YouSaid · the spoken record

Vince Henderson

lines on the record
61
first
2011-09-24
most recent
2013-09-24
sittings or episodes
3
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

  1. “The International Conference on Small Island Developing States, to be held in Samoa in 2014, presents an ideal opportunity for the international community to collectively chart a path towards the sustainable development of SIDS and to set the stage for the post- 2015 development agenda. The Commonwealth of Dominica remains committed to the progress made thus far, and it looks forward with eager anticipation to the forging of durable and sustainable partnerships.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  2. “Dominica, the nature island of the Caribbean, continues to navigate through waters made turbulent by a hostile international financial and trading system, the continued impact of climate change, the movement of small arms and light weapons from North to South, and the international trade in illegal drugs and the violence that they visit upon us. For those reasons, we again reiterate the importance of international support for SIDS. A post-2015 global development agenda must continue to build on the gains achieved under the Millennium Development Goals. It must focus on the sustainable use of resources to reduce the impact of climate change, to protect our seas and oceans and to promote the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources in the generation of energy able to power sustainable industrial development.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  3. “On 2 April, the Commonwealth of Dominica was one of an overwhelming majority of Member States that voted in favour of the first international treaty to regulate the trade of conventional weapons — the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Today, we are pleased that the ATT is now a reality. That is a significant milestone, as such regulations will serve to curb the illicit international sale of conventional weapons to unscrupulous parties. Moreover, the Commonwealth of Dominica is satisfied that the ATT will close loopholes that allow terrorists and other criminals to arm themselves and endanger innocent lives. To that end, my delegation is pleased to announce that Dominica has added its name to the list of signatories to that Treaty.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  4. “In that regard, my Government calls for a renewed political commitment by all countries to effectively address the special needs and vulnerabilities of SIDS. We believe that this will require consolidated effort focused on pragmatic actions for the further implementation of the Barbados Plan of Action and the Mauritius Strategy. Dominica laments the fact that international financial mechanisms have failed to fully recognize and support the vulnerabilities of SIDS, which must be allowed access to financing for development. The United Nations system needs to be strengthened to implement the Barbados Plan and Mauritius Strategy.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  5. “My delegation supports the call of the Secretary-General for resolution through dialogue and not through the use of military force or any other such action. Lasting peace can be achieved in Syria only through a negotiated political settlement that will facilitate reconciliation. What is required is the will of the international community to further that process. We commend the efforts of the United States of America and Russia in attempting to eliminate chemical weapons in Syria and move towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. As we prepare for Samoa 2014, the Commonwealth of Dominica is keen to make concrete progress for SIDS aimed at creating a future of prosperity and opportunity for all of our peoples.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  6. “That will help to improve their lives and allow the world to benefit from the tremendous contributions they are capable of making, especially in the areas of science and technology. The ongoing civil war in Syria continues to present a major challenge to the international community. The Commonwealth of Dominica joins CARICOM in unreservedly condemning the use of chemical weapons, which is a gross violation of international law. We call on all parties involved in the conflict to bring an end to the hostilities, which have claimed the lives of far too many innocent civilians, especially children. The world is watching. The role of the United Nations is central to resolving the Syrian conflict.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  7. “We extend our condolences to the Government and the people of Kenya and to the families of the Kenyans and the foreign nationals who met their deaths at the hands of those who have no respect for human life. We must continue to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The economic embargo against our brothers and sisters in Cuba continues to be a concern for us in the Caribbean. Unilateral actions by the United States of America continue to be the root cause of the suffering of our brothers and sisters in the Republic of Cuba. Our region of the Caribbean continues to witness the unheeded call for the lifting of a half-century economic embargo on our brothers and sisters. We call on the Government of the United States to support the full integration of the Cuban people into the global trading system.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  8. “Broad-based job creation and the achievement of social goals, such as education, women’s empowerment and health care, require sustainable industrial development. It must be underscored that, in the twenty-first century, industrialization must be inclusive and sustainable if all our present and future generations are to benefit. It must incorporate all citizens and be strategically tailored to preserve livelihoods for future generations. Sustainable development goals, however, cannot be achieved in the midst of wars between or within nations. The Commonwealth of Dominica condemns the act of terrorism at the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  9. “A sustainable development goal on oceans should therefore ensure that all fish stocks are harvested sustainably and preserve the health of the marine environment. That will require the protection of marine areas, the reduction of ocean acidification, the elimination of marine pollution and the cessation of disruptive fishing practices. There is general consensus that sustainable development and poverty eradication should form the core of the SDGs and the post-2015 development agenda. We cannot address the issue of poverty eradication without addressing the issues of wealth creation and economic growth. Developing countries, SIDS in particular, will be able to secure inclusive and sustained economic growth only through the development of the energy, agriculture and tourism sectors and associated industries.