YouSaid · the spoken record

Mwai Kibaki

lines on the record: 54
first: 2005-09-24
most recent: 2012-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“Strengthening global institutions that deal with the environment, biodiversity and climate change must therefore be a core part of our strategy to avoid conflict and disputes among the peoples of the world. It is important that, as the community of nations, we invest in the peaceful settlement of international disputes. However, we must invest first in the prevention of disputes and, secondly, in addressing the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, inequality, disregard for international law and disrespect for each other’s sociocultural and religious beliefs, among others. Only by addressing the root causes of conflict and disputes can we hope to find lasting peace in a just and equitable world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Kenya appreciates that historic decision to strengthen and upgrade UNEP, which will enable it to fulfil its mandate effectively. Kenya reiterates its commitment to continue to host and facilitate the work of a revamped UNEP, and we look forward to its eventual transformation into a full- fledged organization for the global environment. Finally, we are all aware that many of our modern disputes and conflicts revolve around concerns about water, available land and agriculture, forests, rivers and lakes. Dealing with our environment and the effects of climate change is therefore an important part of resolving disputes and conflicts around the world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“There can be no lasting peace without sustainable and inclusive development. Kenya therefore greatly appreciates the achievements of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held earlier this year in Brazil. Kenya is encouraged that, in line with recommendations proposed during the Conference, the General Assembly has placed high on its agenda for this session some of the decisions we took in Rio de Janeiro. That is indeed an indication of our collective political will to ensure that the decisions contained in the outcome document are implemented. Key among those is the decision to strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable development, including the upgrading of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is our belief that nations should embrace dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes instead of rushing to arms, for suffering and bloodshed will ensue. We call upon all warring parties in the world to lay down their arms and pursue the path of peace, dialogue and the inclusive resolution of disputes. We also remain concerned that no progress has been achieved on the issue of Palestine. As I said last year here in the General Assembly, Kenya believes in the two-State solution, in which the territorial integrity of Palestine within the 1967 borders is upheld and the peace and security of Israel are both assured and guaranteed. In that regard, it is our hope that Palestine will soon be welcomed into the community of nations with full membership in the United Nations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I especially commend the African Union High-level Implementation Panel for its determination and leadership in steering the negotiations. We are confident that both countries will agree to urgently address contentious issues on border disputes. Kenya will continue to support efforts to find a peaceful and lasting solution to disputes between the people of the Sudan and South Sudan. We encourage the international community to redouble its efforts to fast-track support for social and economic development in South Sudan for the benefit of citizens of the new country. Kenyans are saddened by the great suffering and bloodshed endured by populations around the world, especially in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and Central Africa.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Following the liberation of large sections of south-central Somalia from Al-Shabaab, we look forward to working with the relevant United Nations agencies and the international community in facilitating the return of Somali refugees to those areas. That will enable the effective participation of all Somalis in rebuilding Somalia. With regard to the Republic of the Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan, Kenya is appreciative of the positive developments of 4 August related to the long-standing dispute over oil resources. We hope that that important agreement marks a first step towards reducing tensions between the two sister countries. Kenya also appreciates the efforts of the international community, both directly and through the African Union, and encourages the two sides to work towards reaching a compromise.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“With regard to Somalia, Kenya joined the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and through the combined efforts of AMISOM and Transitional Federal Government forces, we have witnessed the progressive liberation of large areas of Somalia from Al-Shabaab occupation. That development enabled the Transitional Government to focus on the implementation of the Kampala Accord road map, with a view to forming a unified Government anchored on the pillars of good governance and the rule of law. We are encouraged by recent developments in Somalia, in particular the election of a new President, Prime Minister and Parliament and the adoption of a new Constitution. There are millions of Somalis who are forced to live outside Somalia. More than 650,000 are in one refugee camp in Kenya.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“My country therefore remains supportive of efforts spearheaded by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the East African Community for the peaceful and inclusive settlement of disputes and situations. Such regional efforts are central to the future of multilateral peacebuilding. They must be the building blocks of international efforts to maintain peace and security in our region and the world. Kenya therefore welcomes the Secretary-General’s initiative to convene a series of high-level meetings during this week to discuss the political and security situations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sudan and South Sudan.