YouSaid · the spoken record

Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson

lines on the record: 46
first: 2013-09-24
most recent: 2015-09-24
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

“In the meantime, Iceland has stated its support for the initiative by France and Mexico on regulating the use of the veto and for the code of conduct on Security Council actions against genocide and other crimes against humanity, drafted by the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group of States.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“After a succession of eight men in the position of Secretary-General, it is high time for qualified female candidates to be seriously considered for that most important international position. The same applies to the position of the President of the General Assembly. The gender imbalance in high-level positions must be addressed if we wish to strengthen the credibility of the United Nations. Iceland has long supported an expansion in the permanent and non-permanent seats in the Security Council. It is a difficult process, but we cannot ignore the current increasingly indefensible situation, in which the Security Council represents the world as it was in 1945. The danger is that its authority will gradually be undermined if it does not better reflect the world as it is. Iceland is ready to look at all options for squaring the circle.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“They include refraining from “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State”. It is a matter of grave concern when a permanent member of the Security Council acts to undermine the territorial integrity of another State. The rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes are of existential importance for small States like mine. The United Nations is not perfect. I would like, however, to compliment Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the determination with which he has approached the Organization’s shortcomings. There is important work under way to revitalize the General Assembly. Iceland welcomes resolution 69/321 on that topic, in particular with regard to the appointment of the Secretary-General.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The safety and well-being of civilians on both sides must always be ensured. While the situation in the Middle East region gives little cause for optimism, there has recently been a triumph of diplomacy over conflict. I would like to congratulate all the parties that achieved the breakthrough agreement on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear programme. We hope to see that agreement contribute to greater stability in the region. We should be careful not to forget other disputes, which, if not attended to, could flare up. Here, I am thinking of the Western Sahara. On this seventieth anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations, we should recall the basic tenets of the Charter of the United Nations and related instruments.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Iceland reiterates its strong conviction that the only path to peace between Israel and Palestine is the two-State solution. Both sides need to commit fully to that solution, and they must refrain from actions that undermine it. Of continuing and deep concern is the humanitarian situation of the Palestinians, particularly 15-29816 25/45 A/70/PV.25 02/10/2015 in Gaza, where we continue to call for the lifting of the blockade. Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law. That includes an immediate halt to the demolition of Palestinian homes and an end to the displacement of Palestinians from their land. Terrorist activity on the part of Palestinian elements is also totally unacceptable and can only undermine peace. We condemn all acts of violence against civilians.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The situation is already having consequences far beyond the region. Meanwhile, it is the humanitarian duty of the rest of the world to seek ways to reduce the suffering of the refugees. These are extreme circumstances and call for extraordinary measures. The Icelandic Government has decided to allocate $16 million to deal with the crisis and to support the vital work of front-line United Nations institutions, like the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Food Programme and UNICEF, and to welcome increased numbers of refugees to Iceland. This is, however, not a numbers game. There are different circumstances in different countries. But we all have to do what we can. These are defining moments in history.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“This year alone, some 500,000 refugees and migrants have crossed the Mediterranean to Europe, and millions have fled to neighbouring countries. Here, I would like to pay tribute to Syria’s neighbours, who have quietly and resolutely given shelter to the great majority of the refugees. The conflict in Syria, with its complex roots in the larger conflicts in the region, has produced a scale of suffering that we all hoped never to see again. The long-term solution has to be to solve the conflict in Syria, and others like it, by political means. The Security Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. We call on all Security Council members, in the words of the Charter, to “unite their strength” to halt the bloodshed in Syria.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Particularly in Europe, well before the Syrian crisis, we witnessed the desperate efforts of men and women fleeing their own countries, often with tragic consequences, in search of a safe future for themselves and their children. The search for a better life is nothing new. About one fifth of Iceland’s population left our country in the late nineteenth century in the face of extreme poverty and harsh weather conditions. For many Icelanders and millions of European who undertook the perilous journey to North America, emigration was a matter of survival. Others were escaping injustice and political systems in which they had no voice. The current refugee crisis, however, is unprecedented in recent times. The term migration hardly captures the severity of the situation. This is an exodus. We have all seen the figures.