep belief in the power of dialogue and cooperation. As Chair of the Constituent Assembly, he played a pivotal role in drafting Namibia’s Constitution, thus laying the foundation for a democratic and pluralistic society. Throughout his tenure as Namibia’s first Prime Minister, and later as President, he relentlessly championed the cause of multilateralism here at the United Nations and in other forums, in recognition of the importance of international cooperation and understanding in addressing global challenges  — a contribution for which we will be eternally grateful. His impassioned advocacy for sustainable development and renewable energy earned him admiration and respect on the world stage — a vision that extended well beyond his country’s borders, as evidenced by his pioneering efforts to establish Namibia’s green hydrogen sector. He will always be remembered for representing Namibia in these very halls, including as a petitioner to the Fourth Committee during the dark days of colonialism, articulating the aspirations of the Namibian people for a free and democratic Namibia and, later, addressing the General Assembly as his country’s President on numerous occasions. As we bid this sombre farewell to President Hage Geingob, we must nonetheless take solace in the enduring legacy of his principles and values. In honouring his memory, let us recommit ourselves to building a future worthy of his discipline and dedication to rebuilding modern Namibia and, indeed, to multilateralism. May his great soul rest in eternal peace. I now invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of His Excellency Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob.

I now give the floor to the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres.

We come together today to mourn the passing of Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia. President Geingob was a man with a remarkable presence and remarkable ability to connect with everyone whom he met. I want to extend my sincere condolences to his family and to the Government and the people of Namibia. The United Nations stands with them in sorrow. It is no exaggeration to say that President Geingob dedicated his life to his country. Many of us will never forget the image of him kissing the Namibian ground on his return after years in exile. From his early years of activism during Namibia’s struggle for independence and against the rank cruelty of apartheid to his leading role creating the Namibian Constitution, which has equality and human rights at its heart and, of course, to his years of service first as Prime Minister and then as President, Namibia shaped him, and he shaped Namibia. He promoted gender equality, championed clean energy and was a strong ally of the international solidarity embodied here at the United Nations. The tributes from his fellow African leaders hail him as an icon of liberation and powerful voice for Africa and African unity. Democracy, self-determination and human rights for all animated the life and work of President Geingob. These values are under attack today. Around the world, international law is being flouted. Human rights are being trampled, authoritarianism is on the rise, and inequality is rife. As we pay tribute to the memory of President Geingob, let us commit to honouring the values that he stood for by fighting racism, misogyny and injustice, standing up for human rights and by working to build a more equal world in which no one is left behind. At this difficult time, I offer my solidarity and warmest wishes to the people of Namibia and President Geingob’s family. I think particularly of his wife, Ms. Monica Geingos, an advocate for youth inclusion and leadership, who has been a strong presence here at the United Nations over the years, and of Namibia’s new President, Mr. Nangolo Mbumba, who now leads a grieving nation. The United Nations will continue its strong friendship with Namibia, as it works to build a more equal world for all — a world of dignity and human rights. And we will do so inspired by the memory of President Geingob, a man with a warm laugh, a sharp mind and a strong heart.

I thank the Secretary-General. I now give the floor to the representative of Botswana, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States.

It is with profound sadness and respect that, on behalf of the Group of African States, I pay tribute to the late President of Namibia, His Excellency Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, who passed away on Sunday, 4 February. I would like to extend the Group’s sincere condolences to the bereaved family and the Government and the people of Namibia. As we mourn, we find some comfort in the fact that President Geingob leaves behind an enduring legacy through his contribution to the development of Namibia and his efforts in the southern African region, Africa and the world at large. President Geingob was an inspirational leader, whose courage epitomized his country’s reputation as the land of the brave. We thank him for his immense contribution to the liberation of Namibia and the political, economic and social development of the country after its independence. He served the country with the utmost dedication as President and in different capacities in Government. As the African Group, we also honour him and express our gratitude for his commitment to the achievement of the continental Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. Furthermore, we will also remember the late President for his commitment to the ideals, principles and work of the United Nations. He saw the United Nations as an important vehicle for the realization of justice, equality, peace and prosperity. In that regard, we should honour his memory by working hard towards strengthening multilateralism and ensuring that it delivers on those important ideals. His vision should inspire our work as we strive to get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track and ensure that no one is left behind. In conclusion, I reaffirm the African Group’s solidarity with Namibia during this difficult time. May President Geingob’s great soul rest in eternal peace.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United Arab Emirates, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asia-Pacific States.

On behalf of the Group of Asia-Pacific States, it is with a profound sense of loss and deep respect that we gather today to pay homage to the memory of His Excellency Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, the late President of the Republic of Namibia. President Geingob was a visionary leader, who fought for the independence of Namibia and remained a tireless advocate for the advancement and well- being of his people. We will remember His Excellency Mr. Geingob as a leader who pushed for Africa on the world stage and a strong proponent of international cooperation and diplomacy and who made an indelible mark on the tapestry of international relations. President Geingob leaves behind a legacy of honour and service, which will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for current and future leaders in Africa and beyond. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his remarkable life and enduring legacy. We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values and principles of unity and cooperation that President Geingob championed, and we pledge to continue working towards a world of peace, stability and prosperity for all. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations and guide us in our collective pursuit of a better and more inclusive world.

I now give the floor to the representative of El Salvador, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, on this solemn occasion paying tribute to the memory of His Excellency Mr. Hage Geingob, the late President of the Republic of Namibia. We extend our deepest condolences to the First Lady and her family and to all the people of Namibia. President Geingob was a distinguished leader in his nation. He chaired the body that drafted Namibia’s Constitution, and then become Namibia’s first Prime Minister upon its independence in 1990. He served as Minister of Trade and Industry before becoming Prime Minister again in 2012, contributing to the development and prosperity of his country. He was elected President of the Republic of Namibia during the national elections in 2014, and in 2020, he was re-elected for a second term as President. Throughout his presidency, President Geingob worked to advance several policy priorities, including effective governance, economic advancement, education and social progress. He increased social support for pensioners and children with disabilities and prioritized the most vulnerable. Here at the United Nations, he strongly advocated for international solidarity, strong multilateralism, reducing inequality around the world and reform of global financial institutions. President Geingob contributed many articles to various publications, including theses, research studies, monographs and newspapers. He also received several international awards, such as the Burj CEO Award for Visionary African Leadership, which he received in London, and numerous honorary doctorates, including from Fordham University in New York, the American University of Rome, the University of Namibia and the University of Delhi, in India. The world has lost a global leader. Around the world, the blue flag of the United Nations symbolizes hope. That hope is part of the legacy that we, along with the people and the Government of Namibia, are mourning today. Let us honour President Geingob’s memory by recommitting ourselves to the noble cause of promoting peace and prosperity for succeeding generations. The Group of Latin American and Caribbean States looks forward to continuing its partnership and friendship with Namibia, building on the legacy of President Geingob. At this difficult time, we once again offer our deepest condolences for this great loss for the people of Namibia, the African continent and the entire world.