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In accordance with this year’s theme, “Bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means”, Kenya’s achievements over the past 10 years have been built on the bedrock of the peaceful resolution of disputes and situations in our country. In addition, it is our belief that inclusive solutions to disputes can bring about lasting peace. We know from our own history and that of our neighbours that when conflicts and disagreements are not resolved peacefully what follows are the tragic consequences of suffering, bloodshed and the collapse of economic and social development. That is why we are convinced that Kenya’s own well-being and prosperity are hinged on sustained peace, security, stability and inclusive democracy in our region.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We have also pulled hundreds of thousands of Kenyans out of poverty and put them on the pathway to economic independence and self-reliance. In doing so, we have also expanded our economic base, opening up new and extensive infrastructure, energy and information technology projects. The achievements in our country have been attained through respect for the rule of law, sound policies, improved governance and open and innovative democracy. However, as all Kenyans recognize, we still have a lot more work to do. Poverty, disease and unemployment still remain big challenges for us. Nevertheless, I am confident that we will seize opportunities to innovate and invest, and thus keep our country on the road to even greater prosperity.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is an honour and a pleasure for me to once again address the General Assembly. Kenya is at a time in its history that is full of hope for a bright future. Over the past 10 years, our country has enjoyed a sustained blossoming of democracy. In the year 2010, Kenya adopted a new Constitution. With that constitution, we further secured the human rights and civil liberties of our citizens and entrenched constitutional governance and justice. Equally important, over the past 10 years, we have scored significant victories against diseases including HIV and AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other childhood and adult maladies. Hundreds of thousands more children have found their way into school and many more adults have found new life skills through training and capacity-building.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In that regard, the transformation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) into a specialized United Nations agency, as recommended by the AU, will be of critical importance. It is my hope that the Rio Summit scheduled for next year in Brazil will endorse this position and upgrade UNEP accordingly. Finally, I cannot conclude my statement today without once again restating Kenya’s position on the 11-50871 6 issue of Palestine. Kenya believes in the two-State solution where the territorial integrity of Palestine within the 1967 borders is upheld and the peace and security of Israel are both assured and guaranteed. It is therefore our hope that Palestine will be welcomed into the community of nations with full membership in the United Nations.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The region is now suffering from increased environmental stress, the loss of livelihoods and intense competition for scarce resources. Moreover, the situation has sometimes led to armed conflict among neighbouring communities. This reality requires us to enhance the regional capacity for early warning systems and adequate response arrangements. The scale of climate change and environmental degradation calls for sustained action. In that regard, Kenya hopes that the seventeenth session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Durban, will deliver on African expectations in the form of support for adaptation measures. Furthermore, Kenya believes that the international organizations working on the environment will be streamlined and given sufficient support.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“As a first step, I call upon the international community to enhance the mandate of AMISOM by providing it with the necessary enablers and resources. Only then can AMISOM have the required capacity to extend its coverage and control. In addition, we must support the TFG in the implementation of the Kampala Accord, which spells out a range of political processes necessary for the attainment of sustainable peace and development in Somalia. The complex challenge of climate change continues to manifest itself in the Horn of Africa. As the General Assembly is aware, the region is currently experiencing the worst drought in 60 years. The drought has resulted in a severe crisis that is affecting more than 12 million people.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We will also maintain active support for the African Union High-level Implementation Panel on the Sudan, led by former President Thabo Mbeki. The recent improvement in the security situation in Mogadishu gives us great optimism. This has been achieved through the concerted efforts of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), supported by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the international community. The exit of Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu provides a unique window of opportunity for the international community to rally behind Somalia and consolidate the gains made thus far. I urge the United Nations and the international community to seize the moment, support IGAD and partner with the TFG in the efforts to restore lasting peace and stability to Somalia.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome the Republic of South Sudan to the community of nations. The independence of South Sudan and its entry into the United Nations family is the result of intense negotiations under IGAD, safeguarded by the AU and the international community. This success story exemplifies the potential of regional organizations to resolve complex and deep-rooted conflicts. I would like to reiterate Kenya’s continued commitment to engage with both the Sudan and South Sudan, through IGAD as well as bilaterally, in their efforts to resolve the outstanding issues under the just concluded Comprehensive Peace Agreement. I am confident that the leadership of both the Sudan and South Sudan will continue to demonstrate their commitment, courage and resolve in that effort.