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Iceland will continue to be a champion of gender equality and the empowerment of women, as are many other committed Member States. At the beginning of the year I co-hosted, with my colleague from Suriname, a successful Barbershop Conference here at the United Nations. The aim was to get others to join in getting men to be more active on the issue of gender equality. I saw it also as support for the He For She campaign run by UN-Women. In the light of that success, Iceland intends to host Barbershops in other international organizations of which we are members. The small size of our world is being set into sharp relief by the ongoing migrant and refugee situation.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“At the same time, peace and security considerations cannot be used as a justification for violating human rights. The imposition of the death penalty should not be justified by the pretext of needing to maintain order and security. In that regard, the case of Ali Mohammed al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia, a minor when his alleged crimes took place, is particularly worrying. I call on Saudi Arabia to uphold its international obligations and commute his sentence. One characteristic of a just and humane society is the way it treats its minorities and the most vulnerable. Iceland will continue to work with others for non-discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Human rights are for all men, all women, all girls and all boys, not just for some. “We the people” includes everyone.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The meeting on the United Nations Framework Convention 24/45 15-29816 02/10/2015 A/70/PV.25 on Climate Change in Paris in December will be a chance — maybe our last one — to put ourselves on track towards a sustainable future and to take decisions based on best available science. Iceland is committed to an ambitious, long-term global climate agreement and intends, working collectively with other countries in Europe, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent in 2030. We have been asked to focus on the road ahead for peace, security and human rights. When injustice is the everyday experience of a large part of the population, and when people have no voice, peace and security are at risk. And without peace and security, we will not achieve sustainable development.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Last month, with participants from other Arctic countries, I took part in the Global Leadership Conference in Alaska, aimed at drawing attention to the impacts of climate change, which are particularly revealing in that region. Temperatures in the Arctic are increasing at more than twice the average global rate. The region’s fragile ecosystem is increasingly at risk, and Arctic communities are experiencing at first hand the challenges of dealing with a rapidly changing climate. The consequences are far reaching, as shrinking glaciers in the North contribute to higher sea levels in the South. There is still time to turn things around.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We need to aim for the elimination of carbon-based fuels and, in the meantime, to channel the enormous amount of subsidies granted in the fossil-fuel sector — some $14.5 billion a day — towards renewable energy resources. That would be a good start, and here, those who count need to be counted. Iceland also worked hard with others to include in the 2030 Agenda language that deals with non-communicable diseases, including neurological disorders. The universal nature of our new, common Goals requires each of our States to contribute at the national, regional and global levels. None of us can succeed alone. Iceland is committed to playing its part in reaching those ambitious Goals. Everywhere we are witnessing the drastic consequences of climate change.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We are also pleased that the sustainable management of natural resources is central to both those Agendas. Eliminating hunger will require food security. That can be achieved only by safeguarding and sustainably managing the only two sources of food we have: the ocean and the land. Inefficient fisheries management and the lack of infrastructure in that field cost our societies around $50 billion every year. Also, arable land the size of South Africa becomes degraded every year. We now have a blueprint for fixing that, and Iceland is committed to contributing to those efforts. Another highly significant aim in terms of the sustainable management of natural resources is Goal 7, on affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The United Nations has not always met our expectations, but it is the only organization through which all countries can work to solve the problems that we face today and to prevent potential problems in the future. This anniversary year provides a striking example of how the world’s nations, within the forum of the United Nations, can work together to chart a future for our peoples. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda are achievements of which we should be proud. Iceland, together with many other Member States, worked hard to achieve the balanced result we see today. We are particularly pleased with the prominence of gender equality and the empowerment of women, which are key to sustainable development.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The world has changed enormously since the establishment of the United Nations 70 years ago. It has become a real world body with 193 Member States. The United Nations has established a peacekeeping structure, overseen the development of a strong human rights framework and set up key agencies for development, humanitarian issues and the environment. And we have seen the codification of international law under the auspices of the United Nations through such landmark treaties as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Over the same period, the United Nations has witnessed the agonies and tragedies of several generations around the world —tragedies brought on by poverty, conflict and natural disasters.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“May the wise words of Nelson Mandela come true as we navigate that path: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.””
