YouSaid · the spoken record

Ib Petersen

lines on the record: 37
first: 2013-09-24
most recent: 2016-09-24
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

“As we strive to reform the Organization, Denmark will stand by the side of the next Secretary-General and continue to support and take active and constructive part in the critical work of the United Nations going forward.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“He has tirelessly led the way to finding viable solutions to global challenges, in particular climate change, which has been a journey that led us from Bali to Copenhagen and, finally, to Paris, and which resulted, last December, in an ambitious global agreement to fight climate change. Denmark reiterates its appreciation for the progressive leadership and determination of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. It is of the utmost importance that the new Secretary- General show the same determination as his predecessor in forcefully addressing the challenges posed to the millions of displaced persons, refugees and migrants across the world, while ensuring the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and undertaking the necessary crucial reforms of the United Nations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Lykketoft’s presidency of the General Assembly important steps were taken to increase transparency in the work of the Office of the President as well in the selection process for the next Secretary-General. If the United Nations is to remain a relevant and legitimate organization for peace, development and human rights, we must continue on the path of increased openness and transparency. That is in the shared interest of all Member States. In conclusion, allow me, on behalf of the Government of Denmark, to take this opportunity to also pay tribute to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon. Denmark salutes the progressive leadership and determination that the Secretary-General has displayed through a difficult and very challenging period in the history of the United Nations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“For decades we have ensured the successful adoption of General Assembly resolutions that further the work on the elimination of torture, as laid out in the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Implementation, however, is key. That is why we — together with Chile, Ghana, Indonesia and Morocco — have launched the Convention against Torture initiative. Our goal is to work towards universal ratification and better implementation of the Convention by 2024. As the people’s Organization, the United Nations needs to do better to foster trust, transparency and efficiency. I am proud that during Mr.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The Conference was a testimony to the importance Denmark places on ensuring women’s and girls’ full and equal enjoyment of all human rights. A plethora of programmes, initiatives and strategies were showcased at the Conference, providing inspiration for women and men all over the world. At home and abroad, Denmark promotes the human rights and values of indigenous peoples. We stand for their right to control and influence their own development paths and determine matters regarding their own economic, social, political and cultural situation. Denmark is one of the strongest voices in the global fight against torture.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“As just one example, Denmark has for decades been a strong supporter of national human rights institutions and commissions, ombudsmen and other independent human rights bodies, from the Middle East to Africa and Eurasia. Gender equality and the empowerment of women, key requirements for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, are a cornerstone of our foreign policy. Studies show that, when a girl receives just one additional year of education, she can increase her earnings by up to 20 per cent. That is important, not only for her but also for her family, her community and her country. Denmark was extremely proud to host the Women Deliver 2016 Global Conference in Copenhagen, earlier this year.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Addressing global challenges through dialogue is the raison d’être of the United Nations, and it resonates with Danish political tradition. That is why, from the beginning, we have been deeply engaged in building up the Organization. This is also true in very concrete terms, as the Trusteeship Council Chamber, located next to this General Assembly Hall, was designed by the Danish architect Finn Juhl, whose design was precisely intended to foster dialogue among delegates, thereby promoting the democratic mission of the United Nations. In all modesty, we think he succeeded quite well. More than 50 years of partnerships in international development with an approach based on dialogue has taught us the value of partnership in ensuring progress.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Investments will be made across the Sustainable Development Goals — to improve energy, climate mitigation, industry, infrastructure, food production and health care in order to generate sustainable growth, jobs and tax revenue in developing countries. In addition, we need global free trade as an essential element in fostering long-term development and economic growth. Denmark is actively advocating for creating better market access for developing countries and improving business conditions, including at the World Trade Organization. In short, if goods pass borders, it is less likely that soldiers will. The effectiveness of the United Nations system, and indeed our ability to turn the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals into reality, begins and ends with the willingness of Member States to work together.