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Most significant is the promotion of mediation as a tool for conflict management and the peaceful settlement of disputes between and within States. In that context, the role of regional organizations in the mediation and resolution of conflicts is of increasing importance. On the African continent, the African Union (AU) and regional organizations such as the East African Community and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) continue to serve as significant building blocks in the search for global peace and security. As the Assembly is aware, IGAD is at the forefront of efforts to bring peace to Somalia and the Sudan. I am pleased that Kenya’s role in both cases has been, and remains, crucial. On 9 July, we witnessed the birth of a new nation, South Sudan.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I take this opportunity to once again congratulate the President on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. I am confident that his long years of diplomatic service and experience will be crucial in steering the work of this session to a complete success. Allow me to also congratulate His Excellency 5 11-50871 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on his re-election to a second term. This demonstrates our collective trust and confidence in his leadership. The twenty-first century presents us with new and complex security challenges arising, among other things, from a range of political, economic, financial and environmental factors. This session of the General Assembly offers opportunities to address the challenges that we face collectively.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Let us rise to the occasion and demonstrate our political will and ability to work together for the good of all humankind.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is crucial that the world stand in support of these initiatives as Sudan takes vital steps in relation to its future governance. I believe that continued engagement with the leadership of both the National Congress Party and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement is the only way towards the peaceful resolution of the challenges facing the Sudan. In view of this perspective, I wish to inform this Assembly that I will convene the second IGAD Special Summit on the Sudan in November 2010, in order to take stock of progress, ensure the process remains on course and support efforts relating to the post- referendum arrangements. In conclusion, I wish to express my hope that through our unity, solidarity, cooperation and commitment, the challenges facing the international community will be overcome.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I have done so because we in the IGAD region believe that the CPA holds the key to peace and stability in the Sudan and the region. I wish to inform this Assembly that I have received assurances from both President Omer Al-Bashir and First Vice-President Salva Kiir to remain on course with respect to the preparations for the referendum. I am pleased to further inform the Assembly that both reaffirmed their commitment to resolve all the outstanding issues, to hold the 31 10-54827 referendum on 9 January 2011, and to accept the outcome of the vote. We in the region are looking forward to the holding of a successful and peaceful referendum that promotes regional peace and stability. These efforts by the neighbours of the Sudan and the African Union have created a momentum that is critical to the full implementation of the CPA.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is against this background that Kenya urges the United Nations and the entire international community to seize the opportunity created by the African regional initiative and lend support to the proposed measures, which include the appointment of an eminent high- level personality for Somalia, the effective deployment of the proposed 2,000 troops, a review of the current mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia to enhance its peace enforcement capacity, and the extension of support to the Transitional Federal Government to bolster its effectiveness countrywide. As the Chair of the IGAD Committee on the Sudan, I have remained actively engaged with the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In July of this year, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Summit identified critical elements of engagement and took a number of decisions on the way forward. These decisions were endorsed by the African Union summit in Kampala in July 2010. Unfortunately, the support needed to implement these decisions by the international community has not been forthcoming.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Today, as this Assembly meets, the security situation in Somalia continues to deteriorate and threaten peace and stability across the entire region and beyond. Needless to say, the threat posed by today’s Somalia to international peace and security is greater than that of any other conflict in the region. Yet Somalia continues to suffer benign neglect from the international community, leading to many lost opportunities to resolve the crisis. The perceived reluctance of the Security Council to engage with Somalia has been a matter of great concern for those of us who suffer the worst consequences of the conflict. Today, I wish to draw the attention of this Assembly to yet another opportunity that should not be lost.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is with a deep concern, therefore, that we note the international community’s inability to make headway in the critical negotiations on climate change. It is Kenya’s hope that the world will recognize the urgency of concluding these negotiations in the interest of the survival of humanity. I look forward to positive outcomes from the upcoming meetings on climate change in Mexico and South Africa. I now wish to turn to one of the major obstacles to the pursuit of peace and development, including the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, in our subregion, namely, the continuing political instability in Somalia that is festering beyond that country. Since the early 1990s, Kenya has borne the full weight of insecurity in Somalia.