YouSaid · the spoken record

Lotay Tshering

lines on the record: 28
first: 2019-09-24
most recent: 2021-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“It calls for us to act in unity. For Bhutan, everyone came forward to show solidarity to shield our country from the pandemic under His Majesty’s leadership. If not, this small, resource constraint country would have been crushed in the stampede of the COVID19 pandemic. Our unique system is beyond conventional definition of progress and prosperity. A country’s future is not just founded based on economic might and technological advancements but on the integral values of human bonding and respect. And in this, His Majesty is our true hope and our future. I feel this is our biggest strength to come out of any adversities, just as we did this time. With prayers from Bhutan to the rest of the world I thank you all for listening. I wish the 76th session of the UN General Assembly every success. Thank you and Tashi Delek.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In conclusion, we all know that COVID-19 will leave behind a different world. But what sort of a world we want lies in our hands. Mr. Secretary General’s report titled “Our Common Agenda” offers all of us a good reference point for our collective progress. For this, I thank the Secretary-General for coming out with this comprehensive and bold report for a greener and safer world. Please know that Bhutan is committed to working with other Member States in advancing the ideas in the report. We have full confidence in your leadership to spearhead Our Common Agenda. I want to share that it was almost as if the theme of the general debate was designed for Bhutan. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on our hope as a nation. The pandemic brought out the very essence of GNH, which seeks collective happiness and not just of oneself.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In order to safeguard the health of the protected areas, and the livelihood of people living there, a Royal Charter was issued for an innovative funding mechanism called Bhutan for Life. We consider these as our eternal NDCs from Bhutan. If we mean what we say about working for the next generation, we must talk about tough climate laws as a component of NDCs from all countries. Excellencies Despite being a small developing nation, as a GNH country, we always believe in global peace and harmony. Bhutan joined the peacekeeping fraternity in 2014. Since then, our involvement with UN Peace Keeping has grown. We are now set to deploy a Bhutanese Quick Reaction Force for the first time this year. I thank the UN for trusting us. I am confident that our troops will live up to His Majesty’s aspirations of serving with distinction and honour.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Forget meeting the nutritional requirements, we are struggling to ensure adequate quantity. We must coordinate clear action plans to meet the immediate food shortage and long term sustenance plan. In all the discussions about food security, one immediate challenge besides the pandemic is the climate change that has tested the resilience of the food we grow as well as the patience of the growers. Which is why it is time for action now. On Bhutan’s part, our visionary monarchs have maintained high legal standards to safeguard our natural heritage. We have a dedicated chapter on environment in our Constitution, which mandates 60 per cent forest coverage and maintain inter-generational equity of our natural resources. We have more than half the country as protected areas.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The nomenclature of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 clearly indicate that there will be successive outbreaks of infectious diseases. It is a matter of when. I mean nobody knows where SARS-CoV-3 is getting incubated. Therefore, our focus to build back better can never be good if we don’t emphasise on health and quality healthcare that is easily accessible and affordable by everyone. We must also be mindful that immediate disease outbreak could be potentially from the pandemic induced starvation and poverty. The pandemic has disrupted the already weak global food system. The Asia-Pacific region alone has 90 million people pushed back into extreme poverty in the aftermath of the current health crisis. I shared my concern during the UN food system summit the day before.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“I feel when Bhutan’s socioeconomic transformation is reviewed later, our human development initiatives, guided by our King, will be the chapter that would have truly steered our nation into the 21st century. I am highly appreciative of the fact that the UN instruments are sensitive in picking this up. A special recognition was awarded to His Majesty for his leadership in advancing human development and the wellbeing of Bhutanese people in 2019. Excellencies, We have immense lessons to draw from the pandemic, be it at national or global level. It has uncovered weaknesses and potentials of many nations and societies. But one lesson that we all must keep in mind is to be prepared with a more resilient system for future.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In another unique transformative step, the De-Suungs when not a part of COVID-19 related duties, are engaged in various skilling and re-skilling programs across the nation. We know that the pandemic has forced many out of jobs and their basic skills have become irrelevant. The ILO projects the global shortfall of jobs to be 75 million this year and 23 million in 2022. This means unless we re-tool ourselves in keeping with the change, it will be difficult to find gainful employment and other opportunities for many. The ongoing youth engagement programs are major steps to recover from the pandemic. While the effects may not be immediate, down the years, it would have been one of the main reasons for us to come out of the pandemic stronger.