YouSaid · the spoken record

Andrej Plenković

lines on the record: 56
first: 2017-09-24
most recent: 2022-09-24
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

“The approach of democracies in international relations is a cooperative one. The approach of the authoritarian regimes is a conflictual one. The global Organization, the United Nations — and all of us within it — must prove that the rules-based order and the cooperative approach will prevail.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As we witness aggression and atrocities on European soil again and as the rule of power threatens to bring the world order down, we owe it to future generations to be on the right side of history. The international community must foster its unity and stand with Ukraine in the fight for its own existence. We have to unite in our respect for international law, as well as in finding global solutions to overlapping crises, including rising inflation, energy and food crises. To achieve secure and affordable energy, we need a global solution for gas prices. We must also ensure sustainable energy transition. Our world has changed permanently. In these new circumstances, more international cooperation has no alternative. Let us commit to working jointly for the benefit of our common future.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As a friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I call upon him to use his powers to ensure legitimate representation and equality of Bosnian Croats in the country’s institutions following the 2 October general election. As the least numerous among the constituent peoples, the Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina demand no favours, only equality. We are mutually interdependent. Turmoil in one region has consequences for us, all no matter where we are on the globe. None of our national goals can be achieved without solidarity and the rules-based order upon which not only our security, but also our survival rests. We must build, protect and defend, and stand up to those who destroy, lie and loot.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“That includes in particular peace treaties such as the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement, which brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina as the multinational and multicultural homeland of its three constitutive peoples — Croats, Bosniaks and Serbs — as well as others. For the cohesion, stability and progress of the country, their constitutional full equality must be ensured and respected. Given the fact that the Bosniak political leaders have publicly admitted they had no true intention of coming to a deal with Bosnian Croat political leaders over the electoral reform, in line with the Constitutional Court verdict, the only way forward remains for High Representative Christian Schmidt to act and use his Bonn powers.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We support a clear European Union perspective for candidates and aspirants based on the fulfilment of well-established and clear criteria, the implementation of reforms and the delivery of tangible results. The stability of neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina, with which we share a 1,000-kilometre border, is of particular importance to Croatia. We would like to see a prosperous and functional Bosnia and Herzegovina progressing firmly on the path to EU membership. In the light of the current situation in Ukraine and elsewhere, it is pivotal that international law and international treaties be respected.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In the year in which we are marking the thirtieth anniversary of our United Nations membership, Croatia remains a constructive and responsible international actor. In the coming months, we will join a group of only 15 other countries that are at the same time members of the EU, NATO, the Eurozone and the Schengen Area. That follows a sober and prudent decision in line with my Government’s policy of modern sovereignism. Through that policy, we have strengthened our international position by pooling resources with our allies and partners, furthering our national interests and tackling economic and social challenges. Croatia also pays special attention to South-East Europe, a region still not fully integrated into the EU. The region’s stability, development and democratic progress are not only in our, but also in Europe’s interest.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“By integrating the Sustainable Development Goals in its national development strategy towards 2030, Croatia has proven its dedication to their full implementation. As a current member of the Economic and Social Council, we will work closely together with our partners to ensure more sustainable, greener, inclusive and equitable societies in which no one will be left behind. Ahead of the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Egypt, let us evaluate the implementation of our joint commitments from Glasgow. We need to strengthen cooperation in the effort to find mechanisms and financial resources to fulfil the Paris Agreement and to continue the fight against climate change at the national, regional and global levels.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Similar to our efforts during the pandemic, we are now implementing a strong national package worth more than 6 per cent of our gross domestic product. That includes financial measures, subsidies for vulnerable groups and limitations on the prices of basic food items. I wish to say a few words on climate change and biodiversity. Despite the enormous current challenges, we have a responsibility to also safeguard our commitments to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Croatia welcomes the ambitious approach put forward in the report of the Secretary-General Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) as a concrete road map towards its realization. Here, too, a revitalized global action and political commitment are needed to ensure effective multilateralism.