YouSaid · the spoken record

Taneti Maamau

lines on the record: 137
first: 2016-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
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 conclusion, let us embrace our traditional blessings of Te Mauri, Te Root ao Te Tabomoa. which literally means “Health, peace and prosperity”.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“With that said, it would help our people adapt to changing environmental conditions and to build resilience in our communities. Sustainability has become the new governance imperative, which needs to be clearly understood. As leaders of today, it is vital that we know exactly what we want to sustain and at what scale, and to be wary of the implications. That will require us to be more diligent, patient and hard-working with sheer determination to ensure that the sustainability of resources, efforts and time is optimally maximized for the betterment of all. In conclusion, on behalf of the Government and the people of Kiribati. I should like to join previous speakers in offering our condolences to the Governments and the peoples of Morocco and Libya with respect to the tragedy that have faced. May God bless them.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“To harness our ocean resources sustainably, we need financial assistance and access to the right capabilities, technology and equipment. Likewise, the management of our airspace is important for security purposes. It will enable us to effectively manage our maritime domain and airspace, ensuring responsible utilization while protecting our fragile ecosystem. At the forefront of climate change. Kiribati is experiencing intensifying severe drought and coastal inundation affecting homes, public infrastructure, food and water security. The projected cost for adaptation has significantly increased. Therefore, developed countries are urged to put more funds beyond the global pledge agreed to in Paris. That would also finance loss and damage and facilitate investment in early warning systems and forecasts.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In the face of those significant challenges, the delivery of essential services such as education, health, security, including the implementation of activities related to achieving the SDGs in Kiribati, is very costly. We should be given increased access to financial resources to obtain equipment, infrastructure and other benefits to achieve the SDGs and. at the same time, develop our country. That includes an urgent call to scale up global financial resources and simplify guidelines to allow easy access. Achieving those will guarantee that Kiribati is placed in a better position to sustain peace and harmony. With a vast ocean and airspace. Kiribati’s resources are central to our survival, development and security.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We are committed to expanding access to overseas labour markets, providing decent work conditions and adhering to international labour standards. In education, we invest in our young generation and educators, support accessible, well-resourced schools for quality learning environments, and ensure equal access to high-quality education at all levels to nurture our people and move our nation forward. In our pursuit of SDG acceleration. Kiribati is faced with significant challenges due to its geographical isolation, the scattered situation of its islands within its 3.5 -million-square-kilometre economic exclusive zone, and its vulnerability to climate change, to name but a few.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Enhancing prosperity is essential to sustaining peace, and so the Government is dedicated to people-centric principles, placing citizens at the centre of our decisions and services and promoting transparent governance. We value continuous learning and capacity development for a competent public service to deliver on development goals. Building capacity and the transfer of knowledge to enhance the capability of our people is sustainable. It allows our people to take ownership of our own national processes and procedures, thereby guiding our development. We acknowledge the support of our development partners, which needs to be well coordinated and harmonized to ensure fair and inclusive distribution and the allocation of limited resources among competing needs.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The Government recognizes that fighting corruption is critical to achieving sustainable development, and accordingly hosted the first ever regional anti-corruption conference for Pacific leaders in 2020. The outcome of the conference. Teieniwa Vision, reaffirms Pacific unity against corruption and integrates good governance principles into participants’ broader development agenda. At the international level, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, along with the General Assembly, can lead the way by ensuring that anti-corruption efforts are prioritized in our pursuit of global sustainable development, with SDG 16 as our guidepost.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Kiribati will continue promoting the non-proliferation and ultimately the total elimination of nuclear weapons at our United Nations, in particular our obligations in keeping our region, our land, our upper airspace and our ocean free of environmental destruction and pollution by radioactive wastes and other materials, including plastics. Most important is the health of our people, especially those who were exposed to the nuclear test blasts on Christmas Island and those whose ancestral lands have been exploited, leaving pinnacles behind. Compensation must be made to those on Christmas Island, including the Banaban people affected by environmental degradation, to rebuild trust. One of the global challenges and grave concerns that impacts our lives and future is corruption.