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  10. “Assistance from Japan will be invested in the first-ever ocean thermal energy feasibility study in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Ocean thermal energy is a resource common to all SIDS and represents a vast sustainable energy resource that, once developed, could also address a number of key climate-change adaptation challenges for islands, specifically in the area of fresh water and improved food security. About two thirds of the world’s surface is covered by oceans and seas connecting almost 90 per cent of the world’s population. Oceans and seas remain the source of food and livelihood for nearly 1 billion people. A post- 2015 agenda must address the important role of seas and oceans to the survival of peoples throughout the world, especially those who live on islands.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  11. “The Commonwealth of Dominica is privileged to be the chair of the 31-member Steering Committee of the Small Island Developing States Sustainable Energy Initiative, which is charged with guiding the development of the Initiative. I would therefore, on behalf of our members, like to express our sincere appreciation to the Governments of Denmark and Japan for their recognition and their financial support to the Initiative. The Initiative is well positioned to help tackle the effects of climate change while at the same time transforming energy sectors in small island developing States such as Dominica. Our Danish partners took the first bold move to support the Initiative, which was the catalyst for support from the Government of Japan.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  12. “We thank our partners, and especially the Clinton Climate Initiative, part of the Clinton Foundation, for their support in this endeavour. That transformation to a sustainable energy sector will deliver multiple significant benefits for Dominica, including increasing employment from new energy-service companies, minimizing foreign -exchange transfers for petroleum imports, reducing the cost of energy and minimizing the volatility and unpredictability of energy prices. Recognizing the inextricable link between energy and development, we expect that sustainable energy will find its rightful place on the agenda of the third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, to be held in Apia, Samoa, in 2014.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  13. “That initiative stands to benefit our people across the developing world and to contribute to more efficient energy systems in developed countries. The Commonwealth of Dominica maintains that sustainable energy is the foundation for long-term socioeconomic development. For that reason, Dominica is pleased to have joined the Sustainable Energy for All partnership. My Government, with assistance from its development partners, is committed to increasing renewable energy generation from the current 30 per cent from hydro to 100 per cent by adding geothermal energy to the mix. Our goal is to become not only carbon-neutral but carbon-negative by 2020. That ambition will be achieved by exporting renewable energy to our neighbours, Guadeloupe and Martinique, via submarine cables.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  14. “Their recommendations form the basis for one of the most important initiatives ever launched by a Secretary-General, namely, the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, launched in 2011. Through that visionary step, the Secretary-General has closed the gaping energy-poverty gap in the MDGs. Actions that will benefit our peoples should be at the heart of the functions of the Assembly. The Commonwealth of Dominica and other small and low- lying developing States that are members of the Small Island Developing States Sustainable Energy Initiative are grateful to the Secretary-General for his dedication, personal commitment and actions in helping to make the Sustainable Energy for All initiative a reality.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  15. “A meaningful agenda must take into account the significance of the need for an international legally binding commitment to combating climate change, the development and deployment of sustainable energy, the sustainable use of the oceans and marine resources, sustainable industrial development, and international peace and security. My delegation applauds the leadership and vision shown by the Secretary-General in declaring sustainable energy to be one of the priorities of his second term. We also congratulate the Secretary-General’s Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change, as well as colleagues within and outside the United Nations system, for their timely recommendations and for bringing needed visibility to the subject of sustainable energy.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  16. “The outcome of the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (resolution 66/288, annex) initiated an inclusive intergovernmental process for preparing a set of sustainable development goals (SDGs). My delegation believes that in order to arrive at a global development agenda for the post- 2015 period, there must be close linkages between the processes of the MDGs and the SDGs. The Commonwealth of Dominica therefore aligns itself with the theme set by you, Mr. President, “The post- 2015 development agenda: setting the stage”. It is imperative that the development agenda beyond 2015 remain the focus of the United Nations, particularly in terms of relieving poverty and protecting our planet.