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“We have recorded substantial progress in poverty reduction and education, in reducing maternal and child mortality, in the fight against HIV/AIDS and malaria, and in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. Climate change continues to hamper our development aspirations. In recognition of this challenge, my country has taken major steps to enhance environmental sustainability, such as reclaiming and protecting our five major water towers; undertaking investments in wind, solar and geothermal energy; and making comprehensive commitments to green our economy. Despite these efforts, Kenya is facing many negative consequences of climate change. Our crop- and livestock-based agriculture, on which the vast majority of Kenyans depend, is now at the mercy of unpredictable weather patterns.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is also our hope that this historic development 10-54827 30 will contribute to the continued consolidation of democratic governance in our region. Ten years ago, world leaders meeting here in New York committed themselves to pursue the Millennium Development Goals in response to the world’s main development challenges of poverty, ignorance and ill- health. Two thirds of the time allotted for the attainment of these Goals has lapsed. With only five years left to the targeted year 2015, the urgency of bridging the remaining gap is a reality we must now confront. As I indicated in my statement to this Assembly three years ago, Kenya has invested significant resources in the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“When I last addressed the General Assembly two years ago, I briefed this august body on the major steps taken by my country to resolve the political difficulties following our general elections in December 2007. Since then, we have made tremendous progress in implementing far-reaching reforms that will entrench democracy and secure our peace and stability. Top on the reform agenda has been the enactment of a new constitution, which was promulgated on 27 August 2010 following a successful national referendum. The new Constitution greatly improves the structures of governance and lays a firm foundation for political stability and economic prosperity. It has created new vitality and a sense of renewal. We believe that this step will go a long way in contributing towards the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The theme of the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly, “Reaffirming the central role of the United Nations in global governance”, is appropriate and timely. Today’s transnational challenges, including issues of peace and security, development, human rights, the environment and health require genuine global governance that encompasses all United Nations Member States. In this regard, Kenya fully reaffirms the central role of the United Nations in global governance, consistent with its Charter and international law. It is, therefore, imperative that the ongoing United Nations reforms be accelerated in order to ensure that this institution of multilateral engagement is representative and transparent, is accountable to its 192 members and optimally achieves the aspirations of today’s world.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Finally, I wish to note that the challenges facing us today, such as the global food crisis, attaining the MDGs and climate change, more than ever before require coordinated global and multilateral cooperation. A more effective and accountable United Nations is therefore needed to meet and overcome these challenges.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We are convinced that strengthening the Economic and Social Council will enable that organ to reassert its authority and its capacity to promote greater coherence and coordination with the multinational financial institutions, the World Trade Organization and other United Nations bodies. I would like to congratulate the Secretary- General for his continued focus on the Millennium Development Goals and, in particular, the establishment of the MDGs Africa Steering Group, which has, among other interventions, proposed the launching of an African green revolution. I also look forward to the insights and recommendations that will come out of the High-level Event on MDGs later this week.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We should all be aware that we are one global community and that none of us is completely isolated from the instability caused by inflationary pressures resulting from the high oil prices. We have, over the years, discussed the need for a more effective and accountable United Nations that will enable us to address the emerging and persistent global challenges such as climate change, international security, poverty, conflicts and economic disparities. Towards that end, reform at the Security Council is imperative. We need to ensure that its composition reflects equitable geographical representation of the entire United Nations membership. Africa therefore deserves permanent representation on the Security Council. Reforms are also needed in other areas.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In that regard, the global community should hasten consensus on agriculture and other contentious issues, so as to enable the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round of the World Trade Organization. On the issue of escalating global oil prices, I wish to make a passionate appeal to oil-producing nations to consider the plight of non-oil-producing nations, especially those in the developing world. There is need to address the problem of speculative trading in the oil futures market, where prices have doubled in the past year. Indeed, the rapid increase in oil prices is hurting developing countries the most and does not augur well for international peace and stability.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In the medium term, we must also address the issues of agricultural productivity, particularly in terms of making available to smaller farmers in Africa better- yielding seed varieties, modern farming techniques and cheaper fertilizer. That will require more effective global partnerships among developed nations, international institutions and developing nations. In particular, such partnerships should place food security, agricultural technology development and transfer, trade and agricultural credit at the centre of the development agenda. Indeed, the most equitable way to lift Africa’s people out of poverty and underdevelopment is through the widespread commercialization of agriculture. We must focus on the manufacture of and trade in value- added agricultural products, supported by efficient financial services and markets.