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We must recall our commitments under our Charter of the United Nations to building a safe, peaceful and secure home for our peoples, individually as sovereign nations and collectively as Members of the United Nations. In Kiribati, we strongly believe that this is deeply threatened and undermined by the continued existence of nuclear weapons, the discharge of nuclear- treated water and the leakage of radioactive materials into the blue Pacific Ocean. The existence of nuclear weapons also diminishes trust in the commitment of our United Nations family members to peace and stability if they continue to manufacture and possess nuclear weapons.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“During that worship, it was heartening to be in an atmosphere where one could truly feel the grace, peace and love of God. Also, recognizing that the greater humility of being an I-Kiribati is far more effective than the differences among faiths in sustaining peace. We invite the rest of the world to follow that example. As part of our commitment to global peace, my Government is working closely with the United Nations to engage our police in the United Nations peacekeeping missions, with the support of various partners. We will commit to supporting gender balance in recognition of Kiribati’s ongoing commitment to equal representation and opportunities. In addition. Kiribati has strengthened its policies and laws to support and empower women and girls, people with disabilities, elders, the unemployed, youth and children.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We are committed and determined to ensure that Kiribati remains peaceful as we chart our future. But peace can be precarious as determining factors are often beyond our control. We have the human resources yet lack the capacity or necessary skills to develop our country. Equally important is our commitment to maximizing benefits to our people, uplifting our communities and maintaining our cultural values for peace. During this year’s national day celebrations, after so many years Kiribati for the first time in its history successfully reunited all faith-based organizations to gather again as one family under one roof to worship God. All Christian denominations, including the Baha’i faith and followers of Islam in Kiribati, rejoiced in songs of praise and in richness of prayers.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“As the year 2030 is imminent, time is of the essence. It is imperative for our United Nations family to stay on track in our efforts to achieve our goals set forth in the SDGs. That will entail setting ambitious targets and mobilizing resources, technology, innovation and policy changes to ensure that the goals are achieved on time. However, there is no guarantee that the SDG goals will be achieved; therefore; Kiribati’s graduation from the status of least developed country would not be sustainable. Since our independence in 1979. our nation has enjoyed 44 years of stable and peaceful governance. We continue to recognize the independence of the three arms of Government, trusting that each arm discharges its duties with the highest level of integrity in a transparent, respectful and honest manner.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“my Government has launched Kiribati’s first-ever long-term development plan, identifying our priorities for development. The Kiribati 20-Year Vision is rooted firmly in the needs of all I-Kiribati and commits my Government to transforming Kiribati into a wealthier, healthier and peaceful nation. It recognizes the need to align our national priorities with the SDGs and complement our national efforts with those outlined by our United Nations family. In 2018. my Government became one of the few Member States to deliver a voluntary national report, outlining our policy actions to achieve our SDGs. The report enabled us to take stock of our development and assess our future. To ensure sustainability and ownership of our desired development goals, we have engaged in extensive consultations at all levels.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“At the same time, the call to reignite global solidarity reflects our recognition that our global challenges and opportunities are intertwined. It encourages countries not only to recognize but also to deliver actions to resolve issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change and health care. The idea of global solidarity underscores the principle that no nation can thrive in isolation and recognizes the uniqueness of each country’s context and need. The experience of the coronavirus disease pandemic is exemplary of the world coming together as one family. While we recognize the essential need for science to address pandemics, it is important for Member State to work together to gain a better understanding of the variants and vaccines before they are rolled out. Since the launching of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“As we all know, trust is the corner stone of any relationship, which, when strained, creates uncertainties, mistrust and instability. Geopolitical tensions, economic disparities and the unforeseen challenges brought about by events like pandemics, climate-related crises and disasters have tested the resolve of national Governments, their peoples and their partners. The call to rebuild trust therefore highlights the need for countries to re-establish faith in multilateral cooperation and diplomacy. It highlights the importance of transparent communication, mutual understanding and engaging with each other to forge strategic partnerships for our common good and development. A renewed commitment to accountability, good governance and responsive policies can contribute to promoting a more engaged and empowered global community.