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  17. “The Government and people of Dominica express their sincere gratitude to the Governments of the People’s Republic of China, Venezuela, Cuba, Morocco, the European Union, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America and other bilateral and multilateral partners for the tremendous contributions they have made, and continue to make, in the development of our human-resource capacity and infrastructure and in the implementation of our public-sector investment programme. Our commitment to the MDGs should consist of a redoubling of efforts towards a post-2015 agenda that will bring about development that is inclusive and sustainable.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  18. “The more than 1 billion people who have known only darkness at the end of each day long for at least one light bulb in a rural home so that their children can have opportunities for a brighter tomorrow. We have run out of excuses for why we are still waiting to act or cannot act. Rest assured that our people will judge us harshly for failing to make a difference in their lives. Despite the current global challenges, South-South cooperation continues to play a significant role in helping small countries like Dominica to achieve their Millennium Development Goals.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  19. “We have reduced poverty and hunger by more than half. Our children, boys and girls, now have universal access to both primary and secondary education, as well as expanded access to post-secondary education and training. Our girls and women are not only being treated as equals with boys and men but have received tremendous support in improving their living conditions. Our elderly people and children enjoy free access to public health care. Dominica has continued to maintain its coveted title of “nature island of the Caribbean” by adhering to self-imposed sustainable environmental practices over the past several decades, a model that we hope more States around the world can emulate. As we approach 2015, we must resolve to take stock. We must be forever mindful that those who are condemned to poverty still await our intervention.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  20. “Thirteen years after collectively committing to meeting the needs of the poorest among us by attaining our noble Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), we have made some progress globally, but we are still far from fully reaching our targets. Despite the challenges brought about by an increasingly hostile global environment, Dominica has made meaningful progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The Government of Dominica has accepted that it is through the development of our human resources that we will be able to truly attain development that is inclusive and sustainable. As a result, our Government has kept our people at the centre of development. We have been able to bring significant improvements in the lives of our people and to attain all the Millennium Development Goals, despite our limitations.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  21. “I would like to begin by congratulating you, President Ashe, from our sister island of Antigua and Barbuda, which is also a member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), on your well- deserved election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session. The Government and the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica are proud of your appointment and wish you success in presiding over the General Assembly. We also express our appreciation and gratitude to your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Vuk Jeremi., for his guidance during the sixty-seventh session.”

    2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)

  22. “May we all rise to the occasion and resolve to bring peace, security and prosperity to every corner of the globe. Before I finish, Sir, I hope that, given that I am the last speaker, you will allow me the latitude to address a word of thanks to the interpreters and the rest of the United Nations staff for their hard work over the past week. We know that their task has not been easy, and we appreciate their contribution. May God bless the United Nations. May God bless us all.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  23. “Associated with that illicit trade is the trafficking of narcotics through the Caribbean region, from South to North America, which has presented new challenges to the maintenance of peace and security in our region. It underscores the urgent need for a legally binding international instrument that addresses the control and monitoring of the illicit trade in small arms among States and non-State actors. In conclusion, Dominica remains committed to collaborating with the United Nations and all its agencies, as well as with all Member States, to strengthen the mission of this noble body that, notwithstanding its imperfections, is critical to maintaining world peace and security. We reaffirm our confidence in the United Nations system as the ultimate negotiating and deliberative body for addressing the major challenges confronting the world.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  24. “As leaders, the task is now ours to finalize a legally binding document in the interests of the protection of our people.Dominica remains optimistic that that can be achieved during the current session of the General Assembly, and we reaffirm our commitment to the realization of a robust arms trade treaty. Dominica would like to take this opportunity to applaud the role and efforts of the United Nations in combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the global community. The long- term socioeconomic development of many nations, particularly SIDS such as Dominica, is severely compromised because of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in our region.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  25. “Our region continues to be affected by an increase in gangs and violent criminal activities born out of the trade and transfer of illicit arms and drugs throughout the Caribbean region, from North to South America. We are therefore perturbed that, despite four weeks of rigorous deliberations and intense negotiations, the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty did not result in the finalization of the treaty. However, like the rest of our CARICOM colleagues, we believe that the 26 July text from the Chair of the Conference provides a blueprint for a possible final document.