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Young people possess enormous potential and must be involved in the work ahead. We also need civil society, academia and the private sector to support policy implementation and provide innovative solutions and know-how. We need to engage in fruitful public-private partnerships to push implementation even further. Governments can play an important role in further encouraging private business and investors to contribute to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. That is why the Prime Minister of Denmark last week announced a new Sustainable Development Goals investment fund. The goal is to raise capital from private investors and reach a capital base of up to $750 million.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The Danish Government will put forward a motion for ratification of the Paris Agreement in the Danish Parliament on 5 October. The Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved only if cooperation is integrated across different fields and sectors. The United Nations development system must be reformed and made truly fit for purpose. The United Nations system must completely rethink its operational approach. The silo mentality and internal competition for resources must become phenomena of the past. Denmark firmly believes that we need a significantly strengthened focus on the role of young people. The 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development is essentially an agenda for future generations. Accordingly, the engagement of the world’s young people in its implementation is indispensable.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Denmark’s development cooperation is a concrete testament to our commitment to the United Nations and to assisting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Since 16-29823 39/53 1978 — for almost four decades — Denmark has been meeting the target of providing 0.7 per cent of its gross national income to official development assistance. We strongly urge many more countries to meet the same goal. A pre-eminent challenge on the path to sustainable development is climate change. We must all take up the challenge of turning the commitments set forth in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change into action, to bring about immense and positive change for the planet and for people. All of those present in this Hall can count on Denmark to be at the forefront in that endeavour — in terms of follow-up both at home and internationally.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Denmark welcomes the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants (resolution 71/1), adopted last week, which underlinines the principle of shared responsibility and the importance of addressing the fundamental causes of migration. Denmark is among the largest per capita humanitarian donors in the world, and we will continue to do our part. Poverty and a lack of opportunity are among the underlying factors leading to conflict and instability; they are also key factors in driving people from their homes. Delivery on sustainable development and the eradication of extreme poverty are vital avenues towards a free, peaceful, prosperous world and in addressing the fundamental causes of migration.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Our common security also depends on nations adhering to the norms and rules laid out by the United Nations, whether in the General Assembly, the Security Council or other organs and agencies. All countries must abide by their obligations under international law, including on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. In that regard, Denmark condemns the recent nuclear tests conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and urges the international community to respond in a strong and unified manner. In the past week the world came together to address the mounting challenge of millions of people forced to flee from their homes due to armed conflict, natural disasters or poverty. A staggering 65 million people were displaced in 2015, requiring a determined and effective response from the United Nations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We donate to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and are engaged in long- term development cooperation with the country. In Syria and Iraq, Denmark contributes significantly to the fight against ISIL, including through support for local communities in the aftermath of conflict. We must ensure that military achievements against ISIL are followed up with determined and coordinated efforts to sustain peace. Without such efforts, we will not succeed. This autumn, Denmark will launch a new three-year regional stabilization programme for Syria and Iraq. The main focus will be to support immediate stabilization efforts in areas of Iraq that have been liberated from ISIL.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Those elements characterize our approach to the work of the United Nations and will guide our candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the 2019-2021 term. Around the world, many people are denied a life of dignity. Armed conflicts and violent extremism have led to human rights abuses and violations in several parts of the world. Syria, Iraq and the Sahel region are experiencing some of the most serious and urgent crises facing us today. In many other places, violence and instability are causing immeasurable human suffering. Millions of people are subject to oppression, slavery and trafficking by the dark forces of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other extremist groups, which requires a strong and determined collective response. In Mali, Denmark actively contributes to the promotion of peace and stability.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the successful conclusion of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, as well as the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit, have demonstrated our ability to come together to address today’s global challenges. However, our task now is to turn our shared agenda into real change that will benefit people around the world. With a new Secretary-General coming into office, this will be a pivotal year for the United Nations. Denmark has always believed that global challenges must be addressed through effective collective efforts, with a sharp focus on the rights and freedoms of the individual human being. Denmark has a vision for action that is based on three core elements — dignity, development and dialogue.