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It is up to those who pollute the most to provide the most effort; that is not only fair but also the most effective if we are to achieve our climate objectives. Clean mobility and innovative technologies are an opportunity and new technologies, such as hydrogen, offer new horizons for stronger cooperation between Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While we in Croatia successfully passed the test during the pandemic and avoided social fracture with tailored national measures, global inflation and the rise of prices have to be tackled again. We as a Government are continuing our interventionist policy to alleviate the burden of the energy crisis on our households and businesses, local Governments and public institutions, schools and hospitals.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Simultaneously, we are investing in renewable energy, with a third of our energy consumption and almost half of our electricity production already coming from renewables. We are ensuring a fair transition and preventing energy poverty, implementing financial measures that benefit both the citizens and the business sector. We must find a global solution to the price of gas, which threatens our households and our economies. It is intolerable for a minority of speculators to enrich themselves in these times by imposing exorbitant prices. What is more, we are also witnessing an intolerable imbalance in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The richest 1 per cent in the world are responsible for 15 per cent of emissions — twice as much as half the poorest of humankind. That is not acceptable.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It radically changed not only the security but also the energy architecture of Europe, and is threatening global food security. We must stand united and step up our efforts to reorganize the energy supply lines. We cannot accept extortion and we cannot be held hostage over food and energy, which all of us need. Therefore, we applaud the Secretary-General and the United Nations for their role in brokering the deal to export Ukrainian grain. On the regional level, Croatia is contributing to energy security and diversification by its liquefied natural gas terminal on the Adriatic island of Krk. Beyond ensuring its own needs, Croatia is now able to supply its neighbours and other countries in Central Europe.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The General Assembly intervened instead and offered a platform for an overwhelming majority of States to condemn the aggression against a sovereign and independent country. When the world is facing a geopolitical crisis of the scale such as the one in Ukraine today, we must ensure that our policies and actions are predictable, reliable and timely across the United Nations system. Croatia’s adherence to promoting peace and security is evident also in its continuous participation in the United Nations, European Union (EU) and NATO peacekeeping missions and operations. It is an investment we are readily willing to make. As we were beginning to recover from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the war in Ukraine dramatically altered our perspectives and political agenda.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In today’s perilous moment, Croatia remains a staunch supporter of the international rules-based order and the United Nations at the centre of global cooperation. Although far from being ideal, this system, with all of its flaws, has still enabled the world to reach common ground and find some remarkable and inspirational results for local and global issues in the almost eight decades of its existence. We live in a plurality of simultaneous and interconnected crises that affect us all. In order to overcome this perfect storm of crises, we need determined action now. The further erosion of our core rules and values should be halted and reversed, respect for international law upheld and accountability ensured. We should also act to make our system fit for purpose. That is particularly true for the reform of the Security Council.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Croatia’s transition was long and complex, but it was guided by a firm notion that democracy, human rights and respect for national minorities was the best way for Croatian society as a whole to further develop and prosper. Today our democratic systems are challenged by the fallacious and dangerous thesis that autocracy is ultimately a more efficient and pragmatic way to govern. Our national dialogues are distorted by targeted disinformation, fake news and hybrid attacks. Our trust in democracy is being undermined from both within and outside of our societies. As fierce as these challenges are, our commitment to democracy, its procedures and values must remain strong. On the crossroads between democracy and autocracy, our choice should remain clear.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Precisely because of our own experience, Croatia immediately and unequivocally extended political, humanitarian, economic and military support and solidarity to Ukraine. To do otherwise would be a betrayal of principles and values we all hold dear, particularly respect for human rights and responsibility to protect populations from atrocity crimes. This time around, Europe and its partners came together to stand up to aggression, show solidarity and strengthen their own resilience. In October, we will highlight this unity once more in Zagreb, as Croatia prepares to host the first-ever Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Three decades ago, Croatia itself was a war-ravaged country in jeopardy, also facing armed aggression. Almost a third of its territory was occupied. Additionally, we had to fight for international recognition and were under an arms embargo. The Croatian people know what it means to be under attack and what it takes to defend their homeland. Against all odds, Croatia and the Croatian people prevailed. Many, especially our defenders, paid the highest price for our freedom and liberty. Stronger for its own experience, Croatia today is an exporter of peace and stability, a humanitarian donor worldwide, a popular tourist destination and the country that produces the fastest electric car in the world. Success is possible if one is determined and has a vision of the future.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We have gathered this year as a brutal war with a multifaceted and global impact continues to rage in Europe. The Russian aggression against Ukraine has upended the rules-based order, the multilateral system and economic flows. It has brought about human suffering and refugee flows, destruction of civilian infrastructure and war crimes. The latest announcements about partial mobilization in Russia, preparations for the organization of sham referendums in occupied parts of Ukraine and nuclear threats are another dangerous escalation in an already unprecedented crisis. While the Ukrainian people are suffering the most in their struggle to defend their homes, the consequences of the Russian aggression are felt globally and so it must be condemned worldwide.