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I am therefore happy to note that the theme of this general debate, “The impact of the global food crisis on poverty and hunger in the world as well as the need to democratize the United Nations”, pays particular attention to that important subject. Indeed, while food prices have risen 17 08-51606 globally, their impact has been most severe and adverse for the poorest people living in developing countries. The continued rise in food prices has national security implications for most developing nations. Therefore, in the immediate future, we must, as Members of the United Nations, find mechanisms to deliver sufficient quantities of affordable food to poor people in Africa and other parts of the developing world.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“However, the implementation of the Pact faces challenges owing to renewed tension and hostilities. I call upon all those involved to embrace the Pact and to seek the peaceful resolution of current problems. We must not derail our goal of achieving economic development and regional integration in the Great Lakes. The Special Fund for Reconstruction and Development, on which we all agreed, is now operational. I appeal to the international community to contribute to the Fund. It is a crucial pillar for the promotion of peace and development in the Great Lakes region. I now return to the food crisis, which I mentioned at the beginning of my speech. Our meeting is taking place at a time when Africa and many other parts of the world are facing a severe food shortage.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“On the other hand, the situation in Somalia remains fragile. That is mainly because the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia has still not received full support from the international community. While I pay tribute to the Governments of Uganda and Burundi for providing troops as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia, I urge the deployment of the remaining troops to strengthen the Mission. I also urge the United Nations and the international community to assume greater responsibility in Somalia so as to nurture the emergence of a stable and democratic country. With regard to the Great Lakes, tremendous progress has been made in promoting peace while reducing conflict in the region. The conclusion of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region has given impetus to our efforts.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“As Africa grapples with the challenges of competitive elections in fragile democracies divided by regional, racial, religious and ethnic differences, the time has come for us to reflect on the role of competitive electoral processes in the building of our national democratic institutions. Indeed, the challenge of attaining democratic and inclusive elected Governments is at the core of the conflicts and insecurity prevailing in many parts of Africa. In the Sudan, for example, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) continues to hold three years after its signing, despite challenges. I welcome the efforts made by the parties to the CPA in overcoming some recent difficulties. I urge them to intensify their efforts to address all outstanding issues in the implementation of the Accord.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I am confident that, over the past few months, Kenya has regained its glory and redeemed its image as a peaceful nation, a safe tourist and investment destination and the regional hub for peace and humanitarian efforts. I wish to express, on behalf of all Kenyans, our profound gratitude for the engagement and support of all our friends. In that connection, I wish to pay special tribute to the members of the Panel of Eminent African Personalities, led by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the African Union and the United Nations. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his personal and constant support.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Kenyans, fellow Africans and the international community held on to the hope that our country would obtain a peacefully negotiated outcome to the political crisis. That hope was realized on 28 February with the signing of the National Accord and Reconciliation Act. The Accord paved the way for the establishment of a grand coalition Government representing all major political parties and interests in our country. The Government is making use of that historic window of opportunity to build a consensus that will enable us to address the major challenges facing our nation. We are, for instance, making good progress towards the implementation of far-reaching legal, constitutional and policy reforms that will entrench national cohesion and meet the political, economic and social aspirations of our people.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I wish first to congratulate Mr. D’Escoto Brockmann on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. This session of the General Assembly is taking place at a time of great global challenges, such as the 08-51606 16 energy crisis, high food prices and instability in the financial markets. Those are serious problems that could erode the gains the world economy has made in the past 10 years. Let me add that our gathering here also provides a window of opportunity for us to review the progress we have made, individually and collectively, in fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Nevertheless, before proceeding with my remarks, I wish first of all to update the Assembly on the progress Kenya has made following the challenges we faced soon after the general elections held in December 2007.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I am convinced that, if we are to attain our common objective of revitalizing the United Nations, we should embrace the vision presented by the Secretary-General in his package of reforms. This will require political will and leadership on our part. I therefore urge Member States to seize this opportunity and endorse proposals on which there is broad consensus. As we contemplate strengthening and renewing our Organization, we should do so for posterity.