YouSaid · the spoken record

Carsten Staur,

lines on the record: 101
first: 2007-09-24
most recent: 2012-09-24
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“With the Lisbon Treaty in force, the European Union has established the necessary structures to take on the challenges of the twenty-first century and has enhanced its capacity as a global player. We look forward to seeing this reflected in the future position of the European Union in the United Nations, and we regret that it has not been possible to come to an agreement on this issue (see A/64/PV.122). The European Union will retain observer status at the General Assembly. The main effect of the draft resolution will be to enable the European Union’s new permanent interlocutors to represent the European Union effectively in the General Assembly, speaking on behalf of the European Union and of its member States, as agreed by them. The European Union has a clear commitment to effective multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The world is undergoing profound changes. Globalization is progressing at an unprecedented speed. The boundaries between domestic and foreign policy are evolving. Developments in one region of the world may trigger unintended actions in other parts of the world. New actors — for good or for bad — have stepped on to the international scene. The world is now on the way to recovery from the financial and economic crises of recent years. More structural challenges, such as climate change, poverty and demographic projections, as well as new security threats, however, will increasingly impact the global agenda. If we are to respond to such challenges, we need an effective multilateral system founded on universal rules and values and on global legitimacy. Here, we turn to the United Nations.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Multilateral cooperation is the best means of maintaining international peace and security and of responding to the challenges, risks and opportunities in an interdependent and globalized world. This Organization holds great legitimacy and moral force, and we encourage the United Nations — Member States, the entire organizational system and the Secretariat — to seize the moment and take the lead in addressing the new global challenges. An ambitious and successful outcome to the upcoming fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December would be a significant step in that direction.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The rapid creation of a new gender entity will represent a milestone in the important work of reforming the United Nations system. All United Nations entities, funds and programmes and the Secretariat need to act more coherently. On the operational side, we strongly support the “delivering as one” initiative which seeks to base the various parts of the system on a common understanding of needs and priorities and with full country ownership of the joint programme. It is a collective responsibility and an opportunity to comprehensively pursue that agenda. More effective and efficient ways of working system-wide are important; therefore, harmonization of the Organization’ s business practices must be accelerated across the system. The President returned to the Chair.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“There is a need to ensure quick, effective and efficient support in post-conflict situations and to strengthen peacebuilding efforts. The United Nations is uniquely suited to lead those efforts, and we welcome the strong emphasis on that issue and look forward to the review of the peacebuilding architecture next year. The work of the United Nations in the area of gender, women’ s rights and development has for too long been fragmented and underfunded. In that light, the recent decision by the General Assembly in resolution 63/311 to create a new gender entity within the United Nations is of great significance. We will support the Secretary-General in every possible way in his efforts to ensure the swift establishment of such an entity.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“However, the immense growth and the demand for strengthening the capacity to manage and to sustain those peacekeeping operations have revealed shortfalls pertaining to the decision-making processes and the engagements themselves. Denmark, therefore, warmly supports recent initiatives that would enable us to meet the growing demands with a system in place that is more effective, more transparent and more accountable. Security is a precondition to programme delivery. Some degree of risk cannot be avoided, but the challenge is to mitigate it. Denmark, therefore, supports the continuing overhaul of security assessments and procedures. However, the situation in a country after the end of a conflict is also often extremely volatile.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Bringing security and stability to the Somalis is of the highest priority, and Denmark supports the efforts of the United Nations and the African Union, and the Djibouti process. The United Nations itself must be able to change in order to effectively meet and deliver on all those new challenges. It is important to keep up momentum in the intergovernmental negotiations on reform of the Security Council in order to adapt that key body to the world of today. The United Nations peacekeeping commitments continue to play a decisive role in global peace and security, with now more than 100,000 peacekeepers deployed in nearly 20 missions globally.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Furthermore, Denmark is in favour of expanding the mandate of the 09-53165 32 Quartet to include a regional dimension. Also, the Syrian and Lebanese peace tracks should feature permanently on the agenda of the Quartet. Pirates operating in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia are a security challenge that poses new legal challenges. Denmark has taken the lead in the international community’s work to identify practical and legal solutions so as to ensure the prosecution of suspected pirates. We welcome the increasingly active involvement of the United Nations in that issue. In that respect, we have to remember that what is taking place on the open sea is closely linked to the situation on the ground in Somalia.