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“At the outset allow me. to share warm greetings from the Government and the people of the Republic of Kiribati. In the name of the Almighty God in whom we place our trust and who is our anchor of solidarity. Kam na bane n Mauri\ I join previous speakers in congratulating President Dennis Francis on his election and I wish him every success as he guides these important deliberations. The theme of this debate. “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all”, resonates deeply with the aspirations of our people. In our fast-changing world, predicated by multiple challenges, part of the theme — “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity” — is very timely and crucial.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Acting together side by side in unison and solidarity, making decisions and taking action based on reality and facts derived from natural law and true science is a precursor for the transformative solutions we need. Let us all agree to make this seventy-seventh session a watershed moment; a moment for renewed and positive mindsets; a moment for true discipleship action; and a moment for a prosperous, peaceful and secure world for all. I believe that together in unison and solidarity, as one human family and with God’s blessings, we can do it. Certainly, we can do it. I conclude by sharing our traditional blessings: Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We must work together to ensure that the solutions and actions to correct these legacies and local watershed moments work hand in hand with actions and solutions for today’s interlocking challenges. Wendell Berry has pointed out that global thinking is often merely a euphemism for abstract anxieties or passions that are useless to engaged efforts to save actual landscapes. Multilateralism should never be viewed as a one-size-fits-all scenario. We are reminded that it is best to orient our work through locally grounded planning and action that focus on the actual scaled down watersheds commonly addressed. We have a duty as leaders entrusted with the power to decide, and as enablers of solutions for the security, peace and well-being of our people that are sustained through education, awareness and financing.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“With limited resources, we are committed to driving our development agenda and ensuring sustainability when we graduate by maximizing benefits from the Phoenix Islands Protected Area and many others. Our development agenda is grounded in our culture, traditional values and norms, practices and aspirations for the benefit of our people. Yet it continues to be oppressed by neo-colonial thinking that does not take our needs, our priorities or our national context into account. A system of global thinking remains and is steeped in legacies of environmental destruction, which our peoples have now inherited, as in the case of the mining of Banaba Island.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The escalating geostrategic competition in our part of the world means that regionalism and solidarity are at risk of being increasingly used to serve specific national interests, rather than a collective of diverse needs and views working in unison for our common benefit. As is the case now, any differing views and sovereign decisions that deviate are at risk of being vigorously scrutinized and labelled as adversarial through a security lens rather than a genuine desire to pursue sustainable development for the country and its people. Likewise, efforts undertaken by Kiribati to prepare for its graduation from least developed country status, as recommended by the United Nations, are being scrutinized.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“They are curated by people in positions of power and influence. Much of that irresponsible, selfish and heartless behaviour is part of what the late Queen Elizabeth II referred to as the darker side of human nature. That darker side harbours negative mindsets and attitudes that give in to greed, hatred and many other vices that breed more bad than good, resulting in conflict, violence across societies and the world at large. Broken humanity can be fixed not by wonderful speeches, meetings, resolutions or international instruments, but by an interplay of greater compassion and solidarity. Sadly, harmful mindsets persist and we ourselves, being a remote country, are far from immune from such.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“On that note, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who have assisted the people of Kiribati in many ways by providing vaccines, financial support and others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate change is another area in which science has made and continues to make advances in our understanding of the root causes and ways to address climate change. However, the lack of solidarity even through multilateralism continues to be the stumbling block to addressing the global climate change emergency. The targets that have been agreed and set under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, including the financial pledges, continue to remain out of reach. Those challenges and the many others that have caused much human suffering in the past seven decades all have one thing in common.