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Here, let me share that it is as though His Majesty saw the pandemic coming. In 2011, an extensive program that engaged citizens in a greater role of nation building, calling it De-Suung, the Guardians of Peace, was started. It recharged the entire spirit of volunteerism, opened world of opportunities for our youth and injected sense of purpose and responsibility. Thousands of youth were involved in the programs that created a mass societal shift. When disease entered the country, the De-Suungs in their orange uniform were helping guard the borders and entry points, ensuring everyone followed the COVID-19 norms and even became a part of the paramedics. This made a huge impact in efficient management of the pandemic.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The process to overhaul the civil service in consonance with education reform is underway. This is an unprecedented move. A nationwide roll-out of Bhutan baccalaureate system is in progress following successful trial of a formative education system in the last ten years. Knowing that the path ahead is ICT driven, we have started digital initiatives with the ultimate goal for everyone in Bhutan to have a digital ID, as a build-up for Big Data system. Some other components are ICTisation of schools, Integrated Taxation System, and electronic Patient Information management. On the other hand, our Central Bank is also piloting a project on digital Ngultrum, Bhutan’s currency, using block chain technology. This is to adapt with the overall ICT transformation and harness technology for a 21st-century Bhutan.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Let me also mention that in the entire process of battling the pandemic, we ensured the routine health services were delivered uninterrupted. Besides the regular vaccination programs, we introduced HPV vaccines for the first time for our boys and flu shots for everyone amid the pandemic. We also launched nationwide program on prevention and early detection of the three most common cancers in Bhutan-stomach, breast and cervical. All these are aligned with the royal visions enshrined in the Constitution that mandates the State to provide free health and education. His Majesty tells us that quality health and education, made affordable and available to all, are the biggest social levellers. Excellencies, Just like the rest of the world, we are also looking at the pandemic as an opportunity to reset ourselves.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Complementing all the noble efforts, Her Majesty The Queen showed personal care and initiated targeted inventions for the vulnerable sections of our society with emphasis on mental health care and services in the country. When the world was dealing with the unprecedented plight that questioned our survival and livelihood daily, we sailed through with a minimum scratch from the pandemic. To update, we have seen only three COVID deaths and slightly over 2,500 cases so far, most of which were imported cases. Similarly, our vaccination coverage for 12 years and above is almost 80 percent, as I speak. Despite being resource constraint, we have not compromised on the quality and standards of the COVID measures.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“for the simple reason that our monarchs have been selfless for the nation and the people. But when COVID-19 crisis unfolded, for Bhutan, we uncovered the true essence of our King’s leadership. In him, we saw a son who ensured the old and vulnerable people were protected from the infection. In him, we saw a brother who travelled tirelessly throughout the country, uplifting the spirits of the front-liners, and working alongside to protect the people. In His Majesty, we saw a parent who ensured the livelihoods of all those affected. The supports ranged from emotional to cash to food. But of all, we saw a noble being who led with science and wisdom on one hand and care and compassion on the other.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“I am happy to see this concept reflected in Secretary General’s “Our Common Agenda” report, which I would like to touch upon later. The nation lived through major socioeconomic development, championing in conservation efforts and strengthening global ties. The world will recall that during the peak of his reign, our fourth King stepped down to offer the throne to his son and despite public resistance, he ushered in democratic transition. Destined to carry forward the legacy, Bhutan received a young and dynamic monarch, His Majesty The King, in 2006. We embarked on a new chapter. Just under two decades, people of Bhutan relished the reign of a King who was caring, learned and astute. For generations, Bhutanese have always loved and revered our Kings ...”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We are thankful that Bhutan has comparatively benefitted more. In the last 50 years, Bhutan was blessed with three successive monarchs. It was His Late Majesty the Third King who worked tirelessly to install Bhutan into the UN. It was a historic move to establish global diplomacy and harness meaningful friendship. The farsighted monarch led the country on the path of modernization, with focus on modern education and progressive techniques in all spheres. When the Fourth King took over soon after, he came with the profound development philosophy of Gross National Happiness in as early as 1972. As the term “GNH” became more pronounced over the years, the world appreciated its relevance in the sustainable and holistic format as opposed to the conventional GDP growth.