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“At the outset, Denmark wishes to warmly welcome and congratulate the President of the General Assembly at its seventy-first session, His Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson of Fiji. It was an honour for Denmark to assume the presidency of the Assembly at its seventieth session, and we thank His Excellency Mr. Mogens Lykketoft for his excellent work. We wish President Thomson every success in leading our crucial work in the year ahead. We live in volatile times. It is therefore up to all of us to strengthen international cooperation and make it more effective. We must do so in order to foster a peaceful, sustainable and rights-based international society built on the ambitious common goals that we have adopted this fall. While the challenges facing the United Nations today may seem daunting, our recent record does give cause for optimism.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Denmark supports the swift entry into force and effective implementation of the Treaty. Denmark is committed to assisting States, on their request, to meet their obligations under the Treaty. We once again call upon Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to comply with international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. We welcome all efforts to resolve the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme. The United Nations is more relevant than ever at a time when strong multilateral cooperation is needed to cope with global challenges that transcend national borders. No country can confront those challenges on its own. Seen from the perspective of Denmark as a small State, the United Nations could and should inspire change and help States take action when moving forward towards 2015 and beyond.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We also support the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali as a strong United Nations peacekeeping Mission. Somalia’s New Deal Compact will be crucial for reconciliation and peacebuilding and will set the priorities for the next three years. It is important that peace and development be dealt with in an integrated way, and that there be mutual commitment to develop and follow up on the Compact for Somalia. We welcome the explicit use in the Compact of the peacebuilding and State-building goals from the New Deal Compact, and the strong ownership by Somalia to implement the principles of the New Deal. The unregulated and irresponsible international trade in arms has had devastating effects. Earlier this year, the General Assembly made history by adopting the Arms Trade Treaty.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Peace and security in the Sahel region have lately been challenged by violent extremism, the presence of armed groups, the expansion of transborder organized crime and increasing environmental and climate-change pressures, which jeopardize development gains. Denmark supports the implementation of the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel. Throughout the Sahel, the influence of civil society on national and international decision-making warrants attention in order to deepen and consolidate the ongoing stabilization and peace efforts. Together with the United Nations, the African Union and African and international partners, Denmark is committed to supporting the efforts in Mali and the Sahel to facilitate reconciliation through inclusive dialogue and the active engagement of civil society.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Afghan authorities are taking over still-greater responsibility for security and institutions. There is, however, a clear need for a continued, strong political commitment from the international community in order for Afghanistan to succeed in that goal. The Afghan Government and its international partners must live up to the July 2012 Tokyo declaration on partnership for self- reliance in Afghanistan. Denmark will remain a strong partner to Afghanistan on its way to democracy and improved livelihoods. The United Nations assistance to Afghanistan in managing the transition process, including the upcoming electoral processes, will be essential now and in the years to come.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Many challenges still lie ahead with regard to the implementation of the road map for a return to democratic and civilian rule in Egypt. We urge the Egyptian authorities to accept the support of the international community for that process. The United Nations can play an important role in supporting respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Progress in the Middle East peace process remains critical for improving regional stability. Denmark welcomes the United States initiative aimed at resumed direct negotiations. All parties must now truly seize the opportunity for peace and work constructively for a sustainable two-State solution. In Afghanistan, we welcome the process towards full national ownership, which is crucial for the long- term future of the country.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is crucial that those responsible for that grave violation of international law be brought to justice and that future use of chemical weapons be effectively prevented. From the very outset of the tragedy in Syria, Denmark has emphasized the need for a political solution to end the human suffering. We welcome the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2118 (2013), on the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons. Denmark continues to strongly support the efforts towards the “Geneva II” conference. In Egypt, an already fragile situation has worsened significantly over the past months, during which tragic events have led to a heavy loss of civilian lives. Democracy and dialogue must return. Progress in Egypt can come about only through a peaceful, inclusive process.