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Let us therefore unite as nations and assume our responsibility to create a healthier, equal and more sustainable world for the generations to come. Thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“As a consequence, while the sea level has not changed over the last two millennia, it has already risen about twenty centimetres since 1900 and it is accelerating at an alarming rate, threatening many of our coastal areas and cities. Ocean plastic pollution is also unfolding at an alarming rate. Between 8 to 14 million tons of plastics end in the world’s oceans and seas every year. We can no longer stand by, shrug our shoulders and close our eyes to that grim reality. Yet this is only one of the many side effects of global warming that ring the alarm bells for our planet and it if we do not act now the damage will become irreparable. Our citizens are counting on us, the world leaders, to deliver on the promises of a better tomorrow for them and their children.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Looking ahead, for the stability of the region, sincere reconciliation is essential. This can only be built on truth and grounded in facts, in conjunction with finding all remaining missing people and rendering justice for all the victims. Mr President, Today many of our citizens look with anxiousness to the future. Uncertainties are many, from unpredictability of markets, to the perils of global climate change, which will be the challenge of this century. In view of the fact that the oceans play a central role in regulating the Earth’s climate, we cannot ignore that the past five years hold the highest record for global ocean temperatures.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Especially their legitimate representation in the institutions through adequate electoral law preventing any electoral engineering. 20 years ago was held the Zagreb Summit. It confirmed the European perspective of South-East Europe for the first time and opened the way to EU membership of the countries of the region. In May this year, Croatia hosted the second Zagreb Summit at which the EU reaffirmed its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans. The European perspective of the Western Balkan states has been a key driver for political and economic reforms in the region and has significantly contributed to peace, democracy, prosperity and security in Europe. Looking back, much has been achieved, much has changed for the better.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Meanwhile, this part of Europe has profoundly changed for the better, but some problems still prevail and merit our full attention. Croatia, as one of the parties to the agreement, considers that the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement anniversary should be used to reflect on its achievements, but also on the contemporary situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a view to putting this important country firmly on its European path. Croatia, being a neighbour and a friend of this country, has a keen interest in stability and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, all its constituent peoples and all tis citizens. Full equality of Croats, as one of three constituent peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and their well-being, remains our high priority.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Against this background we should invest more in dialogue while at the same time reaffirming our allegiance towards multilateral solutions, observance of international law and established norms. In a globalized world we need a multilateralism that will be to the benefit of all and not just to some. The pandemic could exacerbate further existing regional conflicts and global security challenges. Therefore, Croatia fully supports Secretary General’s call for a global cease-fire. Mr President, As I mentioned earlier, some of this year’s anniversaries refer to South-East Europe. 25 years ago, the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement was signed. It put an end to the bloodiest war in Europe since the Second World War, the one in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Our Organization has to maintain its core values and principles on which it has been founded, but it must also reflect realties and needs of our times. In addition, we are convinced that our shared values will be better preserved and advanced through the close cooperation between the United Nations and other multilateral organizations such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE as well as NATO. Changes at the global stage are becoming more rapid and deeper. They affect us all by posing challenges that require a global response. For this, we will have to invest more in solidarity and partnerships. We understand that new geopolitical confrontations will frame the period to come.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I am proud that for the first time ever Croatia has a candidate for the judge of the International Court of Justice. In the upcoming elections this fall, our candidate is Mrs Maja Sersic, Professor of International Law and Vice-Dean for International Cooperation of the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Law. Besides her proven professional qualities, we believe that her election would also be important for achieving a better gender balance and a fairer participation of States within the Court’s composition. In my speech on Monday, on the occasion of the UN 75th anniversary, I stressed the need for United Nations reform. We need the UN fit for the 21st century. For that we have to continue with its reforms and in this endeavour no stone should be left unturned, including the UN Charter.