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In addition to the UN and other partners, I thank the Government of India for your unconditional support all these years. We will continue to work closely with all our partners. Please allow me to talk a little more on the last five decades. During the 50 years, the global poverty rate dropped from 52 to 9 per cent. Life expectancy increased from 57 to almost 73 years. Bhutan’s was just 40 when we joined the UN. The infant mortality rate decreased from 98 to 27 deaths per 1000 live births. Similarly, the maternal mortality reduced from almost 400 to 200 deaths per 100,000 live births. The global literacy rate spiked from 67 to 86 percent. Without the coordinated global efforts through the UN, these progresses would not have been possible or worse, many nations could have slipped backwards.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“I would also like to thank Your Excellency as well as Prime Minister Johnson for organising the Leaders Roundtable on Climate Change five days ago. I spoke on behalf of the 46 LDCs and we are already excited for concrete results out of the COP26 in the coming month. I would like to inform the august gathering that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Bhutan’s membership to the UN. I was excited to attend the session and celebrate the milestone with you all, but the situation as you know did not favour our physical participation. I thank everyone at the organization and all the members for enriching Bhutan’s five decades of journey with the UN. We have come a long way. The fact that we are ready to graduate from the LDC category is a clear indication that our efforts together have born results.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Mr. President, Secretary General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, I bring you warm greetings from His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Queen and the people of Bhutan, the land of Gross National Happiness. I begin with prayers for all the precious lives lost to the pandemic and sincerely hope it comes to an end very soon. Congratulations Your Excellency Mr. Abdulla Shahid for the presidentship. I assure you my full support as you assume this role at a critical time. I also extend my gratitude to the 75th President for conducting the last session successfully. I take this opportunity to congratulate Your Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, on your re-election as the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Nobody else can give us better hope and guidance to build back from this pandemic than Your Excellency.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Similarly, in our interconnected world, we realize that international peace and security are shared responsibilities. Despite our constrained resources and other limitations, Bhutan joined the fraternity of troop-and police-contributing countries in 2014. Since then, our engagement in peacekeeping operations have gradually increased. As the first country to sign the Rapid Deployment Level agreement in December 2017, our pledged contingent is ready to be deployed to serve United Nations interests unconditionally. A few hours from now, I will board a flight for the long journey back home. I return with renewed confidence that Bhutan continues to enjoy goodwill and support from the international community. On behalf of my King, my Queen and the people of Bhutan, I offer sincere prayers for world peace.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In order to move ahead, we must work together as one global community, with the United Nations at the forefront. From our perspective, there is no alternative to multilateralism. At the same time, the United Nations must also evolve and keep up with changing realities. In particular, Bhutan considers that the existing structure and composition of the Security Council do not reflect the current realities and circumstances of the world. The reform of the Security Council must go hand-in-hand with the wider reforms of the United Nations system in order for the Organization to remain legitimate, effective and credible. Bhutan has long supported the aspirations of the Group of Four to serve as permanent members of an expanded Security Council, with, of course, Africa also appropriately represented.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Today, as we prepare to graduate from LDC status, our last-mile challenges include eradicating poverty, addressing income inequality and ensuring that vulnerable segments of the population do not fall back into poverty due to climate-change hazards and natural disasters. In addition, we are also confronted with inadequate resources and a lack of institutional capacity. I personally feel that the targets of SDG 17 will help my country graduate on a sure footing; I request our development partners to consider that. At a time when the relevance of multilateralism is often questioned, Bhutan’s faith in the United Nations remains unwavering. The challenges we face as a global community are too numerous and multifaceted for individual States to tackle on their own.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Bhutan is set to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category in 2023, coinciding with the completion of our ongoing five-year development plan. We have charted out a clear transition plan for graduation. To that effect, my Government has identified nine flagship programmes in critical sectors, which target multiple SDGs, including sustainable water management, waste management, organic agriculture, digital transformation, quality education and health care and, most important, economic diversification. We are mindful that Bhutan was found eligible for graduation based on social and income indicators during two consecutive triennial reviews. However, Bhutan did not meet the economic vulnerability index threshold either time.