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  26. “The Caribbean region also continues to witness the unheeded call for the discontinuation of the economic, financial and trade embargo on our brothers and sisters in the Republic of Cuba. We call upon the Government of the United States to allow the people of Cuba to be fully integrated into the global trading system, thereby enabling them to improve their lives and allowing the world to benefit from their tremendous contributions, especially in the area of science and technology. The international trade, transfer and use of conventional arms, weapons, munitions and ammunition continue to threaten international peace and security. Dominica, like its sister nations in CARICOM, is not immune to that debilitating phenomenon.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  27. “While we are heartened by the attention that has been given to the recent outcries from some corners of the globe, we remain concerned that in our part of the world the cries of people who have been suffering for decades have aroused less sympathy. The suffering of our brothers and sisters in the Republic of Haiti persists, much to the concern of Dominica and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). We are grateful to those countries that have responded and to others that have supported and continue to support the rebuilding efforts in Haiti. However, we are still far from assisting the people of Haiti to reach a state of normalcy where they can enjoy the basic necessities of life. We therefore call upon the international community to heed the cry of Haiti and to provide support in the rebuilding efforts.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  28. “The response should not be selective or be based on narrow national interests. Injustice anywhere and in any form should not be tolerated. The so-called Arab Spring has been one expression of people’s discontent. The international community must support the wishes of people as they struggle to create their own democratic systems, driven by their aspirations. The recent spate of attacks on United States missions and personnel, or attacks on the diplomatic facilities of any country, does nothing to advance the causes of those who may be marginalized or who feel offended by other democratic systems. Regardless of what may have led to the protests, the Commonwealth of Dominica condemns those unjustified attacks, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of life of United States Ambassador Christopher Stevens and his colleagues.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  29. “That, coupled with our sustainable development practices, means that Dominica will go beyond carbon neutrality to being carbon-negative by the year 2020. Like Dominica, many SIDS are pursuing national renewable energy initiatives, and more than 20 SIDS have made pledges under the Sustainable Energy for All initiative. However, unsustainable debt and the lack of technology make it impossible for them to achieve their goals. We therefore invite other developed countries and the international community to join the Governments of Denmark and Japan and the Clinton Climate Initiative in the SIDS DOCK partnership, and the Government of Norway in its Energy for All initiative, in providing critical support to SIDS. The global community should heed the prolonged, and in some cases recent, cries of peoples around the world.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  30. “The Government of Dominica, as trustee of the island’s resources on behalf of its people, is therefore ensuring that it manages that process responsibly. We have sought and are receiving assistance from some of the most reputable consultants in the world. The support of the Clinton Climate Initiative has allowed us to navigate through the complex challenges of the project. We therefore wish to express our gratitude to President Bill Clinton for his continued support in that initiative. We anticipate that, by 2017, all of our electricity needs will be met by a combination of sources, namely, hydro and geothermal. By 2020 we expect to be exporting electricity to our neighbouring islands via submarine cables.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  31. “We are pleased to announce that the recently concluded test- drilling in the Roseau Valley has confirmed that our geothermal resources have the potential to supply our domestic needs and provide an exportable surplus. That will allow us to move away from the importation of fossil fuel for the generation of electricity within the next five years, while also reducing the cost of electricity for our people. At the same time, the development of a power plant for export to the French territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique will provide a source of revenue for the island. Negotiations are ongoing and expected to conclude by the end of 2012. Work is expected to commence on the first power plant in the first quarter of 2013. Dominica’s energy initiative has the potential to transform its economy and to improve the quality of life of its people.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  32. “My delegation, on its own behalf as well as that of SIDS DOCK, fully endorses the Barbados Declaration on Achieving Sustainable Energy for All in Small Island Developing States, signed by ministers and other heads of delegation of the Alliance of Small Island States at the ministerial conference held in Bridgetown in May. The commitments made and targets set to increase the percentage of renewable energy and increase energy efficiency in energy portfolios are testimony to our region’s commitment to the Secretary- General’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative. We congratulate the Secretary-General on launching the initiative, which SIDS DOCK joined and is committed to actively supporting. Dominica, the “Nature Island”, continues to pursue the development of its geothermal resources.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  33. “The savings realized from avoiding the cost of importing fossil fuels could be used for adaptation and developmental needs. For that and other reasons, the SIDS Sustainable Energy Initiative, known as SIDS DOCK, was instituted. The Initiative currently provides a global platform for SIDS to pursue their renewable energy ambitions by building capacity and by providing technical support to member States. The Governments of Denmark and Japan, the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank continue to play a significant role in making energy independence a reality for SIDS. The recent partnership with the Clinton Foundation has given new hope to a number of islands that are vigorously pursuing their renewable energy aspirations. Dominica has the honour of serving as Chair of SIDS DOCK.