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We have been reminded in recent weeks of the fragility of human beings and the need for us to work together on the biggest threats to humankind. Let me express our sympathy for and solidarity with the States suffering from the Ebola outbreak. The Government of Iceland will join in the international effort to curb the outbreak with financial contributions to United Nations agencies. Next year, the States Members of the United Nations will come together to make important decisions on how to address climate change and pursue sustainable development. In the North, Arctic biodiversity and ecosystems are threatened by climate change, and sustainable harvesting of natural resources is vital. I pledge Iceland’s commitment to work for bold decisions on the future of our planet and the increased prosperity of the world community in the year 2015.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We have partnered with Suriname to lead a friends’ group of countries to galvanize support to promote gender equality and to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Declaration. We call on Member States to join that effort and take concrete actions on the 12 themes of the Platform for Action. For our part, we want to bring men and boys to the table on gender equality in a positive way. Iceland and Suriname will convene a “barbershop” conference in January 2015, where men will discuss gender equality with other men, with a special focus on addressing violence against women. That will be a unique conference, as it will be the first time at the United Nations that we bring together only male leaders to discuss gender equality. It will provide an exceptional contribution to the Beijing+20 conference and the HeForShe campaigns.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Without the full and equal participation of women in all spheres of society, including in decision-making, it will be impossible to make real and lasting progress in addressing sustainable development challenges. The stand-alone goal on gender equality and women’s empowerment agreed in the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals must be maintained. But we should not stop there. Gender equality must be further mainstreamed throughout the new framework. In that regard, I cannot leave out the centrality of ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights. We must continue to fight for the full implementation of the commitments we made almost 20 years ago in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Iceland is proud to support UN-Women in the campaign to celebrate Beijing+20.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We have partnered with a group of countries and the International Renewable Energy Agency to identify opportunities and to support mechanisms to scale up geothermal production. In that connection, we invite Member States to join the Global Geothermal Alliance. Iceland has also been working with the World Bank on projects in the Great African Rift Valley, and we have run the Geothermal Training Programme of the United Nations University in Iceland for 35 years. In Iceland and the other Nordic countries, the revolution in women’s education and the high level of female participation in the labour market have been the basis of our welfare and economic prosperity.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Switching to sustainable land management is therefore not only crucial to food and water security, but an important factor in mitigating and adapting to climate change. This is why Iceland argues strongly for measures to achieve a land-degradation neutral world. Iceland contributes actively to these efforts through the Group of Friends of the Secretary-General in New York and through the United Nations University Land Restoration Training Programme in Iceland. A third key area is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. No society can develop without energy, yet today over 1.3 billion people have no access to electricity. As energy production grows, it is essential to substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy supply by 2030. Iceland is contributing to that effort.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The Convention on the Law of the Sea has been instrumental to Iceland’s success, yet what is often lacking is the capacity of States to implement effective monitoring and sustainable harvesting. Iceland has been sharing know-how through the United Nations University Fisheries Training Programme in Iceland, where over 1,500 experts have benefited from post- graduate studies and workshops in the field. The second key area for ensuring food security is land. Every decade, 120 million hectares of land — an area the size of South Africa — are lost to desertification and drought. Climate change is contributing to an ever- faster rate of land degradation, which in turn releases greenhouse gases, creating a vicious circle.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Yet we have a paradox. Overfishing remains a widespread problem, but at the same time fisheries are greatly underperforming. With improved infrastructure and better management, the economic benefits from marine fisheries could be increased by $50 billion per year, or more than half the value of the global seafood trade. It is clear that ocean issues are one of the keys to the post-2015 development agenda. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a sound legal basis on which States can harness their marine resources. Iceland remains firmly loyal to the Convention, and we build our marine policy on scientific research where sustainability guides all our decisions.