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to postpone the 2020 NPT Conference to a later date. Considering that the 2015 Review conference failed to reach a consensus on a substantive final declaration, it is of high importance to have a successful Conference this time, hopefully no later than April next year. It is also essential not to ignore the threat posed by the illegal trade and misuse of small arms and light weapons. Croatia holds the 2020 Plenary Chair of the Wassenaar Arrangement, the first worldwide mechanism on export controls for conventional weapons and sensitive dual-use goods and technologies. We shall continue to advocate the increasing importance of effective multilateral action on tackling illegal arms transfer and build-up.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In this respect, we welcome the growing responsible approach by major tech companies and media outlets. Yet, much more needs to be done, and both public and private actors need to cooperate in this endeavour in order to allow societies to build resilience against hybrid threats and cyber-attacks. We must also not forget about the threats and dangers such as terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, but also corruption and trafficking of illegal drugs. These topics must not escape our attention. Mr President, Another important anniversary we commemorate this year is the field of arms control, and that is the 50th anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), our valued multilateral instrument for preventing nuclear proliferation and achieving nuclear disarmament.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Therefore, to make the digital economy sustainable and avoid that it poses new challenges in the future, we need additional investments in this area, while favouring the use of renewable energies, as well as an adequate legal framework regulating this ever more important field. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has also opened the door for the spread of another insidious but less obvious pandemic. The emergence and convergence of different groups and phenomena that thrive on fake news, trolling, deliberate disinformation, media illiteracy and general ignorance is a cause for serious concern. Particularly appalling have been the cyber-attacks against the health institutions fighting the pandemic. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix. There can be no curative vaccine against fake news.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We also must preserve multilateralism in trade in order to keep global value chains unobstructed, ensure the effective trade of goods and services, and in particular the medical products. Smart digitalization proved to be one of the backbones of the functioning of our societies during the height of the pandemic, as many businesses and services, including in the public sector, switched predominantly or entirely to the digital sphere. We need a secure digital infrastructure as well as an eco-friendly Internet, since the ICT industry uses already over 10% of all electricity — which is more than the energy produced by all world’s nuclear power plants together — and this share is growing at an exponential rate.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Croatia being a well-known tourist destination, is carefully accomplishing a proper balance between the health of our citizens and the opening of tourist season in order to preserve jobs and to help the tourist industry and our economy. Our common work on the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Climate Agreement and internationally agreed biodiversity goals will be crucial to face the inevitable systemic shocks in the future. The EU has already committed to transform its economy and society to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. We see sustainable, climate-neutral growth as an essential element of the future not just of Europe, but of the entire world.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“To deliver on its commitment of solidarity Croatia participates in the “Team Europe”, a global response package worth 36 billion euros. This will help support partner countries in their fight against COVID-19. We firmly support the United Nations’ Global Humanitarian Response Plan (GHRP) and its programs as a coordinated approach to finding multilateral solutions in this crisis. Croatia contributed 400.000 euros to the UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund. In addition, we are supporting the WHO efforts with a 600.000 euros contribution. Mr President, The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the work and activities of all the governments around the world.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The unprecedented circumstances we live in represent a unique opportunity for us to rethink the global role of multilateralism and strengthen the importance of orderly globalization and a rules-based international order. While protecting the well-being of our citizens, it is all the more important that, at a challenging time like this, we continue to respect and uphold the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as the international law and the rule of law. Croatia recognizes that a human rights-based approach is the only way forward to guarantee a response where no one is left behind. Mr President, No organization is better placed than the United Nations for global delivery of the goals of international cooperation; therefore, we must support our Organization, financially and politically.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr President, The economic recovery from the crisis and the strengthening of our healthcare systems was in the focus of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2020. Today, almost three months after the end of our Presidency, while the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the motto of our Presidency — “A strong Europe in a world of challenges” — proved to be well chosen and relevant as ever. Let me add that in addition to the COVID-19 crisis, Croatia is dealing with the consequences of a devastating earthquake that hit Zagreb on 22 March. I use the opportunity to thank all world leaders who sent us words of solidarity and extended their support.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“This resolution clearly demonstrates the need for a global joint approach in addressing the impacts and consequences of the pandemic. Mobilizing the political will and financial resources is the most effective response against the pandemic. The European Union demonstrated this in the best way in July, through its European Council conclusions. Croatia recognizes the pivotal role of the World Health Organization. We emphasize in particular the importance to elevate the vaccine against COVID 19 to the status of a global public good. We need to continue the review of WHO performance as well as inclusive conversation about the strengthening of the WHO and its financing and potential steps of reform.