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The Ukraine war has added to the despair and uncertainty through the unnecessary loss of lives, scarcity of food grains, increase in food and fuel prices, interest rates and many more. The consequences of COVID-19, climate change and the war in Ukraine are clear examples of interlocking challenges that must be addressed urgently, using the seventy-seventh session’s motto of solidarity, sustainability and science. Solidarity underscores the sustainability of science and its advances. We saw this through the record-breaking production of vaccines that have saved millions of lives. By emulating the success of sharing vaccine production and science discoveries, we can ensure that many more receive life-saving vaccines and medicines.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Let me be clear on this. Humankind should be free now and forever from the testing and use of nuclear weapons. That is why my Government has decided to invite the United Nations to use Kiritimati Island as a global or sub-global centre for anti-nuclear research and related programmes and activities. The choice of theme for the seventy-seventh session could not be more appropriate or timely. A cloud of uncertainty and fear continues to hang over humankind in the light of the two-year coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Communities, families and businesses are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. Compounding the devastation are the persisting challenges of climate change that have manifested in coastal erosion, reducing available land space, and droughts that have affect the livelihoods of many persons.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We are grateful for the leading role, together with Kazakhstan, on articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons concerning assistance for persons and environments harmed by nuclear testing. Two of the initiatives that we proposed are now reflected in the Vienna Action Plan. The first is the establishment of a voluntary trust fund to assist countries, communities, people and environments harmed by nuclear testing. The second is the creation of a scientific advisory body to help provide the science needed to address health and environmental problems occasioned by past nuclear testing. We are grateful to those countries that have already pledged support for and made contributions to those initiatives, especially those that are not yet States parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As a small island developing nation, multilateralism is central to the sustainable development of Kiribati. It offers a variety of opportunities to engage on global issues that are of importance to the well-being of our people. With an ocean area large enough to fit the whole of Europe, our Kiribati Vision for 20 years and foreign policy objectives have been on the promotion of ocean health and wealth. That includes both the risks from nuclear submersibles traversing our waters and the damaging effects of illegal, unregulated and unreported activities on our fisheries. Most important is the health of our people, especially those who were exposed to the nuclear test blasts on Christmas Island.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In particular, I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to the United Nations police for all the assistance and support that have enabled our Kiribati police to participate for the first time in United Nations peacekeeping missions, starting with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Seventy-six years ago, in establishing the Charter of the United Nations, our founding fathers committed to cooperating to prevent future wars and eliminate the root causes of wars and other violent conflicts in society. They agreed to restore the godliness, dignity and worth of the human person and improve the standards of living for all, to name a few. Today we take stock of the progress made towards those goals along with new commitments, and reflect and assess whether we have truly lived up to those values.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We also appreciate the restructuring of the multi-country offices aimed at bringing the United Nations closer to the people on the ground. The establishment of the United Nations multi-country office for the northern Pacific region, which includes Kiribati, is a symbolic notion bringing the United Nations closer for effective and tailored delivery of United Nations agency services. We hope to see more tangible development activities occurring in that remote and underrepresented region of the United Nations. I wish to also acknowledge the great contributions and services that the United Nations agencies have delivered to my country and people.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“He infused a renewed sense of faith and hope in the power of a united humankind and a stronger multilateralism. The most remarkable legacy of his leadership has been the inclusion of underrepresented Member States within the workings of the United Nations. Never before have the small island developing States been as diversely and widely represented within the realms of the Office of the President of the General Assembly. I also thank the Secretary-General of the United Nations for his stellar and steady leadership, especially during these very difficult and trying times. Kiribati welcomes and fully endorses his reappointment for a second term to further advance and complete a comprehensive overhaul of the United Nations in meeting its obligations for the peoples it serves.