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In a world riven by inequality, poverty and onflict, it is a challenge to chart a path towards the future we want. Since the most recent general debate, we have made real progress in preparing for the decisions to be taken next year on a new framework for sustainable development. The year ahead will be a test of our resolve to deliver. Iceland will participate constructively in the negotiations for the post-2015 agenda, as well as for a new regime to address climate change. Allow me to highlight a few issues that I believe to be fundamental. With an increasing world population, measures to ensure food security are more important than ever. For 3 billion people, seafood provides about 20 per cent of their intake of animal protein. Nine to 12 per cent of the global population depends on the seafood sector for their livelihood.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Recent events have shown that we must reaffirm our commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and other legal instruments to safeguard the foundations of a just and peaceful world. This holds particularly true for the Security Council. In its role of maintaining international peace and security, its compass should be the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. It should apply the law equally to all parties. The Council needs to become more solution-oriented and directly engaged. Its working methods must improve, especially the application of the veto. Iceland supports the recent French- and Mexican-led proposal for framing the veto in cases of mass atrocities. The Council should also make use of its referral power as intended by the Rome Statute.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The occupation of Palestine must end.” The violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity breaches the Charter of the United Nations, international law and numerous treaties. The illegal annexation of Crimea threatens security and stability throughout Europe. The credibility of the Security Council is seriously undermined when a permanent member violates the Charter by using force to change borders, and then can veto the necessary response and actions by the body empowered to maintain international peace and security. The Council is also undermined when it proves incapable of defending civilians who are subject to foreign occupation or is unable to prevent the use of chemical weapons. The United Nations was founded to ensure that the fate of nations would never again be decided at the barrel of a gun.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I condemn the indiscriminate rocket attacks of Hamas and other militant organizations in Gaza against civilian targets in Israel. I also condemn the disproportionate use of force by the Israel Defense Forces, which resulted in more than 2,000 deaths in Gaza. Let the loss of life not have been in vain and let the future of Palestinian children be a future without foreign occupation. A two-State solution, with the comprehensive support of neighbouring countries and robust international peacekeeping arrangements, should be the objective. To the Palestinians I say, “Reconcile. Be your own best friends so you can build a free and sovereign Palestine ensuring fundamental rights and freedom for all”. To the Israelis, I say, “The current situation is unsustainable. Be brave, be wise and give peace a chance.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The United Nations and international law must be centre stage, and we underscore the role of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security. The suffering of the Syrian people and the total disrespect for humanitarian law in that civil war are equally shocking. Almost 200,000 people have died, 3 million refugees are abroad, and the country is in ruins. The prolonged foreign occupation of the State of Palestine is another violation of international law. Land-grabbing continues unabated. The blockade of Gaza shows no signs of being lifted. Violations of human rights continue, including against freedom of movement, the right to freedom of speech and assembly and property rights. This summer, a pointless war between Israel and Gaza caused an unacceptable loss of life.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“This erodes the international legal framework we have developed since the Second World War. A shocking recent example is the terrorist group operating in Iraq and Syria, the self-styled Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. As human beings, we are revolted by its brutality and appalled by its mindless destruction. The international community cannot accept the disregard for the fundamental principles of the United Nations — indeed, of human decency — shown by this group. Iceland therefore agrees with the lawful actions taken to end these atrocities by countries of the region and from other parts of the world. Iceland will contribute humanitarian aid through the United Nations agencies. No civilized nation can look the other way when the barbarism and cruelty are so overwhelming.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Next year we will celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations. As we approach that milestone, it is good to reflect on the successes of our Organization: the extensive codification of international law, advances in combating poverty and disease, and fighting human rights abuses. We have established monitoring mechanisms, such as the human rights treaty bodies, and accountability tools, such as the International Criminal Court, and agreed on historic policy targets that have transformed international cooperation, such as the Millennium Development Goals. These are not small achievements, but sitting on our laurels is not an option. The system of rule-bound relations between nations is under threat, and we must protect it. Most worrying is the growing disregard for international law.