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“They later return with a terminal illness. By then it is too late to intervene. Such is the health of our environment. If we do not act now, we will leave an incurable, diseased planet. And none of us wants that. Our focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) resonates well with the principles of gross national happiness. It is perhaps for that reason that Bhutan is well on track to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We have in place a joint parliamentary committee comprised of members from both the upper and lower houses. In addition, Bhutan presented its voluntary national review of the SDGs in July 2018. At the SDG summit held earlier this week, we committed to submitting another review in 2020. Just as we did for the Millennium Development Goals, Bhutan aspires to be an early achiever of the SDGs too.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“I am pleased to share that my Government has adopted a national human settlement policy that places importance on environment-friendly and energy-efficient construction. Our energy comes from hydropower, which we all know is renewable. We are also taking initiatives to replace fossil fuels with clean energy. For instance, we have launched a package to procure 300 electric taxis, with support from the Global Environment Facility. That may appear to be few as an absolute number, but it is almost 10 per cent of the number of taxis in my capital. Ironically, those contributions and initiatives are rendered futile by the choices of others. I personally feel that those who can are not doing enough. As a practising surgeon, I always share the following analogy. We advise patients to refrain from ill habits. Some listen but most do not.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The cost of those referrals are fully borne by the Government. That also includes organ transplants, cardiac surgeries and even joint replacements. I am also pleased to share that universal health coverage should not be too difficult to achieve in Bhutan by 2030. With deepest appreciation and reverence to our visionary monarchs, I claim with pride that Bhutan is carbon-negative. The principles of gross national happiness — our philosophy of development with values — prevented us from exploiting our national resources for short-term gains. The Constitution mandates 60 per cent forest cover at all times; we have 72 per cent as of today. When climate change has become the greatest threat facing humankind today, is it not a wonder that a small country such as Bhutan had the foresight to take that path from early days?”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“All women civil servants in Bhutan are entitled to six months’ maternity leave, with full pay. We will implement that package through financial incentives to all mothers during the 1,000-day period. That will enhance proper care for both mother and child, including their nutritional requirements. As we all know, the health of the mother is equally important during that critical period. After those 1,000 golden days, the Ministry of Health will hand over the precious child to the Ministry of Education for early child care and formal education. That is in addition to totally free secondary and tertiary health care. Both modern and traditional medicines are housed under one roof across the country. For the services that are not available within Bhutan, we send our patients to high-end medical centres in neighbouring countries.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We would like to ensure that our children learn to become good human beings, with qualities such as compassion, empathy and respect for nature. Those are the main elements of the gross national happiness-based curriculum we have in the schools in Bhutan. We plan to enhance the school curriculum with practical lessons on climate change so that every student becomes a climate champion. A nation can grow only on the strong foundations of a good health-care system. Among the many health-care initiatives, my country is gearing up to launch the 1,000 Golden Days Plus package, which will make sure that every child is taken care of, even before he or she is born — from conception to the antenatal check-ups for mothers, institutional delivery, post-natal care, immunization schemes and exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of six months.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Although we are a resource-constrained country, our leaders have always insisted on strengthening the social sector. It is an investment. As we all know, it is never an expenditure. I am happy to share that, in July, my Government made teachers the highest-paid civil servants in Bhutan. We aspire to motivate teachers and attract the best and the brightest to that noble profession. It is only through investment in teachers that we can bring about significant improvement in the quality of education, work is under way in schools to encourage learning beyond textbooks and exams. While it may not be new to many members, we are also in the process of shifting from summative to formative learning. The focus of our education goes beyond imparting skills and knowledge.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“I have the honour to convey the greetings of His Majesty the King and the people of Bhutan. I am very happy to represent the land of gross national happiness for the first time at the General Assembly. Last year, with aspirations to serve my country, my party and I campaigned on a commitment to narrowing the gap. In the language of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we pledged to leave no one behind. Therefore, the theme identified for the general debate is relevant to me and my country. In order to narrow the gap, all our initiatives and decisions are focused on uplifting the poor. We are convinced that it is only through quality health care and relevant education that we can eradicate poverty in all its forms in the most sustainable manner. Our Constitution mandates free health care and education for all Bhutanese.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)