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Let me begin by praising and thanking Almighty God for His everlasting love, peace, mercy and blessings upon the world and each one of us here today. In his holy name, Kam naba bane ni Mauri. I join previous speakers in congratulating Mr. Csaba Korosi and the Government of Hungary on his election as President of the General Assembly. He may be assured of the full support and cooperation of Kiribati as he steers the helm of the General Assembly to make the seventy-seventh session a watershed moment for the many interlocking challenges facing humankind. By the same token, I congratulate and thank the outgoing President, Mr. Abdulla Shahid of Maldives, for a resoundingly successful seventy-sixth session, as demonstrated in the accomplishment of his many new initiatives.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The Summit dialogue can trigger the creation of robust food systems in-country and on this note I encourage fellow leaders to support this important Summit and join Kiribati and others when the Food Systems Summit officially convenes. Conclusion Mr. President, In conclusion, my government looks forward to work with you, as we embark on this renewed journey of hope and faith for a wealthier, healthier and more peaceful future for all our peoples. My government offers its full support to you as you lead our collective efforts to recover, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of our planet, and most importantly, respect the rights of the people of our United Nations. Finally, let me close by sharing with us all our traditional blessings always of Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa (Health, Peace, and Prosperity). Thank you.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Global issues of biodiversity and climate change are closely linked, and we cannot address one without the other. Kiribati is committed to raising ambitions for the post-2020 global biodiversity and climate change targets and I call upon leaders to join Kiribati to enhance collective efforts on this important global issue. Food Security Mr. President, Food Security is indeed a shared priority across all SIDS, and remains a priority under the SAMOA Pathway, as well as the Kiribati Vision for 20 Years Plan. Kiribati remains committed to sustainable development through food security and is very pleased to respond to the call by the UN Secretary-General, for the convening of a Food Systems Summit.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“President, Recognizing that Kiribati remains vulnerable to Climate Change, I wish to highlight that my Government is committed to continue to build national resilience and enhance actions aligned with climate-resilient sustainable development. Climate change and its current impacts are on-going and will continue to impact our people, in particular the most vulnerable. Our resilience as a global community is being tested, and moving on from this, we as global citizens hold the ball to strengthen the resilience of our mother earth subject to the enhanced actions that we take to ensure its sustainability and prosperous future. We need to recommit ourselves to our obligations under the Paris Agreement, by putting the needs of our peoples first, and remain guided by what is best for our people.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Kiribati believes that once delimitation of our maritime boundary is completed and submitted to the UN Secretary-General in accordance with UNCLOS, maritime boundaries would remain permanent and shall not be affected by climate change and sea-level rise. In recognition of our commitments on biodiversity and sustainable fisheries, Kiribati was appointed the 2019 Commonwealth Blue Charter champion for sustainable coastal fisheries. As Champion, Kiribati will lead efforts promoting collaborative research, workshops and seminars, exchange good/best practices in the practicalities of sustainable coastal fisheries, and showcase success case studies amongst Commonwealth countries. Climate Change and Biodiversity Mr.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“But since the discovery and outbreak of the Delta variant, our remaining nationals especially our seafarers have again been left stranded. We will continue to work tirelessly to repatriate our stranded nationals, following the protocols and procedures of the countries that our nationals remain, and in line with our own national protocols. Fisheries & Ocean Mr. President, Kiribati is blessed with a vast ocean that provides us with abundant resources to support our economies, and sustain our lives, our culture, and our future. Of vital importance is securing the limits of our maritime boundaries against the threats of sea-level rise and climate change.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“The Government prioritizes the improvement of our digital connectivity, as digital trade holds great potential for inclusive growth and socioeconomic development. Responding to COVID-19 and adjusting to the new normal Mr. President, I acknowledge the support received from the United Nations and its agencies and from our development partners during this pandemic which have been truly instrumental in providing vital necessities in terms of medication, food and health equipment to name but a few. I am pleased to inform that Kiribati is on the trajectory to having more than 50 per cent of its population vaccinated. I am also pleased to share that more than 70 per cent abroad have been safely reunited with their families.