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We hope they will honour their pledges and commitments in conformity with the agreement forged at the 2002 Monterrey International Conference on Financing for Development. Support by the G-8 will help African countries achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Kenya affirms the centrality of gender equality and recognizes the critical role that women must play in development. We also recognize that achievement of the Millennium Development Goals depends on the empowerment of women. As part of our effort to fully attain this objective, my Government has adopted a national policy on gender development. The aim is to integrate women in decision-making through legal, regulatory and institutional reforms.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“For Africa, there is abundant political will in our continent to make the African Union succeed. I believe that external support, especially from the United Nations and the international community at large, would make the African Union work better. The establishment of an African Union Peace and Security Council and of the intervention force planned to be set up by 2009 are measures aimed at advancing political stability in Africa to underpin economic development. Already, the African Union has taken the lead in Burundi and in Darfur, in the Sudan, where deployments of peacekeeping missions have preceded international action by the United Nations. The recent pledges by the Group of Eight (G-8) countries to double aid to Africa and grant 100-per- cent debt relief to 18 developing countries were welcome.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We also call upon the Security Council to play a more positive proactive role in the search for a broad consensus for peace and thus enhance the capacity of the Transitional Federal Government to establish basic institutions. On the reform of the Security Council, it is necessary to make it far more equitable and 16 representative of the United Nations global constituency. The procedures and methods of work of the Council should be changed to secure transparency and dialogue with the United Nations membership. Furthermore, the future composition of the Security Council should proceed on the basis of sovereign equality of States and equitable geographical representation. Kenya welcomes the proposal to develop a stronger relationship between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We believe such a peacebuilding commission will contribute to the realization of real peace in many regions. However, it is important that critical questions about form, function and decision-making authority be resolved. In our own neighbourhood, the importance of post-conflict peacebuilding has become a bigger priority after the recent successes of the Sudan and Somalia mediation efforts, which Kenya chaired under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. Kenya commends the international community for the excellent response during the Oslo pledging conference towards reconstruction of southern Sudan. We urge a similar response to support the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia in setting up and implementing a national security, stabilization and economic reconstruction strategy.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Adequate resources must be made available to the commanders in the field to enable them to execute their mandates effectively. Intervention in crisis situations must also be timely to prevent undue loss of life. Kenya welcomes vital contributions to peace and security made by regional organizations forging predictable partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations. Furthermore, Kenya endorses the proposal to establish a strategic military capacity to reinforce United Nations peacekeeping and the creation of a standby brigade for rapid deployment of the Organizationís civilian police in peacekeeping operations. We strongly support the Secretary-Generalís proposal to establish a Peacebuilding Commission and fund by 31 December 2005.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Kenya remains firmly committed to the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons and is gratified with the status of its implementation, at both national and regional levels. Despite the progress made, small arms and other conventional weapons continue to end up in the hands of wrong non-State actors, with attendant adverse implications on peace and security leading to political instability in many countries. In order to curb this trend, Kenya requests the Secretary-General to undertake a study into the possibility of a legal instrument to control international transfers of conventional arms. Kenya also supports proposals for the enhancement of peace-support operation capabilities of the United Nations. Any mandate for peacekeeping forces should be clear and precise.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“International environmental governance is an integral part of realizing sustainable development. Kenya fully endorses the ongoing process of defining the elements of international environmental governance. This, however, should be done within the framework of the Cartagena decision, which aims at strengthening the United Nations Environment Programme within its current mandate through an enhanced financial and scientific base. We should also recognize that no truly effective response can be made unless the international community fully complies with its commitment to make the means available as provided for in various multilateral environmental agreements.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“I am happy to note that although some of the proposals have been adopted, we should now move quickly to implement them. I refer especially to the proposals that do not require amendment of the Charter. They include the adoption of a robust counter- terrorism strategy, strengthening peacekeeping, creating a Peacebuilding Commission and Fund and the reform of the human rights system. I am also pleased to note the consensus on the strengthening of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and a strong relationship between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. Environmental protection is a threat that is a major challenge in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. This places the environment, more than ever, at the core of sustainable development.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)