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  34. “One major contributor to climate change is the consumption of fossil fuels for the production of electricity. The importation of fossil fuels also has the greatest impact on the economic vulnerability of many small island developing States. Addressing energy issues is therefore central to responding to the challenges of climate change and sustainable development. Today, there is still a significant portion of many remote and rural island communities that has little or no access to modern and affordable energy services. The low-carbon economies in SIDS therefore provide an opportunity to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, while decreasing dependence on imported fossil fuels. By generating their own energy from natural renewable sources, SIDS will be able to achieve energy security.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  35. “The impact of climate change continues to manifest itself in a number of ways, resulting in greater challenges to the survival of SIDS. The failure to date to reach a legally binding outcome on climate change is a cause of grave concern. While the debate continues, the challenges to our islands increase. We are encouraged, however, by the fact that the recently concluded climate talks in Bangkok prepared a fertile ground for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Doha later this year. Nevertheless, Dominica continues to stress the importance of extending and amending the Kyoto Protocol before it lapses. The timely creation of a road map for a new legally binding document must be treated as a matter of urgency. We look forward to the Doha talks, of which we have great expectations.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  36. “That is clearly demonstrated by our approach to sustainable development as the “Nature Island”. The sustainable use of our natural resources has contributed to our tourism product, while at the same time blessing our citizens with the most beautiful place on Earth to call home. Notwithstanding that, our great vulnerability continues to put us at the mercy of countries that promote and employ unsustainable practices. The challenges include an international economic system dominated by the strong and the powerful that pays little or no regard to the vulnerable. If multilateralism is to survive, we need to focus on correcting that lopsided system, which is destined to annihilate SIDS. Dominica’s very vulnerability to the effects of global warming underscores our commitment to a multilateral approach aimed at combating climate change.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  37. “More important, the outcome document is indicative of what the international community can achieve when collective energies are harnessed to present an international response. The Commonwealth of Dominica is pleased that Rio+20 reaffirmed an international commitment to support small island developing States. We especially welcome the agreement to convene the third Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of SIDS in 2014 in the Pacific region. In fact, we are of the view that the third Global Conference will provide an opportunity for the implementation of the outcomes of Rio+20, the Barbados Programme of Action and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action. As a small island developing State, Dominica is committed to the fundamental principle of environmental sustainability.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  38. “The unsustainable consumption and production systems that continue to deplete the world’s resources and that simultaneously contribute to global warming remain a major threat to the survival of those of us who live close to the world’s oceans. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) was a commendable effort by the international community to take stock of the human impact on the Earth’s resources and to commit to reversing the present trend. The outcome document, entitled “The future we want” (resolution 66/288, annex), falls short of our expectations. However, it remains a work in progress and presents a useful platform for the ongoing discussion of multilateral resolutions to the growing concern of sustainable development.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  39. “We therefore need the political will to harness those opportunities for the benefit of our peoples. That would necessarily require the transformation of multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, including its organs and agencies, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to reflect equity and inclusion. Those changes must be supported by a shift in our systems of production and consumption and by a new economic system, built on the principles of fairness and differentiated treatment on the basis of the unique challenges of countries, especially the vulnerability of small island developing States (SIDS). I am confident that, with such an approach, we will be able to overcome those challenges in a functioning multilateral system.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  40. “On behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I would like to congratulate Mr. Jeremić on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-seventh session and to wish him every success. We also express our appreciation and gratitude to his predecessor, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, for the able manner in which he presided over the sixty- sixth session. The sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly has convened at a time when we face myriad challenges — the impact of climate change, civil conflicts, hunger and starvation, poverty, HIV/AIDS and chronic non-communicable diseases. Those challenges, however, are equally matched by the tremendous opportunities created by the rapid advancement in science and technology and the unprecedented level of international cooperation.”