I now give the floor to the representative of Türkiye, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States. Today we mourn the passing of a true statesman, President Hage Geingob, the third President of the Republic of Namibia, whose legacy has had a deep impact on Namibian history. On behalf of the Group of Western European and Other States, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family and the people and Government of Namibia. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. President Geingob dedicated his life to the service of his beloved nation. As a staunch advocate for Namibia’s independence, he played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle, fighting tirelessly for the rights and freedoms of his people. His unwavering commitment and determination paved the way for Namibia’s independence in 1990, marking a triumph of hope over adversity. President Geingob’s contributions to the Namibian Constitution were immense and shaped the framework of a just and equitable society. His belief in the principles of equality, justice and human rights served as guiding beacons for the nation, inspiring generations to strive for a better future. His visionary leadership and inclusive approach fostered unity and progress, guiding Namibia towards a brighter future. Beyond his political accomplishments, President Geingob will be remembered for his compassion, humility and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Namibia. He was a symbol of the unity and resilience that defines the Namibian people. As we bid farewell to President Geingob, one of the pioneering democratic leaders of Africa, let us honour his memory by remembering his legacy of service, unity and progress. May his vision for a prosperous and inclusive Namibia endure for generations to come.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United States of America, who will speak on behalf of the host country.

This is a sad day among so many sad days. We sadly gather here today to celebrate the life of a dedicated public servant, a fierce advocate for liberty and democracy and, on a personal level, a beloved friend. On behalf of the United States, the host country, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Namibia. I first met President Geingob just over a decade ago in Kenya. We happened to be seated next to each other at an event, and while I do not remember much about that event, I do remember being immediately taken by the then Prime Minister’s signature charisma and idealism. In fact, we were just making small talk, and when he paused, he said, without a hint of irony, “you know, I am going to be the next President of Namibia”. I laughed, and I told him how many times I had heard that phrase uttered across Africa by so many wannabe presidents. But he was unfazed, and he extended me an invitation to his inauguration. We know what happened next — President Geingob did in fact become President Geingob. And as for that invitation, my friend kept his word. I was indeed invited to watch him take the oath of office. Unfortunately, the flights were a bit less reliable than the President-elect, and I missed the plane and the inauguration. But if there was a silver lining to that travel mishap, it was that I now had an excuse to visit Namibia and the President on my own time. Over the years, I did just that, travelling to Namibia in my role as Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, for vacation after I retired, and just this past December, as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. I saw first-hand that the President did not just have lofty expectations for himself. He had high, high hopes. He had hopes for the country he loved and for the country that loved him. He met those hopes with action: helping liberate Namibia from the chains of colonialism and apartheid; overseeing the drafting of the country’s new Constitution; working, as Prime Minister and then President, to reduce economic inequality, widen the social safety net, improve public health and fight against climate change. He did all that while modelling the values of respect and reconciliation for his country and for people across the continent. It is notable  — though unsurprising  — that President Geingob died as he lived: with transparency and courageous vulnerability. Hage Geingob was a freedom fighter. He was a respected leader. He was an African icon, and he was also a farmer. He planted, and he ploughed, and he prayed for rain. He believed in the power of farmers to fight food insecurity and lift up entire communities. And he understood that sometimes you plant seeds that you do not live to see bloom. He understood that the best any farmer — any leader — can do is couple true faith with hard work and empower the next generation to do the same. And so, the charge before us is simple: to tend the seeds that President Geingob so lovingly sowed — the seeds of democracy and equality, of opportunity and justice. That is how we honour his legacy. And that is how we create a better Namibia, a better continent and a better world. With his truly infectious laugh and his contagious smile, Hage Geingob will be sorely missed. He will be missed by his family, his friends, the world and me.

I now give the floor to the representative of Namibia.