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“During his stay, the Secretary-General gave us Icelanders an insight into the work of the United Nations — how, every single day, the United Nations is making a difference in the lives of countless people around the world, helping refugees, providing humanitarian assistance and saving the lives of children. The United Nations is a force for good in the world. Together we can make a real difference; united we protect the environment, preserve peace and save lives. The more united we are, the better the world will become.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The delicate environment must be protected, economic opportunities developed and the needs of the people who live in the Arctic respected. As caretakers of the Arctic, we take our global duty very seriously. It was therefore a great pleasure and an honour for me to host the Secretary-General in Iceland last summer. During his visit, I demonstrated to him how the global impact of climate change melts the glaciers in the north. Following our trip to the central highlands, the Secretary-General observed that we had not only seen the ice disappear, we had also heard the most powerful sound of ice melting away.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We protest in the strongest terms when stakeholders resort to threats of coercive measures when differences arise. Icelanders know better than anyone that the health of the ocean and its resources must be preserved. It is fundamental for our existence and livelihood. The conservation, sound management and sustainable use of natural resources are principles that we follow strictly in our policies. We are sincere and serious in living up to the responsibility that comes with safeguarding the riches of the Earth. For the same reason, the eight Arctic States have developed productive regional cooperation. As the world witnesses the rapid changes in the Arctic, we who live in that corner of the world know how urgent it is to act and plan for the future.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“One international agreement that Iceland holds in high regard is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It was a great achievement when that important Convention was adopted 30 years ago, and it has proved its relevance by the test of time. The Law of the Sea Convention demonstrates how the international order can best work and prescribes how differences should be settled through peaceful means. The Convention provides a basis for sound resource management. However, meeting that objective is difficult for many States. The international community should do much more to support developing countries to better conserve and utilize their resources and reform their management policies. As a steadfast advocate of the Convention, Iceland is firmly committed to its provisions.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The continuing settlement activities, in violation of international law, threaten to make the two-State solution impossible. Therefore, the Government of Israel must end all settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. We denounce the oppressive policies of Hamas and condemn the indiscriminate rocket fire from Gaza. We also call upon Israel to end the blockade of the territory. Respect for international law is fundamental for relations between States. If differences arise, we should always seek agreements through consultations, negotiations or other means for peaceful resolution. The principle of the rule of law, which is among the founding principles of the United Nations, is vital to us all — big nations and small.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We also call on the Governments in the region to demonstrate their commitment to democracy with concrete actions. The developments in the Middle East cannot be separated from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As United States President Obama said, the Palestinian people have a right to live with security and dignity in their own sovereign State. Israel’s security depends upon the realization of a Palestinian State, and stability will be served only through a two-State solution and a secure Israel. We welcome the renewed peace talks between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine and applaud United States Secretary Kerry for his commitment in that regard. We must respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination as well as Israel’s right to exist in peace with its neighbours. But time is running out.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We note that UN Women is planning its strategy along those lines. A prominent element in the Beijing Declaration is the importance of the active engagement of women for democratic development. The women of the Arab world have given that objective a powerful new meaning in the past three years. Women assumed their rightful place and have called on their leaders to show real leadership. They call for respect for human rights and the equal treatment of women and men. They call for the freedom to express their views and to determine their own future through democratic processes. It is regrettable that developments in the region have been overshadowed by political discord and continued violence. We deplore the loss of lives and condemn all violence.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We are alarmed that recent legislation in some countries is violating the fundamental principles of equality and the freedom of expression. The responsibility to change that and to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights rests with us politicians. By speaking from this rostrum, each and every one of us pledges to uphold those common values of the United Nations. The promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women is another urgent task. In 2015, we will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing. We call on all Member States to renew efforts to implement the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Iceland has been advocating for celebrating the anniversary through a 12-month campaign, focusing on each of the 12 themes of Beijing.