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“I warmly welcome the efforts of the Government to fight terrorism, while, at the same time, it tries to alleviate the hardship experienced by Pakistan’s internally displaced persons (IDPs). It is a positive development that so many IDPs have returned. Now, a full and fast implementation of the Malakand development strategy is important. The deadlock in the Middle East peace process and the high level of regional tensions demand new international efforts to promote stability and peace in the region. We are encouraged to see the enhanced American engagement in the Middle East, and we urge all in the region and all parties to the Middle East conflict to honour the Road Map commitments, move speedily ahead and, once and for all, settle their differences in accordance with the international agreements and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The new Afghan compact to be built is that between the Government and the people, and our role should be to strengthen that compact and hold the Government accountable. In terms of the role of the international community, we need to be better coordinated and more effective in our support for building the capacity of the Afghan Government. In this the United Nations and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan play a crucial role. In neighbouring Pakistan, the international community and the Friends of Democratic Pakistan must seize the opportunity to support the democratic Government in fighting poverty and extremism. We must help Pakistan build a stable, democratic and prosperous State. This would be a significant contribution to peace and development in South Asia.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We welcome the negotiations between the United States and Russia on reductions to follow up on the Treaty on Strategic Offensive Arms, and we welcome President Obama’s commitment to the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, both of which will have a positive impact on the NPT Review Conference. I should like to take the opportunity to call on Iran and the Democratic People’ s Republic of Korea to comply with their obligations to suspend enrichment activities and to start negotiations on transparent civilian nuclear programmes, as set forth in Security Council resolutions. The election in Afghanistan was far from perfect. We need to engage with the new Government to create the crucial legitimacy between the Afghan Government and the Afghan people.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“I should also like to use this opportunity to encourage all United Nations Members that have not yet done so to become States parties to the International Criminal Court. There should be no impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious international crimes. Among the most serious present dangers to peace and security is the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. The upcoming Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is of utmost importance. The meeting of the Security Council on 24 September, headed by President Obama (see S/PV.6191), provided ample evidence.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In an increasingly globalized and dynamic world, where the problems we face tend to become ever more complex and intertwined, it is important to treasure and uphold the principles and the objectives enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations: to promote and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all; to establish conditions under which justice and respect for international obligations can be maintained; and to promote social progress and better standards of living. States must protect their own populations, and States must be accountable to the global community. In that context, I welcome the recent debate held in this Hall on the responsibility to protect, which showed overwhelming support for the concept on the part of Member States. It bodes well for our continued deliberations on that issue.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As recommended by the Africa Commission and the MDG3 Global Call to Action, both initiated by the Government of Denmark, there is a need to focus strongly on employment for young people, economic empowerment of women and private sector-led economic growth. Renewed focus on those policy areas will also be essential in coping with the economic crisis and its impact on the continent. As we embark on the final stage towards 2015, the upcoming 2010 MDG Summit gives us an important opportunity to identify means to speed up achievement of the MDGs. Denmark looks forward to this occasion and is ready to engage actively in the process.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The international community must assist the poorest of those countries in mitigating the immediate effects of the crisis, while at the same time ensuring that we do not lose sight of the longer-term challenges in relation to the MDGs and the climate change agenda. There is an imminent risk that the economic crisis will lead to the overall stagnation — or even the reduction — of official development assistance. That is a challenge we must counter and overcome, and it is more crucial than ever that all donors speed up delivery on their aid commitments. 31 09-53165 African countries, in particular, are facing significant obstacles in their efforts to achieve the MDGs.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“There is no contradiction between economic growth and ambitious policies to address climate change. Pursuing a green economy is possible, as shown by the example of, among others, my own country. And, in this context, it is also important to keep in mind the security risks emanating from climate change in all parts of the world. I welcome the Secretary-General’s recent report on this issue entitled “Climate change and its possible security implications” (A/64/350), and look forward to further deliberations on this topic. The ongoing financial and economic crisis is reversing hard-won progress in developing countries striving to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In this respect, I do welcome the leadership of the Secretary-General as demonstrated by his call for a Summit on Climate Change a few days ago and by his concluding remarks on that occasion. The message is clear: we must act now to avoid potentially disastrous changes in the global climate. The focus in Copenhagen three months from now will be on three deliverables. First, we must agree on a common goal for a significant reduction in global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and we must set clear targets for both medium and longer term. Secondly, we must agree on a pathway towards achieving these targets. And, thirdly, we must set in motion the policies and measures to sustain our efforts on that pathway. Reducing CO2 emissions is a challenge for industrialized countries, emerging economies and developing countries alike.