In this sombre moment, as we gather to remember the indomitable spirit of His Excellency Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, the third President of the Republic of Namibia, who served from 2015 to 2024. I extend sincere gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Namibia for the honour bestowed upon his memory through this plenary meeting. I stand before the Assembly with deep humility and an understanding of how difficult it is to eulogize a luminary of both the literal and figurative stature of Mr. Hage Geingob. Mr. Geingob’s early life was dedicated to activism, first within the country where he served as a teacher and later during his 27 years in exile, during which he championed the cause of Namibia’s independence on the premise that freedom, justice and self-determination were fundamental principles ingrained in him during the early parts of his life. In that endeavour, the United Nations was a central tenet to the execution of his service to humankind. During his time as a representative of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) to the United Nations and the Americas, President Geingob worked tirelessly to have SWAPO recognized as the sole and authentic representative of the Namibian people, resulting in its observer status, granted through resolution 31/152 of 1976. Mr. Geingob spent no less than 14 years walking the corridors of this great institution, fighting for recognition of the plight of the people of Namibia. In the pre-independence years, that was critical, as it was through the recognition of SWAPO as a permanent observer that the international community shifted gears in its solidarity for the question of Namibia, until Namibia took its rightful place among the family of nations in 1990. In 1972, President Geingob was appointed to the United Nations Secretariat. Yes, he was a staff member of the United Nations. He served as Political Affairs Officer. He held that position until 1975, when he was appointed the Director for the newly established United Nations Institute for Namibia (UNIN), based in Lusaka. As a former teacher, President Geingob had a deep passion for education, which is reflected in his own pursuit for knowledge and his dedication to preparing technocrats at the United Nations Institute for Namibia with the requisite governance and public administration skills in anticipation of Namibia’s impending independence. That speaks to his visionary leadership. After 27 years in exile, Mr. Geingob returned to Namibia to implement Security Council resolution 435 (1978), laying the ground for United Nations-supervised elections in November 1989. He led the repatriation of exiled Namibians and was tasked with the honourable duty of chairing the Constituent Assembly to draft Namibia’s Constitution, which today is revered as the nation’s supreme law. Mr. Geingob is acknowledged as the chief architect of Namibia’s Constitution and was subsequently appointed Namibia’s first Prime Minister at independence, a position he held for 12 years, serving as Chief Administrator of the Public Service and Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly. As a fighter for unity, liberty and justice, President Geingob used his time as a public office bearer to champion press freedom, human rights and provide social safety nets. With a full contextual appreciation for the entrenched and structural nature of inequality in Namibia and indeed the world, President Geingob ensured the crafting of legislation and policies to support economic advancement and social progression. He was so looking forward to being with us this coming September, when we will meet, as leaders, to adopt a Pact for the Future. In so doing, President Geingob ensured, in our national legislation, that the protection of the environment was enshrined the Constitution, underpinning the requirement for environmental impact assessment studies to accompany our country’s development programmes. On the international stage, President Geingob was an ardent believer in multilateralism. He hailed Namibia as a child of international solidarity, or as he often said, “a child of international solidarity, midwifed by the United Nations”. As a pan-Africanist who spoke truth to power, he identified with the third wave of African leadership, comprising statesman whose imperative is to restore the dignity of their people by strengthening processes, systems and institutions that deliver prosperity and build bridges of opportunity. In his deep theoretical approach to issues, he often developed formulas that will mark his legacy. For example, he was fond of advocating his self-constructed formula that “accountability plus transparency equals trust”. He used that to augment his belief in the importance of being transparent in accountably and effectively delivering public service to build trust. That commitment to transparency was further exemplified by his personal conduct, leading to a voluntary declaration of his assets prior to assuming office and regularly sharing details about his personal health over the course of his tenure. That speaks to the premium he placed on integrity as a personal characteristic. In the Assembly, President Geingob often declared that Namibia was a friend to all and an enemy to none, clarifying that even where our foreign policy priorities and interests diverge, those differences should not stop us from working together. He was an ardent advocate of the transformative power of dialogue and diplomacy. President Geingob, in his charismatic nature, built trust by relating to every individual he met. That applied to his peers, his staff, the Namibian citizenry and those with whom he interacted in the course of his duty. President Geingob had a passion for scouting talent among young people and supporting their growth. That often translated into their inclusion in governance structures, including in the legislature and the executive of our country. His actions inspired an extrapolation of that approach to the regional and local government level and is reflected in the intergenerational governance structures that can be seen across Namibia today. The notion of a collective was important to President Geingob. This was best espoused in the mantra that marked both his terms in office, namely that no one should feel left out. President Geingob was a champion of gender equality, which is best reflected in the advancement of women across the public and private sector in Namibia. Inclusivity at the national level was something he best depicted through his analogy of a Namibian house built by bricks that symbolize the diversity of its people. When painted in one shade to reflect a national rather than ethnic identity, that Namibian house, he said, had ample space to shelter and provide for all its citizens. In the spirit of the Kiswahili word “harambee”, President Geingob also taught Namibians to work together, holding hands and pulling in the same direction, to advance Namibia’s development aspirations as a collective, putting shoulder to the wheel and exemplifying discipline, determination and, most importantly, patriotism. On a personal level, President Geingob was affable, kind and magnanimous, a dedicated father and a supportive husband. He held deep conviction in the value of humanity towards others, supported by his strong principles of faith, which served as his compass through life. Resultingly, he connected in a very personal way with his people through his love for the creative arts, sports and culture. I should add here that he was an outstanding dancer, too. As we mourn the loss of this unifying visionary, we remember President Geingob’s enduring legacy and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and our grieving nation. May his indomitable spirit live on through the values he championed, shaping a brighter future for Namibia and beyond. In the words of an African proverb: “We wish to bequeath two things to our children: the first is roots; the second is wings.” President Geingob leaves behind a rich legacy that provides roots, anchoring our nation in its history and laying a strong foundation for the further strengthening of our democracy and development. Finally, through his foresightedness, he leaves us wings of hope and optimism, enabling us to soar towards the aspirations he envisioned for our great land. I thank all members for their sympathy and messages of condolence extended to our Permanent Mission and, through it, the people of Namibia. May the beautiful soul of His Excellency Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob now rest in perfect and eternal peace.

Members will recall that, at its second plenary meeting, on 8 September 2023, the General Assembly decided to allocate sub-item (c) of agenda item 18 to the Second Committee. To enable the Assembly to take action expeditiously on the document, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider sub-item (c) of agenda item 18 directly in plenary meeting and proceed immediately to its consideration? It was so decided (decision 78/504 B).

We shall now proceed to consider draft decision A/78/L.36/Rev.1. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that since the submission of draft decision A/78/L.36/ Rev.1, and in addition to the delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of draft decision A/78/L.36/Rev.1: Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Kenya, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Assembly shall now take action on draft decision A/78/L.36/Rev.1, entitled “Authorization for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction regarding the hosting of the secretariat of the Santiago network for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision A/78/L.36/Rev.1?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 18.

Since the draft decision has been circulated only today, it would be necessary to waive the relevant provision of rule 78 of the rules of procedure, which reads as follows: “As a general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any meeting of the General Assembly unless copies of it have been circulated to all delegations not later than the day preceding the meeting. Unless I hear any objections, I will take it that the Assembly agrees with this proposal.