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“At the country level, Denmark supports a United Nations that can inspire change and deliver concrete results that will benefit populations, strengthen their confidence in political processes and pave the way for long-term stability and development. We condemn the indiscriminate violence that we witness in Syria. Not only does it harm civilians in the most tragic way, it also undermines regional stability as a whole. With the conflict in Syria, we are confronted with a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. Last month the world witnessed a further escalation of the conflict with the horrendous chemical attack in Ghouta. Denmark strongly condemns all use of chemical weapons, and we are convinced that a strong international reaction is required.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We welcome the Secretary-General’s invitation to a summit in September 2014 that will serve to maintain the momentum of the climate negotiations. It is crucial to set an ambitious international agenda for tackling the consequences of climate change. Denmark’s long- term energy policy goal is clear: our entire energy supply should be covered by renewable energy by 2050. Denmark stands ready to support a global agenda towards limiting global warming to 2° Celsius. Our contribution to the Secretary-General’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative is part of that support, including the establishment of an energy efficiency hub in the new United Nations City in Copenhagen. Denmark will also work for an ambitious and operational outcome of the the third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, to take place in September 2014.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The level of carbon dioxide emissions today is 46 per cent higher than the 1990 level. The United Nations and its Member States must promote innovative technologies and new solutions to water, food and energy scarcity, deforestation and high carbon emissions. Jointly, we must push the transformation to a green economy. Green growth is necessary if we are to deal effectively with increased demands for resources over the next 15 to 20 years as the global population grows. Green growth is about opportunities for all, not about obstacles for some. The access to and management of energy and water resources are two important elements. Governments cannot do it alone. We need active involvement and a close partnership with the private sector, including businesses and private foundations, as well as with civil society and public institutions.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“For Denmark, it is critical that gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights be reflected in the post-2015 agenda. That was also underscored by the High-level Panel report. Macroeconomic policy is essential in addressing inequalities. Equitable socioeconomic progress and a fair distribution of resources are important for developed and developing countries alike. Scientific evidence, as just presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, makes it clear that climate change has become a threat multiplier. More frequent natural disasters impact on the most vulnerable people and add another layer to fragility, inequality and instability. Unsustainable production and consumption increase the stress on natural resources and ecosystems.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It must address the human rights of all groups in our societies and pay special attention to the rights of indigenous peoples. We are losing ground when it comes to inequality within countries where we see a widening gap between rich and poor people. The 1.2 billion poorest people account for only 1 per cent of world consumption, while the billion richest consume 72 per cent. Inequalities and their underlying causes must be addressed in the post-2015 development agenda in order to effectively eradicate extreme poverty, underpin socioeconomic progress and prevent instability. Gender-based discrimination, including the denial of the rights of women and girls, remains the single most widespread driver of inequalities in today’s world.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In 2012, Denmark provided 0.83 per cent of its gross national income as official development assistance, and it has been fulfilling the international target of 0.7 per cent since 1978. Also, we are strengthening our efforts to work in partnership with private business and other non-State actors to increase investments in developing countries, especially in Africa. As also highlighted by the Secretary-General and the High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda in their reports, a new, coherent post-2015 framework must be firmly anchored in human rights as universal values and enablers for sustainable development. Such a framework must build on the core principles that underpin the international human rights framework, namely, participation, accountability, transparency and non-discrimination.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Denmark welcomes the outcome document of the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Realization of the Millennium Development Goals and other Internationally Agreed Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities (resolution 68/3), adopted last week, which provides a first important step towards that vision. At the same time, unfinished business from the MDGs must figure prominently in the post-2015 development agenda. The focus should be on ending extreme poverty in one generation while promoting sustainable development in all its dimensions. The empowerment of women and girls and access to basic services, such as health and education, must not drop off the agenda. On the contrary, we must commit to doing more to close those gaps. Denmark is committed to shouldering its share of collective responsibility.