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  41. “We look forward to the implementation of the Political Declaration (resolution 66/2) and call on the developed countries to partner with us in our various efforts to combat NCDs. Finally, Dominica wishes to reaffirm its confidence in the United Nations system as the ultimate negotiating and deliberating body for addressing major challenges confronting the world. The Assembly can count on Dominica’s commitment to working in close collaboration with the United Nations agencies and respective Member States to strengthen the mission of this body. We cannot overemphasize the fact that, notwithstanding its many limitations and imperfections, the United Nations system is critical to maintaining world peace and security and an international humanitarian system. The world today is a much better place because of the United Nations.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  42. “We have further implemented a number of measures as part of our multisectoral efforts to include education; the strengthening of our primary health-care system with the contribution of our partners, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Republic of Cuba; the promotion of healthy lifestyles; greater access to treatment and free health care; and appropriate legislative and policy changes. The Government of Dominica endorses the leadership taken by the Caribbean Community in this regard. We remain committed to the well-being of every citizen. We join our CARICOM colleagues in thanking the United Nations Member States and Secretariat for convening the successful High-level Meeting on NCDs.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  43. “NCDs pose one of the greatest challenges to the health and development of Dominica, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the rest of the world. The severe impacts of non-communicable diseases continue to place tremendous pressures on our health-care systems, productivity and already overburdened and struggling economies. It was for these reasons that the CARICOM Heads of Government issued the Port of Spain Declaration in 2007 to promote healthy lifestyles and to combat NCDs in our region. Prior to and since the declaration, the Dominican Government has adopted a national policy on NCDs.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  44. “We all accept that it is critical to collectively address the impact of climate change, to resolve conflicts throughout the world and to enhance peace and security for humanity. All these efforts, however, will be of little value to our peoples if we are not able to ensure that they are healthy. The United Nations has shown exemplary leadership in dealing with the fight against HIV/AIDS, together with its partners. This same leadership must now be given to the fight against non-communicable diseases. The frightening statistics of 2008 issued by the World Health Organization, which estimated that 36 million deaths worldwide were due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), suggests that this phenomenon is not unique to any one region and therefore cannot be downplayed.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  45. “The paralysis of reconstruction and development activities has been the hallmark of the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated that country in January 2010. We recognize the tremendous challenges to the reconstruction efforts and wish to thank those countries, institutions and individuals who have contributed and continue to contribute towards this process. We again call on those who have made pledges to make good on their commitments in order to accelerate the reconstruction efforts. The presence of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) remains critical to the reconstruction efforts by providing security and support to the people of Haiti. We therefore urge the Security Council to extend the tenure of MINUSTAH to facilitate the efforts of the new Administration of His Excellency President Michel Martelly.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  46. “I also highlighted the need for multilateralism and for cooperation between and among States. These challenges can be overcome only in a global environment where there exists respect for one another’s territorial integrity, non-interference in one another’s domestic affairs, respect for sovereignty and the right of self- determination. It is in this context that we again call on the United States of America to discontinue its economic blockade against the people of the Republic of Cuba. I also welcome the support of the President of the Assembly in keeping our sister island of Haiti on the global stage. There are few words left to describe the dire misery in which our brothers and sisters in Haiti are living.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  47. “The ability of the Security Council to adequately respond to new and changing world dynamics rests with its acceptance of the need for continuous reform to adapt to the times, including a recognition of the increase in size of the United Nations membership and global economic power shifts. Reform reflects more than representation and, in this situation, should promote adaptation to the needs of Members and the drafting of strategies that would contribute to ending wars and halting disputes. In that regard, we welcome Mr. Al-Nasser’s proposal of “The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means” as the theme for the high- level debate at the opening of this session of the General Assembly. 11-51687 6 Earlier I spoke of the threats which plague mankind in this era of globalization.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  48. “Of particular importance is the 2012 review of the 2001 Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, as well as the 2012 United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty. In the absence of these and other initiatives to help combat global insecurity, threats to global peace and security will continue to multiply in both intensity and form. Multilateralism must take centre stage in the struggle to deal with these challenges. The work of the United Nations is therefore paramount in maintaining world peace and security. In its maintenance of this role, the United Nations must be able to clearly demonstrate legitimacy and fairness in its actions, cognizant always of the need to protect the most vulnerable.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  49. “The Caribbean region is not a manufacturer of arms or ammunition, yet large quantities of illegal firearms and ammunition often associated with the illegal drug trade are transferred across our borders, infiltrating our society and causing mayhem and death, overburdening our health-care system and contributing to the destabilization of economic progress and well-being. The region has lost some of its most productive members to this unregulated transfer of arms. This is an unsustainable situation for any country, but even more so for small island States. Negotiations on an arms trade treaty are welcome, and, as stated in the Caribbean Community Declaration on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Dominica is committed to full and active participation in all efforts related to the issue of small arms.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)

  50. “Any renewed commitments and agreements reached at Rio+20 must address the major impediments to implementing these summit outcomes, including the limited technical, financial and human resources, as well as the impact of exogenous factors, particularly the global financial crisis. There is no denying the importance of national security to a society; thus the unregulated, non-standardized and highly dangerous trade in arms and ammunition poses great threats to law and order in our societies.”

    2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)