The Assembly will now take action on draft decision A/78/L.40, entitled “Participation of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector in the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision A/78/L.40?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 20.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting, and I express our appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, for the report that he delivered on the work of the Organization and his priorities for 2024 (A/78/1). The Arab Group reaffirms its support for multilateral work and for reform of the United Nations, which is aimed at further enhancing its role and increasing its performance and efficiency. The Arab Group also appreciates the stances and efforts of the Secretary-General to support international peace and security around the world, advance pathways for achieving sustainable development, find efficient solutions for current crises and enhance capabilities to address current challenges, in particular the impacts of climate change, financing for development, the issue of refugees and forcibly displaced persons, support for human rights, the provision of humanitarian assistance, the fight against poverty, bridging of the digital divide, reform of the international financial system and not leaving anyone behind. In that context, the Arab Group reaffirms its deep appreciation for the positions of the Secretary-General regarding the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and his continuous efforts and repeated calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the prevention of the forced displacement of Palestinians. I would also like to mention the Secretary-General’s support for the work and role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in a way that would enable it to carry out its vital task of providing life-saving assistance for 2 million people on the Gaza Strip, in the light of one of the largest and most complicated humanitarian crises in the world. The Arab Group stands firm in calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. We emphasize the need for the United Nations to undertake its responsibility in maintaining international peace and security by ending the violations of the occupation authority that are serious and ongoing violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We also call for the occupation authority to comply with the will of the international community, as stipulated in resolution ES-10/22, which was adopted during the resumed tenth emergency special session, with the support of 153 Member States. We emphasize the need to provide protection for civilians and to expedite the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, in line with resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023). The Arab Group reaffirms that ending the catastrophe and the humanitarian suffering faced by more than 2.3 million people in Gaza requires an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. In that regard, we emphasize the importance of supporting the efforts of Ms. Sigrid Kaag, Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, to undertake her responsibilities and perform her duties. The Arab Group calls on the international community to provide more safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance to the fraternal Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip to meet their needs and alleviate their harsh suffering. The Group also categorically rejects the policy of collective punishment adopted by the occupation authorities against the people of the Gaza Strip and those in the remaining occupied Palestinian territories, as well as attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land. In conclusion, the Arab Group expresses its support for the negotiations on the Pact for the Future. It underscores the need to take into account all visions and proposals and have the Pact meet the common objectives of all countries. The Arab Group reiterates its call to meet the pledges related to climate financing and investing in sustainable solutions and renewable energies, within the context of projects that would be profitable for all parties concerned. The Group also underscores the need to have a radical transformation in the existing financial system and in the area of governance, and to establish a new world order that gives the youth and coming generations hope in a better future.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honour to take the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. The global process of the emergence of a new and truly equitable system of international relations is now under way, and the unipolar order continues to decline. At the same time, however, some States are determined to take a step back or even stop time, with the sole and selfish purpose of preserving their post-colonial dominance. This is leading the world into a systemic and widespread crisis, which has implications for both States and the United Nations system as a whole. As a result, the United Nations is being tested for resilience and efficiency in implementing its mandate, the key element of which is, among other things, the maintenance of international peace and security. We understand the achievement of peace as the most important common objective that we have before us, as was indicated earlier by the Secretary-General in his briefing to the General Assembly. In that context, we are witnessing the growing lack of trust and the lack of a unifying agenda among States in the General Assembly. We are concerned that some stakeholders are undertaking attempts to preserve the unipolar world order, and, to that end, seek not only to engage in supposed dialogues from a position of superiority, but also insist on replacing the universal norms of international law with a so-called rules-based order, the sole objective of which is to advance the geopolitical interests of those who insist on promoting such an imprecise notion. All that, needless to say, only undermines the ability of the United Nations to develop joint responses that make it possible to address the common challenges facing humankind today. One of the major challenges we are facing currently is the deterioration of the global security architecture, as a result of the disregard of the security interests and concerns of all States. Approaches that are based on a zero-sum game  — we must state clearly  — have a negative impact on, among other areas, the multilateral disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control regimes. Unilateral steps taken towards escalating tensions also erode that architecture, leading to a loss of trust among States and instigating the arms race. We therefore believe that international efforts are required to establish a revitalized, more reliable international security architecture based on respect for each and every principle enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including the principle of the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention in the internal affairs of States and the prohibition of the use or the threat of use of force, while taking into account the principle of indivisible security and the interests and concerns of all, in particular developing countries. That security architecture should advocate a concept of common security that respects and safeguards the security of every country. We must therefore take holistic approach, maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains and enhancing security governance in a coordinated way. That means we must maintain a commitment to cooperation, promoting security through political dialogue and peaceful negotiation and through the pursuit of sustainable security, resolving conflicts through development and eliminating breeding grounds for insecurity. In that context, we firmly reject the imposition of laws and regulations with extraterritorial impact and all other forms of coercive economic measures, including unilateral sanctions, applied against developing countries, and we reiterate the urgent need to put an end to and eliminate them immediately, while emphasizing that such actions not only undermine the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international law, but also severely threaten the freedom of trade and investment. We therefore reiterate our call on the international community to adopt urgent and effective measures to eliminate the use of unilateral coercive economic measures against developing countries. In the light of the lack of trust and a rapidly growing confrontation, both at the regional and global levels, we call for a firm rejection of bloc logics, provocative actions that infringe on other stakeholders’ security interests, including the irresponsible supply of weapons to other States, including as part of attempts to achieve domination by force or economic domination, by instrumentalizing international financial systems and bodies. There is a pressing need to establish a just and reliable security architecture that ensures international peace and security and is truly based on the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international law and that takes into account all pertinent factors. In that context, we believe that the Pact for the Future should take into account the aforementioned trends and offer solutions to international peace and security issues. The Pact for the Future should commit to a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, while creating the conditions for a comprehensive dialogue among States and reaffirming that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions should be the overarching goal of the Summit of the Future and its deliberations. The current global crisis can be resolved only through a genuine commitment to multilateralism and the establishment of a truly equitable and orderly multipolar system that is necessarily rooted in the Charter of the United Nations. To achieve that, all States need to wholeheartedly recommit to the purposes and principles of the foundational Charter of the United Nations, as part of the process that will lead us towards a just, democratic and equitable new international world order that respects cultural diversity and dialogue among civilizations and that ensures the democratization of international relations, on the basis of respect for the sovereignty of States. The activities of the United Nations must also address the root causes, not just the symptoms of crises that may arise or that persist today around the world. The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States, for instance, remains crucial. It is equally important to make sure that the United Nations preserves its central role in conflict settlement and the maintenance of international peace and security. In that regard, the respective mandates of the General Assembly and the Security Council must be fully respected, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, and we should put an end to the growing trend of the Security Council arrogating itself issues beyond its clearly defined mandate. As far as the prevention of conflicts, we consider it unacceptable to introduce any universal indicators of conflict, because they can be used as a pretext for meddling in the internal affairs of sovereign States. Each crisis has a unique set of causes and antecedents, and attempts to unify those, especially when based on unclear aspects, such as climate, human rights or gender, are inefficient and more likely to undermine, rather than promote, United Nations efforts in conflict prevention and resolution. Moreover, there is a high risk that, in practice, such indicators may be used to interfere in the internal affairs of States, which paradoxically is itself a major factor in most of the crises that we are witnessing in the world. Our countries are convinced of the positive role that can be played by civil society, from all regions, in the work of the United Nations. That is why we have arrangements in place to enable their contribution to our efforts in this Organization. Nonetheless, we need to preserve the intergovernmental nature of the United Nations. Granting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) the same rights as official representatives of States in resolving problems of peace and security and other matters entrusted to the United Nations, under a multi-stakeholder approach, is not in any way appropriate. It is misleading and runs contrary to the very intergovernmental nature of the Organization. The planned inclusion of civil society and other interested stakeholders in the work of all intergovernmental bodies with a view to ensuring politically motivated agendas and to the detriment of developing countries and added to the convening of annual congresses of selected civil society of developed countries, mostly from developing countries, together with the introduction of offices of civil society focal points in all United Nations mechanisms, are clear threats that risk further eroding the intergovernmental nature of the Organization and infringes upon the very rights of sovereign States. That is particularly concerning, because it further replicates the already disadvantageous position and unequal participation that NGOs from developing countries are up against in their limited interactions with the United Nations. There should be a clear understanding that the establishment of an inclusive multilateralism and of a multipolar world order, coupled with the necessary changes in the United Nations to the benefit of developing countries, are all intrinsically interconnected processes. We therefore conclude by stressing that it will remain difficult to find a path to an ideal world while there continues to be disunity between States, while we continue to face a crisis of confidence and while there is a growing accumulation of potential confrontations in international relations. We therefore insist that multilateralism, international cooperation and solidarity under the auspices of the United Nations be promoted and given priority at all times, instead of confrontation and perpetual war.