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“To win the battle against the pandemic requires responsible and inclusive governance, close cooperation and pooling of our resources in order to strengthen our stressed health systems, save lives, jobs and livelihoods. Synergies at regional, international, and global levels are essential to cope with the medical and socio-economic effects of the crisis. This is an important lesson and we need to raise our awareness and preparedness in the coming months until a successful, effective vaccine is developed. The vaccine must be available to as many as possible and we should spare no effort to make it so. Croatia welcomes the General Assembly resolution on a ‘Comprehensive and coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic’, adopted in this Assembly with an overwhelming support.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The COVID-19 crisis represents a major stress test for the functioning of multilateralism, both regional and global, but also for bilateral co-operation among nations. Never in the history of our Organization had we had the General Assembly high level debate like this one. We need no further evidence of the “new normal”, of pivotal changes in our lives, than this one. We are learning how to live with the pandemic and its consequences. Response to this crisis should not lead to increased mistrust and isolationism in the international community. On the contrary, it should forge our readiness to work together, in true spirit of solidarity and mutual support.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr President, Excellencies All protocol observed, The year 2020 will go in history as the year of crises and the year of anniversaries. Crises were many, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent global economic downturn. They showed us clearly that reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism is more relevant than ever. Anniversaries are many as well. We celebrate 75 years of the United Nations, 25 years of Fourth World Conference on Women but also of the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement. All these milestones in our collective history remind us how much we can achieve through joint action; how much it takes to make the world a better place. Let me first address the most pressing issue of our time.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We believe in the United Nations system and our joint potential to promote effective, inclusive and sustainable global governance based on the rules and principles of international law. It is with that aspiration in mind that Croatia joined the United Nations 25 years ago. A quarter of a century later, I stand before the Assembly with the same noble ambitions and responsibility for respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and economic betterment, for solidarity with humans living in precarious conditions and for common issues concerning our planet. Only with joint vigour to that end can we advance and materialize our professed common goals and values. It is incumbent upon us to do so, and the time is now.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Croatia has already demonstrated its dedication to global efforts to preserve the environment by ratifying the Paris Agreement. Two days ago I expressed our principled support to the new French initiative — the Global Pact for the Environment — aimed at better coordinating global action against climate change. In the context of sustainable development, synergies among global, national and local policies need to be strengthened. We believe that next year’s High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development will offer a platform to discuss efficient measures for a true transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies, such as the pivotal goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive and safe, while granting their inhabitants a proper quality of life. Croatia’s commitment to multilateralism is unwavering.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Eradicating poverty remains our primary development objective, since it is a cause and consequence of conflict, instability and crises. But it is only by paying equal attention to transformational, cross-cutting elements — such as human rights, equality, good governance, the rule of law and inclusive societies — that we will be able to achieve true sustainable development. As we are witnessing the daily erosion of climate conditions and increasing natural disasters, more is required from humankind. That burden is ours to bear. In recent months, unfortunately, my country was not spared wildfires and floods either, which reached unprecedented dimensions. Those increasingly worrying warnings are a call to action, without delay.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In addition, cooperation with academia, the business community and civil society is indispensable, but it would be unwise not to also tap the ideas and ingenuity of each individual in our respective societies, especially of our youth, who, in the age of modern technology, are absorbing knowledge and acquiring skills in a faster and more open manner. It is therefore our global task to adjust our educational systems to form future responsible citizens, to give them job opportunities and fit the real needs of our labour markets. Coming from Croatia, the homeland of the great inventor Nikola Tesla, I cannot but stress how vitally important it is that the United Nations facilitate a transformation towards the age of the digital economy and narrow the digital divide, which could generate new inequalities.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“That is especially important in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the proper implementation of the constitutional equality of its three constituent peoples — Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats — is a prerequisite for ensuring the full functionality and stability of the State and its European integration process, which we wholeheartedly support. Two years ago, through the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the international community properly recognized the limits to the reach of individual Governments. Universal challenges indeed demand our joint response.