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“At this moment in time, major economic and environmental challenges are giving rise to increasing global concerns and impacting people all over this planet. To meet those challenges effectively, we need, more than ever, a dynamic and proactive multilateral system. We need the United Nations to provide global answers to global challenges. In less than three months, we will meet again in Copenhagen to seal the deal on climate change. The effects of climate change are increasingly felt all over the world, not least in developing countries, and the whole world is looking to us for answers. And answers we must provide — new directions for the future, transformational changes in the way we do business and a new paradigm for growth and development.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“There can be no development without security and human rights, and vice versa. Progress is needed in all areas if we are to advance as a global community. And we must advance — in the area of development, in the area of peace and security, in the area of human rights and in the many areas that transcend borders. That can be achieved, however, only through multilateral cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, pandemics and climate change. Multilateralism is our only response to the challenges, risks and opportunities of an interdependent and globalized world. It is our responsibility to ensure that the United Nations is properly equipped to address global challenges and global opportunities.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Sub-Saharan Africa is lagging behind in its trajectory towards achievement of the MDGs. The Danish Government has therefore established an international high-level commission on effective development cooperation with Africa. The aim of the commission, in which a number of African leaders and United Nations officials are taking part, is to present creative and concrete recommendations regarding a cross section of young people, employment and economic growth. By May 2009, the commission will present its ideas and concrete proposals on how African countries and the international community can address those challenges prior to the 2010 review of the status of the implementation of the MDGs. In conclusion, let me reaffirm the interrelationship and interdependence of the issues that I have addressed.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Gender equality is a basic human right, and it is smart economics, too. On that basis, the Danish Government has initiated a specific call to action on gender equality and the empowerment of women. Another cross-cutting factor that might determine success or failure for all countries is governance. Political leadership, democratic institutions, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are called for not only nationally, but also internationally. The international rule of law, with a strong emphasis on respect for the fundamental principles of international law, respect for human rights and fighting impunity, is a key to international peace and stability. The evidence is loud and clear, and we need to focus our efforts. The evidence is equally loud and clear in another area.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We must discuss what the international community and the United Nations can do to assist States in meeting those obligations, and we 41 08-53135 must consider the means that are available to the international community when States manifestly fail to protect their populations. Last week, an impressive number of heads of State and Government took part in the first high-level follow-up to the Millennium Declaration and the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We are not on track, but we are not sidetracked either. We all have to make extra effort if we are to succeed, and we need to get our priorities right. A special focus on the empowerment of women is essential socially, politically and economically. Increased investments in women are crucial across all the MDGs, across all sectors.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The creation of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund was important in strengthening the Organization’s capacity and capability to build and cross that bridge, but so far it is only a footbridge. Much more engineering and craftsmanship are needed, including on the part of funds and programmes. At the 2005 World Summit, the concept of the responsibility to protect was endorsed. We must develop that concept further and ensure that States do their utmost to protect their own citizens from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The good offices of the Secretary-General, the mediation and conflict prevention efforts of the United Nations and its peacekeeping operations, which now entail 19 missions and more than 130,000 staff members, remain the backbone of United Nations peace and security efforts. However, we need to improve the capacity of the United Nations system to assist countries in early phases of recovery after conflict as well as countries with very weak institutions that might easily fall into conflict. That means building a stronger bridge from humanitarian assistance, political good offices and peacekeeping efforts to early recovery, peacebuilding, reconstruction and transitional assistance aimed at sustaining State-building and preventing weak States from lapsing back into conflict or chaos.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The United Nations has played a substantial role in promoting Kosovo’s development and is still present in Kosovo with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), together with a new substantial contribution from the EU regarding the rule of law: the European Union Rule of Law Mission Kosovo. By reconfiguring UNMIK, the United Nations has demonstrated substantial pragmatism and a willingness to cooperate actively with the EU. Later this year, the United Nations is expected to hand over to the EU Mission tasks related to the rule-of-law area, and we welcome that development.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The conflict in Georgia has not only dramatically affected the region but clearly also entails repercussions that go beyond it. However, not least because of the European Union and its French presidency, the international community has been able to contribute constructively to the process. Now it is up to all parties to the conflict to fulfil the conditions set out in the six-point agreement and the Moscow agreement and to act in a positive spirit to find long- term solutions to the conflict in a peaceful manner that also respects Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. This year saw a new country appear in the Balkans.