Belarus aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations. Today the international community is experiencing a dire crisis in the history of international relations. That crisis was triggered by unprecedented geopolitical confrontation, mistrust and hostile competition. In the context of our consistent position, we continue to insist that it is possible to achieve sustainable development and global progress only if the multilateral system functions properly, coupled with the interaction of national Governments with one another and with the United Nations. The Republic of Belarus welcomes the swift action taken by our global Organization in the area of healthcare and in the humanitarian and socioeconomic domains by consistently mobilizing resources in order to seek practical decisions to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We welcome the Organization’s efforts to mobilize $500 billion in investment in order to galvanize the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of countering the global financial crisis, while considering the push to resolve the problems of indebtedness and the worsening debt crisis and the need to increase accessible long-term financing and emergency funding for countries in financial need. However, we are compelled to point out that the Organization’s work falls short when it comes to countering illegitimate unilateral coercive measures. Those measures are adopted by certain countries, including in the context of unfair competition. The global food crisis and the deepening socioeconomic rift between the rich North and the developing South continue to be consequences of the aforementioned pernicious practices. In the context of countering climate change, we note the contribution of the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Egypt, during which a historic agreement was reached on the establishment of a loss and damage fund in order to help vulnerable countries cope with the impact of climate change. The special political missions and operations of the United Nations continued to implement the goals of the international community related to the maintenance of international peace and security. They have also helped to protect civilians in politically disadvantaged regions of the world. United Nations field missions seek, inter alia, to strengthen the rule of law and have continued to work to reform the law enforcement and penitentiary systems of individual countries. We also positively note the efforts of the United Nations to combat misinformation, disinformation and hate speech. We note the important actions taken by the Organization on humanitarian response, which entails rendering vital aid and protection to the world’s most vulnerable people who are suffering hunger and food shortages. Ensuring the coordination, coherence, effectiveness and timeliness of humanitarian responses should remain a priority when carrying out such activities. An important element of the Organization’s work consists of its efforts to promote justice, protect international law and ensure universal participation in multilateral agreements. It is important to preserve the exclusive value of the United Nations, which is a forum for exchanging views and best practices and preparing recommendations on critical legal issues, which contributes substantially to the progressive development and codification of international law. We note the efforts made by the Organization in the context of multilateral negotiations aimed at achieving general and complete disarmament. The work done to strengthen global norms prohibiting the use of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and to promote the regulation and limitation of conventional weapons continues to be one of the Organization’s most important tasks. Of particular importance is the support of the United Nations for intergovernmental negotiations on the prevention and elimination of contemporary threats in the area of information and communication technologies. The advisory and informational support by the United Nations on drug control, crime prevention and counter-terrorism has contributed to reducing transnational organized crime and the threat of international terrorism. However, we are convinced that the work that has been done is only part of the vast potential of our global Organization, the goals and targets of which can be achieved only if we ensure results- oriented work, multilateralism and responsibility.

We thank the Secretary- General for presenting his comprehensive report on the work of the Organization (A/78/1) and for his briefing earlier today (see A/78/PV.54). The report comprehensively covers the activities of the United Nations. It is obvious that the current threats to peace and security emanate mainly from violations of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, especially the non-use of force, and from the denial of the right to self-determination, foreign occupation and intervention, great Power rivalries and a new multidimensional arms race. The volatile security environment is further exacerbated by growing poverty, injustice, inequality, hate, intolerance, xenophobia and Islamophobia. We agree that those challenges can only be effectively addressed through multilateral cooperation within the framework of the Charter. The United Nations should actively seek to resolve festering disputes, such as the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the Palestine dispute. There are several modalities for conflict resolution available under the Charter, including the Secretary-General’s authority under Article 99. The International Court of Justice should be mandated to address all issues on the agenda of the Security Council. We must prevent a major conflict, especially in a nuclearized environment, and promote international cooperation to avert global threats and challenges by ensuring consistent and universal respect for the central principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and the implementation of Security Council resolutions, in accordance with Article 25 of the Charter. We support the efforts of the Peacebuilding Commission to address the resolution of conflict situations through the promotion of development. We must develop a new consensus on disarmament that can offer equal security to all States at the lowest possible level of armaments. It is evident that global efforts to eliminate terrorism have fallen short of expectations. We must address all four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a balanced manner. It is essential to address the conditions conducive to terrorism and new and emerging forms of terrorism, such as right-wing extremism, neo-fascism and the rise of hate, xenophobia and Islamophobia. Terrorism must be differentiated from legitimate struggles for self- determination and liberation from foreign occupation. It is also essential to address State terrorism and State-sponsored terrorism and to ensure the protection of human rights while combating terrorism. We all want to see a Security Council that is more representative, more democratic, more transparent, more effective and more accountable. That goal can only be attained through a comprehensive reform that responds to the interests of all Member States — small, medium and large. The intergovernmental negotiations process offers the best platform to reach an agreement and a negotiated outcome. The model proposed by the Uniting for Consensus group to expand only the number of elected members is the most likely to secure the widest possible support. As the Secretary-General has often said, the Sustainable Development Goals are on life support. Today more than 100 developing countries confront food, fuel and financial insecurity, and more than 60 are trapped by unsustainable debt. The commitments made in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, at the Financing for Development conferences, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and, most recently, at the Sustainable Development Goals Summit must be implemented. The United Nations has made immeasurable contributions to the advancement of human rights. While political and civil rights are assumed to be obligatory, the right to development must also be made obligatory through the adoption of a binding international convention on the right to development. We hope to realize those objectives at the forthcoming Summit of the Future. Unfortunately, we have got off to an inauspicious start in those negotiations. The Pact of the Future must reflect the views, priorities and aspirations of developing countries, which constitute the vast majority of the membership of the United Nations.