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, led by the g7+ countries, provides peacebuilding and State-building goals that call for a global effort to strengthen people’s security, to reduce violence, to increase people’s access to justice, to generate employment and to improve livelihoods. We urge that the experiences and lessons learned from the New Deal become a source of inspiration for discussions on the post-2015 development framework. The process of establishing the post-2015 development agenda should result in a single universal framework with one set of goals that can unite the world in a strong effort to eradicate extreme poverty, promote sustainable development and ensure all people the right to a better life.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Building sustainable peace and long-term stability remains one of the most difficult challenges for the international community and the United Nations. But the investment is well worth it. We must support country-led and country-owned transition strategies in building paths towards resilient societies. Conflict and violence have devastating effects on development. The complex situation in fragile States represents perhaps the greatest challenge to combating poverty, as low-income fragile States are those most off-track in terms of reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is therefore essential that the central roles of State-building and peacebuilding be duly reflected in the post-2015 framework.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“At the same time, we must ensure accountability for human rights violations and for crimes of atrocity in the past. The perpetrators of those crimes must be brought to justice. While the Security Council last Friday took an important step to address the crisis in Syria, Denmark reiterates its call on the Council to refer the case of Syria to the International Criminal Court. Sexual violence in conflict is one of the most persistent injustices in the world today, and often one of the most neglected. We must combat sexual violence as a method of warfare. Likewise, we must promote the participation of women in peacebuilding and in social and economic recovery. Denmark strongly believes that no durable peace can be attained without the full and equal participation of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The unacceptable human suffering in Syria is a tragic reminder of the consequences when no early action to prevent crimes of atrocity is undertaken. Advancing the primary responsibility of States to protect their populations should be a concern for all Governments. The responsibility to protect is consistent with existing obligations and international human rights law, humanitarian law and refugee law, which are binding on all States. Denmark calls on Member States to join the global network of responsibility-to-protect focal points, which works to integrate the prevention of atrocities in national policies, and to engage with other Member States and regional organizations in order to build capacity and cooperation before crises and conflicts break out.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“That illustrates the human suffering and costs of conflict, which we must do our utmost to prevent and resolve. An integrated approach to preventive diplomacy, peacebuilding, peacekeeping and the prevention of atrocities is crucial. The cure for armed conflict and instability is to invest in democratic structures that protect civilians and their human rights and contribute to socioeconomic progress. In recent years, the Security Council has increasingly integrated the rule of law, human rights and the protection of civilians into its mandates for United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. That is an encouraging development that Denmark supports fully. Denmark agrees with the Secretary-General that building societies that are resilient to crimes of atrocity increases the prospects of long-term peace and stability.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We need the United Nations, with its unique legitimacy and its universal membership. We need a United Nations that can contribute to global challenges with common solutions. We need a United Nations that reflects the changing political landscape, including through a reformed Security Council. Above all, we need a United Nations that can help to mediate, prevent and resolve armed conflicts. For the United Nations to be able to contribute effectively to resolving armed conflicts, it is crucial that the Security Council show leadership and prove that it can fulfil its primary purpose and responsibility of cooperating to resolve international crises and to promote universal respect for human rights. Today, the total number of people uprooted by conflict or persecution is close to 45 million, the highest level in 18 years.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In the twenty-first century, old distinctions between North and South, and developed and developing countries are beginning to lose their meaning. We are witnessing significant shifts in the geopolitical balance, in population dynamics and in economic power between Member States. As documented in this year’s United Nations Human Development Report, many developing countries are experiencing faster economic growth. Emerging economies now produce the majority of the world’s goods and services, and three quarters of the world’s economic growth is said to depend on their dynamism. Today, emerging economies and middle-income countries are an important part of reshaping the global economy. In a globalized world, with dramatic shifts of power and influence, a strong United Nations is more relevant than ever before.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)