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Preserving peace and stability in South-East Europe is obviously of key importance for my country. While the world faces many overwhelming challenges, we should bear in mind that regional stability in South- East Europe is still to be entrenched. By transferring our knowledge and promoting the integration of the countries of South-East Europe into the European Union and NATO — if they so wish — Croatia actively encourages stability in the region. We believe in building strong societies in our neighbourhood, while aiming to shift away from containing crises towards prevention, political dialogue and active engagement.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Compromising the impartiality or independence of international adjudicators or tribunals, as was the case in the terminated arbitration process between Croatia and Slovenia, makes their decisions legally void — and left Croatia with no choice other than to withdraw from the arbitration process. We consider that that example of undermining the rule of law is a discouragement for States considering third-party dispute settlement. At the same time, we want to solve the open border issue with our neighbouring friend and ally Slovenia through bilateral dialogue. In addition, Croatia strongly supports the full and unequivocal implementation of all applicable rules of international humanitarian and criminal law, as well as the full investigation and punishment of all atrocities.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We appeal to the North Korean authorities to discontinue developing and testing nuclear weapons and to fully meet their commitments under international law, the relevant to the Security Council resolutions and the global non-proliferation regime. Adherence to the standards, principles and rules of international law and their faithful implementation provide a firm foundation for lasting peace and stability worldwide, to which we are deeply attached. In that regard, I would particularly like to recall the principles of good faith and free consent. We believe that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means and in conformity with international law. It is of the utmost importance that all international adjudications meet the highest legal standards and fully respect their own relevant rules.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We advocate tighter links between the Human Rights Council and the Security Council. We also acknowledge the importance of the principle of the responsibility to protect. We take particular pride in the fact that one of Croatia’s top diplomats leads the United Nations efforts in that regard. We welcome the establishment of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, as it is evident that there is a real need for strategic coordination and leadership for our global counter-terrorism efforts. It is also necessary that we continue working on preventing and countering radicalization and violent extremism. Croatia fully supports the recent unanimous Security Council action on North Korea, whose actions represent a direct threat to international peace and security.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Our contribution to peacekeeping operations will continue to be an important component of our foreign policy, both through direct participation and sharing our experiences and expertise or know-how. Croatia has contributed to 19 United Nations peacekeeping operations to date, and we are currently preparing our contribution to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Like many other countries, apart from United Nations peacekeeping operations, we also participate in international operations led by other organizations, such as the European Union, NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Human rights and fundamental freedoms are universal values. We should spare no effort in their promotion and protection. Any violation of human rights requires an immediate and appropriate response.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In understanding the situation and risks on the ground, we must in particular draw on the knowledge and experience of local populations, neighbouring countries and regional organizations. Croatia believes that when addressing conflicts and crises — be it in Syria, Libya, Iraq, Yemen or anywhere else in the world — it is important to have a global, comprehensive approach based on solidarity and coordinated international effort under strong United Nations leadership. Such an approach would include political, humanitarian, socioeconomic, stabilization and security elements, and in which reconstruction goes hand in hand with reconciliation and building resilience.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In the framework of the European Union, Croatia is working with its partners on stemming the illegal flows of people, especially from the Eastern Mediterranean-Balkan route, while at the same time providing concrete support to countries of origin to address root causes, in particular through its development aid programmes. In addressing crises across the globe, our focus should be on early warning, prevention and diplomacy. Any post-conflict measure comes too late, especially in terms of human life. Conflicts need to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and require tailor-made approaches. While a consistent approach to conflicts by the United Nations, and in particular by the Security Council, is essential for the Organization’s credibility, copy- pasted, one-size-fits-all approaches are not the most effective way to proceed.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In the context of the upcoming negotiations on the global compact on migration, we advocate an approach to human mobility that prioritizes the safety, dignity and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, no matter where they come from or where they are headed. As with all global challenges, a holistic approach is required in that regard. We therefore need to work together to fight the root causes of mass migrations — be it poverty, failing States and wars or climate change and natural disasters — while standing against exploitation and abuse in the context of human trafficking and people smuggling.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)