We would like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing today on the work of the Organization and assure him of South Africa’s continued support and cooperation as he carries out his work in the context of the ongoing and multiple challenges and threats faced by us globally. We are facing a period of unprecedented challenges in the international system, and the United Nations in particular, as we witness what the International Court of Justice describes as plausible acts of genocide unfolding in Gaza in our modern age. South Africa is concerned about the continued inability of the Security Council to act to promote peace and enable aid to be delivered to those suffering under such relentless onslaughts on their existence. As stated in the Secretary-General’s report, “nowhere are the needs greater than in the midst of emergencies” (A/78/1, para. 6), but nowhere can the United Nations show its value to society more than in answering the call of those emergencies. We acknowledge the continued peril from emerging, modern and long-existing threats, such as climate change and nuclear weapons. The ability of the United Nations to respond to those and to emerging global threats, such as pandemics, will rest not only on honouring past commitments but on being ambitious in our vision for the future and the actions required to achieve a better world. Thus, South Africa will be fully engaged in the process leading to the Summit of the Future, at which we would need to give urgent impetus to, among other things, the reform of the United Nations and forge global consensus to make progress on Security Council reform, which is required to address structural challenges that prevent the Organization from acting on its core mandates. South Africa appreciates the expression of collaboration with the African Union to build a foundation for peace in Africa. We must also recommit to building synergies between regional priorities, such as Agenda 2063 of the African Union, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. While we acknowledge the reaffirming of Member States commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals at the high-level political forum on sustainable development, we also see the Summit of the Future as an opportunity for the international community to strengthen efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Our Organization is experiencing one of its most severe liquidity crises, necessitating the cash- conservation measures proposed by the Secretary- General in order to avert the Organization from defaulting on its legally binding obligations. This crisis is concerning because it has an impact on the delivery of mandates across all pillars of the Organization. All Member States must meet their financial obligations to the Organization in full, on time and without conditionalities. For the United Nations to achieve its objectives, allocated resources must be commensurate with the mandates. We stress the importance of programmes on the African continent, which the United Nations has deemed a priority, especially continued support for the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Regarding climate change, South Africa believes that we must implement our commitments at all Conferences of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, including all agreements, such as on the loss and damage fund, and all other financial commitments to assist adaptation and mitigation efforts. We must continue to prioritize new goals on financial support for developing countries. We equally support the Sustainable Development Goals stimulus package, which is imperative for financing the achievement of those Goals. Regarding gender equality, we welcome the various initiatives undertaken to fast-track gender equality under the Secretary-General’s call to action on human rights and the various practical initiatives outlined in the Secretary-General’s report. We believe that more is required on strengthening women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in decision-making, especially in peace and political processes. Financing for peacebuilding must be more sustainable and predictable to enable an adequate response by the United Nations system to the post-conflict needs of countries. South Africa remains deeply concerned about the slow progress on the fulfilment of nuclear disarmament commitments. We are pleased that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Treaty continues to be supported by the United Nations, and we welcome another successful Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty, aiding its implementation and complementing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This year, we will also consider the implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects during its fourth review conference. We believe that the threat of those arms, including the illicit flow of their ammunition, remains one of the deadliest scourges affecting and fuelling conflicts in Africa. At a time when multilateralism and the United Nations system are being tested, we must ensure that the United Nations not only survives a challenging global environment but is strengthened to weather future challenges for the betterment of all humankind. Most importantly, we must not forget our fundamental duty to the people under immediate threat. While we recall the often-cited statement by Dag Hammarskjöld that the United Nations was not created in order to bring us to heaven, but in order to save us from hell, today we must bear in mind that even the latter basic obligation of the Organization is being threatened.

First and foremost, Malaysia is taking the floor to extend our deepest condolences to the people of the Republic of Namibia on the passing of the late President, His Excellency Hage Geingob. His legacy as a great leader will forever be remembered, and his contributions to the progress and unity of Namibia will also long be remembered. Our thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Namibia during this difficult time. Our delegation would also like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting, and the Secretary-General for his presentation (see A/78/PV.4) of the report on the work of the Organization (A/78/1). Malaysia underscores the pivotal role that the United Nations plays in fostering global cooperation and addressing the multiple challenges facing our world today. The report presented by the Secretary- General serves as a crucial road map for collective action. The report further reaffirms the importance of multilateralism in addressing issues that transcend borders, be it eradicating poverty, addressing conflict or tackling climate change. The Secretary-General’s report encapsulates a comprehensive analysis of our global landscape. It highlights the imperative for nations to work in concert. The challenges that we face are complex, and no single nation can tackle them alone. Malaysia firmly believes that a rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its core, is fundamental to ensuring peace, stability and sustainable development. Malaysia shares the concern that halfway to 2030, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals has stalled and, in some cases, even gone in reverse. In that regard, we commend the continued efforts by the United Nations to help Governments achieve the Goals. We welcome the proposals in Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) that are aimed at turbo-charging the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Malaysia continues to attach great importance to the maintenance of international peace and security. Close to and in our region, Malaysia will continue to work closely and constructively with fellow member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in efforts to assist Myanmar in finding a peaceful, comprehensive and durable solution to the ongoing crisis, as Myanmar remains an integral part of ASEAN. In the Middle East, Malaysia hopes that impetus could be given to assisting the Palestinians to attain their inalienable rights to self-determination in a free and independent State of Palestine. We honour the indispensable role of the International Court of Justice, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. In order to uphold the principles of justice and international law, Malaysia joined other countries in submitting a written statement to the International Court of Justice requesting an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel’s ongoing violations in the occupied Palestinian territory. We welcome the decision by the Court in the case initiated by South Africa against Israel concerning the application of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The integrity and credibility of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture cannot be taken for granted. Efforts must be intensified to ensure the full and effective implementation of all obligations and commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Malaysia reaffirms that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is fully compatible with, and complementary to, the NPT. As the then co-Chair of the informal working group on the universalization of the TPNW, Malaysia worked with South Africa in facilitating the TPNW signing and ratification ceremony at the 2022 Treaty event. Turning to the last chapter of the report, Malaysia reiterates its stance to continue to work together in reforming the Security Council and improving its ability to respond to contemporary challenges. Equally important is revitalizing the work of the General Assembly to make it more effective, efficient and fit for purpose. The Secretariat should be allocated adequate funding and the resources needed for it to discharge its responsibilities as mandated by Member States. In the same vein, Malaysia is pleased to have paid in full and on time its United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping contributions. Let us heed the call to action outlined in the Secretary-General’s report. Our commitment to reinvigorating multilateralism and strengthening global governance must be reflected in the Pact for the Future that our leaders can further seal at the Summit of the Future. As responsible members of the international community, let us redouble our efforts to build a world that is more just, inclusive and sustainable for current and future generations.