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We urge the parties to the Middle East conflict to honour road map commitments and to settle their differences in accordance with the international agreements and the Arab peace initiative. I should also like to take this opportunity to strongly condemn the unacceptable remarks made by the President of Iran calling for Israel to be wiped off the map. In Burma, Cyclone Nargis killed more than 100,000 people earlier this year. The slow and inadequate reaction of the regime demonstrated its disregard for the welfare of its own people. The United Nations is working hard to ensure the initiation of a genuine political dialogue between the Government and the political opposition as well as the release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. We strongly support those efforts. In August, war erupted in the South Caucasus.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The Danish navy is taking an active role, together with the navies of other nations, in addressing that problem off the coast of Somalia and in the region. We need to increase our common efforts to address all aspects of fighting piracy, including strengthening the international legal framework for handling detained persons. Through the Copenhagen Process Denmark has taken the lead on the broader issue of handling detainees in armed conflict. We believe that there are already valuable lessons here that can also be applied in relation to piracy. In the Middle East, in spite of continuing violence, effective regional and international diplomacy has contributed to breaking the political deadlock in Lebanon. The Palestinians and the Israeli Government are also making progress.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Those responsible for the grave crimes committed in Darfur must be held accountable. Fighting impunity is a prerequisite for sustainable peace. We thus stress the need to comply with Security Council resolution 1593 (2005) and express our strong support for the International Criminal Court. 08-53135 40 In Zimbabwe, we hope that the power-sharing agreement will pave the way for durable peace and a return to democracy and rule of law, ending the suffering of the people of that country. In Somalia, the international community is trying hard to improve the deplorable situation on the ground and the prospects for a long-term political solution. The scourge of piracy is one of the factors undermining stability in Somalia.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In Afghanistan, measurable progress has been made, but the security situation remains challenging. Corruption and drugs are undermining the achievements made and the long-term development of the country. Denmark has significantly increased its engagement in the United Nations-mandated, NATO- led mission, and we have doubled our development assistance to Afghanistan. Much has been achieved, but the United Nations needs to play a much stronger role in coordinating the international engagement. A lack of success in Afghanistan would have serious regional ramifications. In Africa, the deployment of the African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur has been delayed owing to various factors, including actions by the Government of the Sudan allowing attacks and killings to go on.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In addition, we must focus on due process and sanctions, as it is becoming increasingly clear that a lack of adequate due process is hampering the efficiency of the sanctions system. Sixty years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, severe violations of human rights continue to take place. Extremists are trying to instigate a clash of civilizations by creating mistrust and polarization among various civilizations, cultures and religions. It is a major challenge for the United Nations to counter those trends and to promote the universality of human rights. The number of armed conflicts is steadily decreasing. The United Nations has played a major role in ensuring that positive trend. However, several bloody and difficult conflicts remain high on the international agenda.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“During the past weeks, we have witnessed new cruel and meaningless acts of terrorism. The evil terrorist attack in Islamabad on the Marriott Hotel on 20 September resulted in the loss of many innocent lives. Most of those who died were Pakistanis, but other nationalities were also included, one Danish person among them. That attack and others came only a few weeks after United Nations Member States had reaffirmed their commitment to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We must respond to such despicable acts of fanaticism with great determination to strengthen international cooperation in that area. All United Nations bodies must join in the fight against terrorism. We hope that, at its present session, the General Assembly will finally agree to a comprehensive convention on international terrorism.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“That consensus has been nurtured by the determined leadership of the Secretary-General, promoting global action to curb global warming, with the United Nations at its centre. Economic growth and environmental protection are fully compatible. The challenge is to establish a framework for low-carbon growth, in which increased energy efficiency, increased use of renewable sources of energy, carbon capture and storage, and the development of a global carbon market are vital elements. Denmark will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in 2009. The goal is to reach an agreement on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, making it an ambitious and truly global instrument. Momentum for a new comprehensive and ambitious international climate agreement is growing day by day.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“As President Sarkozy said last week in his capacity as President of the European Union (EU), continued reform of the United Nations is crucial to improving the ability of the United Nations to carry out its core business, which is and remains problem solving. We must continue the progress made on system-wide coherence and on the Delivering as One agenda. As regards Security Council reform, Denmark welcomes the agreement to initiate intergovernmental negotiations in the near future. At the election of Security Council members next month, Iceland is the candidate for membership representing all the Nordic countries. We are strongly backing Iceland’s candidature. On climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports have served to crystallize an international consensus on the need for action.