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“As I glance around the Assembly Hall, I am inspired by the history and success of the Organization, which represents the immense diversity and talent of humankind, and inspired by the potential for future positive action that the rich fabric of representatives from all Member States represents. But success should not blind our vision or cloud our judgement. The flaws of the Security Council have been sadly exposed in the case of Syria. Furthermore, the lack of organizational reform undermines the credibility of the United Nations. Much work remains undone in many areas. As long as people are mistreated for their views, race or religion, or even cast as outlaws for their sexual orientation or gender identity, human rights obligations are not honoured.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We are proud to offer the world our expertise where it can make a real difference — for the development of geothermal energy, sustainable fisheries management, the restoration of fertile land and the promotion of gender equality. More than 2,500 experts from all parts of the world have benefited from the activities of the four United Nations university training programmes in Iceland since the first one was established 35 years ago. Iceland will focus on those same four topics in the post-2015 process. Let me emphasize that the process must be conducted in a true democratic spirit. It must be inclusive and allow for all Member States to participate.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Furthermore, climate change and disasters such as the one in Fukushima have taught us that a real energy transformation is needed. Safe, clean and renewable energy is the way of the future. Iceland has undergone a true energy revolution. Today, almost all of our electricity and heating needs are met with renewable energy. That success story is a source of a productive partnership between Iceland and the United Nations, and now also the World Bank. Our world is wealthy. That wealth is not only preserved in the minerals of the Earth, the power of the rivers and the rich living marine resources. Our greatest wealth is people — the knowledge, the experiences, the constant journey of the human mind to explore and invent new solutions. Iceland makes use of those assets in its development cooperation.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“They have increased awareness of heartbreaking poverty and inspired new policymaking. The Millennium Development Goals are indeed central to Iceland’s development policy, and my Government is firmly committed to shouldering our responsibility in a globalized world. As new goals are defined, the focus should remain on eliminating poverty, achieving gender equality, improving health and providing education for girls and boys. The pressure on our ecosystem calls for urgent action to combat pollution and land degradation, as well as a balanced consideration of conservation and the utilization of natural resources. It is a challenge to ensure food security when land and water resources are threatened. Our duty is to share experiences and know- how to restore land and improve land management — to change deserts into blooming fields.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Some of the greatest achievements of the United Nations are in the field of international law. Within these walls, the history of international relations continues to be written and brave new steps to be taken. The latest accomplishment is the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty. Iceland is proud to have been the first State to ratify this landmark treaty. We call on all States — in particular arms exporters — to do so as well, so that it enters into force without delay. In the year 2000, world leaders gathered in this city and made a historic decision by adopting the Millennium Declaration. Since then, the Millennium Development Goals have served us well. For almost 15 years, they have influenced and guided the development priorities of nations and organizations.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The Syrian Government has not lived up to its responsibility towards its own citizens. It has retaliated with unabated violence instead of choosing a path of reform, reconciliation and improved rights for its people. The crisis calls for firm action to be taken by the international community. Syria must comply with its international obligations, and all parties to the conflict must respect humanitarian and human rights law. We welcome the adoption of Security Council resolution 2118 (2013) and call on the Council to ensure that Syria fully meets its commitments. The Geneva communiqué (S/2012/522, annex) must also be honoured and a “Geneva II” conference convened urgently. The tragedy in Syria has once again underscored the fundamental importance of international law and order.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Once again, we have witnessed outrageous acts of terrorism against innocent people, most recently in Kenya, Iraq and Pakistan. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families. It is the primary responsibility of all Governments to protect their citizens. A few weeks ago, the world witnessed the use of chemical weapons in Syria. It is hard to find words strong enough to express our condemnation. International law has been violated, war crimes committed and globally shared values have been shattered. Those responsible must be held accountable and should answer to the International Criminal Court. The devastation inflicted on the Syrian people must end. A country is in ruins. Innocent lives are lost every day, more than 6 million people are displaced and stability in the region is threatened.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)