We thank the Secretary-General for the presentation (see A/78/PV.4) of his report on the work of the Organization (A/78/1). Preserving the United Nations is a shared duty, as is preserving peace and development for present and future generations. That is the mandate conferred upon us by our people, to whom we are duty-bound. Although the Secretary-General’s report does not cover the work of the Organization for the second half of 2023, we would be remiss if we failed to mention the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, in the aftermath of more than three months of indiscriminate attacks committed by Israel, the occupying Power, against the civilian population, in clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law, which constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes. As we meet, Israel’s genocide in Gaza is ongoing and has resulted in the deaths of more than 26,750 Palestinians, almost 70 per cent of them women and children, and the highest number of casualties of United Nations personnel ever recorded in a conflict. How the United Nations responds to the situation, ends the genocide against Palestine and holds those responsible accountable will largely determine the legitimacy of the Organization in the future. We therefore agree with the Secretary-General that the United Nations is more important than ever  — a fact that also recalls the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. In his first speech before the United Nations, in September 1960, the historic leader of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, reflected on how the United Nations came into being, “The United Nations arose after the struggle against fascism, after tens of millions of men had died... From that struggle, which cost so many lives, this Organization emerged as a symbol of hope.” (A/PV.872, para. 224) The maintenance of international peace and security requires strict adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, in particular its purposes and principles. It also requires respect for the mandates of the United Nations organs. Multilateralism must be strengthened, the General Assembly must take its rightful place, and the Security Council must stop usurping its functions. Cuba joined in subscribing to the declaration recently adopted at the nineteenth Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Kampala, which stated that the best strategy for preventing and resolving conflicts is to address their root causes. The concept of a preventive approach to the peace and security pillar demands strict respect for the Charter, in particular the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, the inalienable right of peoples to self-determination, political independence and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, to ensure that such approaches are not used as a pretext to justify the advancement of geopolitical agendas and interests, including through interpretations of international law that attempt to justify the use of force for supposedly preventive purposes. Cuba is categorically opposed to such approaches. We fully agree with the Secretary-General on the importance of human rights and the need to promote and protect all people’s rights, without discrimination. No country is spared the challenges arising from this issue, and therefore no country should present itself as an example for others. The United Nations is in a unique position to promote the universal, objective, fair, balanced and equal treatment of human rights, as enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the thirtieth anniversary of which we just commemorated in 2023, and to which, unfortunately, the report makes no reference whatsoever. Nor does it mention the need to combat the politicization of the human rights issue or double standards in that respect. The United Nations and its relevant mechanisms could do much more to prevent the noble cause of human rights from becoming hijacked by the geopolitical interests of the great Powers. We see how, within the Organization’s human rights machinery, selectivity against the South is gaining ground, while little or nothing is said about human rights violations committed by or in developed countries. Other areas that could receive more attention from the work of the United Nations and that are not mentioned in the report include the effects of unilateral coercive measures on human rights and the need to advance the realization of the right to development. There is no credibility in A genuine commitment to ensuring human rights and leaving no one behind when such illegal measures continue to be applied against the South and our right to development is denied or hindered. In that context, we once again denounce the criminal, genocidal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, with unprecedented measures imposed by the Trump Administration, which have for the most part remained in place as a continuation of the United States policy of maximum pressure against my country. We have been significantly impacted by the emphasis on hindering our country’s main sources of income, paralysing our supply of fuel and obstructing our trade relations, with the aim of strangling our economy and overthrowing our Government, in addition to the arbitrary and unjustified decision to add Cuba to the bogus list of State sponsors of terrorism, a document prepared unilaterally and with no moral authority whatever by the State Department, which we condemn in the strongest and most categorical terms. We urge the Government of the United States to revoke that unjustified classification, which has been widely rejected at the international level. The United Nations should speak out against such unilateral, politically manipulated lists and classifications, which contravene international law. We reaffirm the importance of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the primary responsibility of States to implement it in a transparent and balanced manner across its four pillars. We call on the international community to seek consensus with a view to advancing negotiations on and adopting a comprehensive convention on international terrorism that includes provisions on State terrorism, closes the existing legal loopholes and harmonizes the wide range of different legislation on this issue. Terrorism cannot be eradicated while the double standards, manipulation, political opportunism and selectivity that are being used to address it are allowed to prevail. As reflected in the Secretary-General’s report, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals remains a challenge, with developing countries facing a high risk of being left behind. We continue to bear the brunt of hunger, extreme poverty, the negative effects of climate change and the consequences of the current deeply unjust and exclusionary international economic and financial order. The calls for reforming the international financial architecture must not remain a mere dream; they need to be translated into concrete actions. The United Nations has a role to play in that regard, which is why we are grateful to the Secretary- General for taking the initiative to achieve progress on that issue. A comprehensive and lasting solution to the problem of foreign indebtedness is urgently needed. Developing countries cannot move forward if their debt burdens are so heavy that they that they hinder their efforts to focus on development. We reiterate the importance of the fulfilment by developed countries of their official development assistance commitments. As mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report, nearly 20 years after the start of discussions on the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, the international community adopted a historic agreement, the international legal instrument known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. The text that was adopted is first and foremost a victory for developing countries, which came together to shape an ambitious and very progressive treaty. Cuba, as Chair of the Group of 77 plus China for the year 2023, is proud to have led the countries of the South in that important process in its final phase. The determination of the South enabled the inclusion of a truly balanced model for the sharing of benefits derived from the use of marine genetic resources and digital sequence information. Our delegation recognizes the efforts of the Secretary-General to find solutions to the multiple crises facing humankind. In that regard, we believe that the negotiation process leading up to the Summit of the Future must culminate in tangible outcomes that will keep alive the objective of eradicating poverty and hunger. We also stress the importance of avoiding any initiatives that seek to ignore or change the intergovernmental nature of the Organization. Cuba believes that there is no room for negotiation when it comes to the intergovernmental nature of the United Nations, which is a basic pillar of the Organization. With regard to the delicate financial situation facing the Organization, we believe that it is urgent to publicly identify those countries whose debts to the United Nations amounted to several millions of dollars as of the end of last year. That situation is the result of the irresponsible actions of the largest contributor, which, despite its considerable wealth, has decided to jeopardize the stability of the Organization. Moreover, that is a deliberate action, because while assessed contributions to the Organization are scarce, the amount of voluntary contributions, of specific relevance to donors, exceeds more than $10 billion every year. It is time to publicly expose those who are attacking this institution, which is the heritage of all humankind. Let me conclude by reiterating our support for the efforts of the President, especially in the defence of multilateralism and international law, diplomacy for peace, development and respect among nations.