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“My Government agrees entirely with the Secretary-General’s remarks at the opening of this debate. The world is on the eve of a great transition. The problems we face have grown much more complex, and our challenges are increasingly those of collaboration rather than confrontation. The quality of life in most parts of the world has improved tremendously over recent decades, 39 08-53135 but challenges remain, not least in sub-Saharan Africa. New challenges, such as climate change, migration, increasing energy and food prices and financial instability, could all potentially give rise to embedded conflicts and further polarization.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We should help to build up States and to ensure that weak States do not fall back into conflict or chaos. The Peacebuilding Commission will be essential in this regard. Thirdly and finally, in the area of international norm-setting, where the United Nations has already shaped the international agenda for action, one of the goals should be to enhance the role played by the Organization in ensuring respect for human rights. As Members of the United Nations, we have taken on the shared responsibility of protecting those in the most vulnerable situations, not least children. What is needed now is to follow through and to catalyse action. That is no small task, even for a strong United Nations.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We need to take a step back from the day-to-day agenda and focus on the role that a strong United Nations could play in the future which points towards strengthening the United Nations in relation to three of its unique features. The first feature is conflict resolution and prevention as undertaken by the Security Council, the General Assembly and the good offices of the Secretary-General, as well as through United Nations peacekeeping efforts. The second feature is strengthening of the capacity of the United Nations system to assist countries in the early phases of recovery following conflicts, or countries with very weak institutions. Here, the United Nations has a key role to play. We should help to build stronger bridges from peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance to peacebuilding, reconstruction and development.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It is of paramount importance to make the United Nations more focused and effective at the country level. Experiences from the pilot countries are encouraging and should inspire further action. The Organization’s governance structures also require further reform. The General Assembly should keep its focus on decision-making regarding important matters and leave detailed management to managers. The Security Council would benefit from reform that makes it more representative. Denmark is therefore encouraged by the new momentum in discussions on Security Council reform. But, first and foremost, strengthening the United Nations requires an understanding that the United Nations cannot do everything for everyone at the same time. We need to agree on a common vision and on priorities for the Organization.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The next step should be to finalize the negotiations on a draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism. That would send another strong political signal of our unity. Adoption of the convention would be a worthy achievement of the sixty-second session of the General Assembly. Finally, let me say a few words on United Nations reform and the institutional challenge for the Organization. The starting point is clear: to ensure the necessary reforms of the United Nations, there is no substitute for strong political will on the part of individual Member States. Reforms of United Nations operational activities are taking shape. However, much work remains to be done if the recommendations of the High-level Panel are to be followed and if the United Nations is truly to deliver as one.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We hope for results in the new negotiations. As stated by the presidency of the European Union (EU), the EU will live up to its particular responsibility and participate actively in the collective effort to bring the parties closer together. The goal is to obtain a comprehensive political solution that will lead to a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. We also believe that the United Nations continues to be an international focal point for our common efforts in the fight against terrorism. Last year’s adoption by the General Assembly of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was of crucial importance. It underlined the firm commitment of the international community to stand united against those who wish to threaten international peace and security.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Afghanistan must be one of the top priorities of the international community and of the United Nations. It is important to maintain broad consensus among all international partners regarding the need to carry through what we have started. To that end, we need the United Nations to play a stronger role in Afghanistan. A coordinated engagement civilian as well as military is a precondition for success. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) must use its full potential to coordinate the international efforts and as a counterpart to the Afghans. And UNAMA should be present in each and every province, including in the south. In Kosovo, only a solution to the final-status issue will ensure stability and prosperity in the region. We share the opinion of the Secretary-General that the status quo is not sustainable.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In the Sudan, we have an obligation to help the people of Darfur achieve peace through the restoration of stability. The killings, violence and atrocities must end. This has taken far too long. There is now finally some progress in the attempts to find a solution to the conflict in Darfur, and we have a responsibility to ensure that it is implemented. Denmark actively supports the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur as well as the resumed political process. It raises real hope for improvement in the deplorable situation on the ground and in the prospects for a long-term political solution. As part of this process, we must implement the arrest warrants of the International Criminal Court and bring perpetrators of crime to justice.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Making a difference in that respect will require leadership from all parties. Without addressing the role of women, we will never manage to halve extreme poverty by 2015. And our efforts to support the rights and empowerment of women must be complemented by a targeted effort to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights. As we stand here today, we face more global challenges than ever before. The world faces many unresolved conflicts, not least in Africa. We need to stay focused and to enhance the Organization’s capacity in conflict prevention, conflict management and peacebuilding. A strong United Nations is required to cope with the global challenges of today and tomorrow. Only a strong and effective United Nations can show the necessary political leadership with regard to development, humanitarian crisis and conflicts.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In our view, no one should be excluded from contributing to peace, freedom and development. It is, therefore, of paramount importance as a judicial, moral and ethical responsibility that women everywhere have the same opportunities as men. In the fight against poverty, it is an absolute necessity. Women must have equal rights as well as full access to employment, land and financial resources. Only then can development assistance realize its true potential and poverty be alleviated. Donors must actively support partner countries in achieving gender equality. In the coming years, Denmark will have a strong focus on women and their role in development and conflict resolution setting goals, earmarking funds and monitoring progress to ensure that policies create results.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“If we are serious about fighting climate change, the thirteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Climate Change in Bali must define a clear timetable for negotiations towards a comprehensive post-2012 framework. Secondly, I would note that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) remains the only legitimate framework for truly global negotiations on climate change. It is within the UNFCCC that an ambitious agreement must be reached to reduce global emissions and to counter climate change. Another major global challenge to which Denmark attaches great importance is to obtain equal opportunities for women. Here, we also see a crucial role for an effective United Nations where gender equality is dealt with in a strengthened and systematic way, especially at the country level.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We must reach consensus on an effective and multilateral post-Kyoto agreement. The Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is the last call if the agreement is to enter into force by 2012. We commend the Secretary-General for his leadership on this issue. In our view, an inclusive United Nations-based multilateral approach is crucial if we are to bring all parties together in responding to the global climate challenge. The High-level Event on Climate Change held here in New York last week was an illustration of this commitment. I want to echo two essential points made at the High-level Event that were also taken up by the Secretary-General in his conclusions. First, I would note that the Conference of the Parties to take place in Bali next December represents a crucial cut-off date.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Denmark will seriously do its best to contribute to a more effective United Nations and to assist countries that have a strong commitment to development but lack the necessary resources. Climate change has undoubtedly become one of the most urgent global challenges of our times, one that, by its very definition, must be dealt with on a truly global level. Climate change will affect the poorest and the weakest the most. And countries will have a very different capacity to act. Therefore, we have to base our joint efforts on the notion of common but differentiated responsibilities. Denmark is pleased to host the fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Climate Change, to be held in December 2009. We have already commenced the preparations for the conference. Our ambitions are high.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We need to live up to the promise to double aid for Africa by 2010. Denmark is keeping its part of the bargain. We are committed to providing 0.8 per cent of our national income in development assistance. Two thirds of our bilateral assistance will go to the African continent. But clearly, development assistance alone is not enough. Trade and good governance is key to development. There is no substitute for national ownership and for national commitment to good governance or for transparent and liberal trade and investment regimes that allow developing countries to benefit from globalization. It is a key goal for the Danish Government to promote good governance, democracy and human rights with no impunity for crimes against humanity and we will do this through an active foreign policy.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The results achieved through market-oriented economic reform in Asia and Latin America over the past decade prove that eradication of poverty is not an elusive, unattainable goal. But, again, there is no room for complacency. A substantial increase in efforts is still needed, especially if sub-Saharan Africa is to meet the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. The facts are quite simple. If progress in Africa is not accelerated, we will not live up to our responsibility. Denmark believes that the time has come to arrange a United Nations summit focusing on the progress towards the Millennium Development Goals and on financing for development. Africa remains at the heart of Danish development assistance. The Danish Government firmly believes that development assistance to Africa should increase.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“At the institutional level, there can be no question that important progress has been achieved, as witnessed by the establishment of the Central Emergency Response Fund, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council. But institution-building alone will not do. We need to show the necessary resolve to make these new institutions effective instruments in the service of the global community. We have achieved little if we do not endeavour to ensure that they fulfil their stated purposes and that they realize their true potential. Our challenge now is to address the substantive issues and to do so in earnest. As we cross the halfway mark towards 2015, substantial progress has been made at the global level towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)