My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by the representative of Uganda, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China (see A/78/PV.24), and by the representative of Botswana, on behalf of the Group of African States. We have taken note of the Secretary-General’s report (A/78/1) and commend him for his comprehensive briefing on his priorities for 2024. The report comes at a time when the international community is facing multiple crisis and interlinked challenges, which require us to take a unified and multilateral approach. The United Nations should remain engaged in making every effort to prevent, mitigate, manage and resolve conflicts around the world, while making the protection of the people affected by them one of its main priorities and concerns. In that context, we take note of the number of special political missions and the 12 peacekeeping operations around the world. On the peace and security agenda, we would like to emphasize the strategic importance of the United Nations continuing to work closely with the African Union and regional partners, particularly within the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security. The United Nations cooperation with regional and subregional organizations is paramount for promoting dialogue, preventing conflicts, advancing political processes, achieving ceasefires and ensuring the peaceful settlements of disputes. Angola encourages the Secretary-General to keep pushing for a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stimulus to address the global financing crisis with the aim of mobilizing $500 billion in new investments to offset the challenging market conditions faced by developing countries and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. It is also important to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs, particularly on health, the environment and education-related issues. As Member States continue their negotiations on the Summit of the Future, Angola would like to recommend a more inclusive, unified and complementary approach to key issues, as we continue pursuing that common path to a promising future for present and future generations. The Global Digital Compact should prioritize the development dimension, giving an opportunity to developing countries to benefit from the opportunities offered by technological advancements. In that context, it is important to end any discriminatory restrictions and ensure that processes such as the Global Digital Compact and the World Summit on the Information Society General Review contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the swift achievement of the SDGs by responding to the concerns, priorities and needs of developing countries in the field of technology. Angola stands for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations system with the aim of significantly contributing to maintaining the principles, objectives and ideals of the Charter of the United Nations for a fairer world, based on universalism, equity and regional balance. On Security Council reform, we appreciate the innovative features introduced during the previous session of the General Assembly, including the launching of the intergovernmental negotiations website and the introduction of a webcast for some of the sessions of the negotiations. Angola also defends the need for meaningful progress based on a proposal presented by Member States that should lead to text-based negotiations. In addition, we take this opportunity to reiterate that there is growing consensus that Africa’s position in favour of being allocated two permanent seats on the Council should be seen as a special case, and we would like to see substantive progress on that front. Finally, Angola encourages and supports the Secretary-General to keep using his executive power, when necessary and in consultation with Member States, to take the lead in maintaining our common responsibility to find creative and comprehensive solutions to the challenges our world is confronted with today, which require a multilateral approach and joint political resolve.

I thank the Secretary- General for his report on the work of the Organization (A/78/1) and his comprehensive briefing this morning (see A/78/PV.54). The Charter of the United Nations established the three founding pillars of the United Nations system: peace and security, human rights and development. Those pillars have been the guiding principles of the Organization. We Member States have a responsibility to promote and protect their integrity. Despite various challenges, the work of the Organization reveals that we have still been able to achieve much. Those achievements are the result of our collective pursuit of a people-oriented and people-centred approach across the United Nations system. Centring our work on the three pillars of the Organization will create conditions that are conducive to yielding positive developments, especially in countries in special situations and countries affected by conflict. In my country, Myanmar, the failed illegal coup is now in its fourth year. Over the past three years, the biggest loss has been that of human life. More than 4,400 people have been brutally killed by the junta. More than 25,000 people have been arbitrarily arrested. More than 2.6 million people have been internally displaced. More than 86,000 civilian properties, including religious buildings, have been destroyed or burned down by the junta forces. Almost 19 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Half of the population have been thrown into poverty. Democratic forces are gaining ground. The military junta is losing every day. But it continues to use fighter jets and helicopters to conduct aerial attacks on civilian areas, including schools, hospitals and religious buildings. Just last Monday, it conducted air attacks on a school in Demoso, Karenni, in Kayah state, killing a number of children and injuring many. The military junta has fractured the national reconciliation and peace process. Following the illegal coup, transnational organized crime, such as online scams and human and drug trafficking, have exponentially increased across the border area, threatening regional peace and security. The situation in Myanmar is political in nature, and addressing the humanitarian or development needs without addressing the root causes is neither sufficient nor sustainable. A holistic approach is needed to address the issue of Myanmar. Humanitarian issues should never be politicized under any circumstances. Any action or initiative with regard to Myanmar should not be taken at the expense of the people of Myanmar; instead, they should save people’s lives and help the people in their efforts to end the military dictatorship and build a federal democratic union. We are of the view that full and equal attention must be paid to all conflicts around the world in which war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed on a daily basis. The situation in Myanmar is no exception. We hope that the contributions of the United Nations, the United Nations country team and its agencies in Myanmar, particularly in conflict-affected areas, can be more equitably reflected in the next report under this agenda item. I thank the Secretary-General for his call for sustained international and regional attention to help urgently forge a path towards a democratic transition and a return to civilian rule in Myanmar. It is imperative for the United Nations to play a more active role in keeping the situation in Myanmar on its agenda. To that end, we call for the urgent and swift appointment of a Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Myanmar. In conclusion, the United Nations should continue to centre its work on the people and the Organization’s three pillars in order to leave no one behind. Member States and the international community must continue to pay serious attention to the plight of the people of Myanmar and take effective and coordinated actions to eradicate the military dictatorship and build a federal democratic union in Myanmar. The United Nations must not fail the people of Myanmar.

Allow me, through you, Mr. President, to thank the Secretary-General for presenting his report on the work of the Organization (A/78/1) and his priorities for 2024 (see A/78/PV.54). We align ourselves with the statements delivered on behalf of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect (see A/78/PV.54). Crises in many parts of the world, including wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East, humanitarian emergencies, as well as the rise of autocratic regimes, terrorist activities, transnational crime and human rights violations, are threatening us all. That is all compounded by the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Nevertheless, the Secretary-General’s report underlines some good developments: unprecedented humanitarian assistance, as well as efforts to improve implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Assessed contributions to the Peacebuilding Fund are another significant milestone, demonstrating the importance of peacebuilding, conflict prevention and sustaining peace for the United Nations. Only through networked multilateralism and solidarity can we achieve just and tangible results for all. Undertaking measures to strengthen inclusion and equity, the prevention of conflict, the protection of civilians, the empowerment of women and engagement with young people is the only way to ensure lasting peace and prosperity. Some colleagues who participated in the discussion today mentioned the importance of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) — and rightly so. Croatia, as Chair of the PBC at its seventeenth session, has worked to strengthen the role of the Commission in peacebuilding and sustaining peace. The PBC engaged with many countries and on issues related to transitional justice, national prevention strategies, indigenous peoples, women and youth and peace and security. It strengthened engagement with regional organizations, academia and civil society. The PBC also strengthened its advisory role with respect to the General Assembly and the Security Council and cooperated closely with the Economic and Social Council, in particular to address the root causes of conflicts.­ Working across all three pillars of the United Nations and strengthening the peace-humanitarian- development nexus should serve as our guidelines. There should be a recognition of the need for a stronger focus on prevention in addition to peacebuilding efforts in the aftermath of conflicts. The PBC can discuss the root causes of conflicts and how to strengthen the resilience of societies. It is also important to focus on the universality of peace, connecting it to national prevention strategies, which the PBC could periodically review. The United Nations, possibly through the PBC, could also engage in operational prevention through light-footprint missions to facilitate transitions from peacekeeping to peacebuilding, or to prevent a lapse or relapse into conflict. In that regard, we hope that peacebuilding, sustaining peace and the prevention of conflict and atrocity crimes will continue to be at the centre of the Secretary-General’s peace and security agenda. We hope that, as we embark on negotiations on the Pact for the Future and the review of the peacebuilding architecture in 2025, we will make further progress in addressing those important issues.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on agenda item 110. May I take it that the General Assembly takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization contained in document A/78/1? It was so decided (decision 78/545 B).

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 110?