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We appreciate and commend the very positive and engaging and mutually enforcing approach adopted by the universal periodic review process that fully respects the sovereignty of a member state under review and encourages it to progress its human rights obligations at its own pace and in harmony with its traditional values and systems that are also based on the dignity and sanctity of human life. Trade Mr. President, Mitigating the adverse impacts of the pandemic continues to be a challenge for Kiribati due to our reliance on imported goods, including health goods and services to meet our essential needs. Kiribati recognizes that trade policy needs to be holistic and synergized with our broader development priorities.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“President, To ensure that sustainable development in Kiribati, is inclusive, transformative, and endures to “leave no one behind”, my Government is working tirelessly to reduce inequalities and mobilize targeted sup-port to marginalized communities. As a party to a number of core Human Rights Treaties, Kiribati continues to commit to obligations to report to the Human Rights Council. I was pleased to note that Kiribati’s universal periodic review report was adopted at the 45th Session of the Human Rights Council in 2020.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Accordingly, my government has aligned our KV20 with the development frameworks guiding our United Nations, including the 2030 Agenda, the SAMOA Pathway, and other related agreements, in a manner that prioritizes our people. Therefore, as we embark on this 76th Session of our General Assembly, I must indulge you, Mr. President, to recall our commitments under our UN Charter, to build a safe, peaceful and secure home for our peoples, today and in the future. To recall the hope bestowed upon us as governments, to respond to the needs of our peoples, and to respect our mother earth. Equally important is our commitment to maximise benefits to our people, to uplift our communities, and create a wealthier, healthier and more peaceful United Nations. Human Rights Mr.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“President, Some may wonder, how the people of Kiribati managed to survive in these remote islands surrounded by a precarious and unforgiving ocean. Like our brothers and sisters across the Pacific and across our SIDS region, the people of Kiribati are people of the ocean. We have lived, thrived, and survived by caring and respecting one another, and sustainably managing the bountiful resources of our ocean. Mr. President, Building resilience remains a core foundation of my government’s Vision for 20 Years to create a wealthier, healthier and more peaceful nation, for the people of Kiribati. We must nurture our people, to create healthier and more peaceful communities and societies.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Much focus leading up to the 76th UNGA has been generated on accelerating progress on UN 2030 sustainable development agenda. Yet in the onset of unprecedented challenges, a renewed focus on achieving the SDGs has been centred around recovery and building resilience, as reflected in our theme this year. Mr. President, In Kiribati, the concept of resilience is well understood. It has been the foundation of our survival, from the times of our ancestors, to this day. To build resilience, my ancestors navigated the vast Pacific Ocean, to create a wealthy, healthy and peaceful home in the 33 beautiful islands that have now be-come the sovereign Republic of Kiribati. Through challenging times, the people of Kiribati endured and remained resilient, living in peace and harmony with their environment and our friendly neighbours. Mr.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“I also join SIDS leaders to congratulate the Government of the Republic of Maldives for inspiring our SIDs family that a small developing member state is as equally qualified as a large developed state, to lead and serve this global family. On this note, I wish to assure you of Kiribati’s full support, as you discharge your duties for the Assembly, and avail my Government’s commitment for initiatives that seek to transform our shared planet earth, into a wealthier, healthier, and safer home. This is the core of Kiribati’s Vision for 20 Years (KV20) which is aligned with our agreed 2030 Agenda. Contextualizing the Theme The theme is a powerful wake up call to continue to place our trust and faith in this body created 75 years ago with promises of a peaceful and secure home for our peoples and all living and non-living re-sources.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Mr. President UN Secretary General Excellencies Distinguished Delegates Ladies and Gentlemen At the very outset allow me to share warm greetings from the Government and the people of the Republic of Kiribati. In the name of the Almighty God, I begin by sharing his peace and blessings. Kam na bane n Mauri! Acknowledgement Mr. President, I join previous speakers in congratulating you, on your election to the Presidency of the 76th Session of the United Nations. I wish you every success as you chart a new course for a re-vitalized United Nations capable of energizing and supporting the efforts of all nations and people, particularly those lagging behind due to the many challenges that are far beyond their economic power and means.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“If every nation, acts accordingly along this path of alignment, with the right heart and soul, then there is a good chance of the whole world moving forward towards inclusive social development, for all by the end of 2030. I conclude, by sharing with us all our traditional blessings: Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa, meaning Health, Peace, and Prosperity. Thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“A future where our United Nations family continue to deliver and coordinate assistance and support, in particular to our most vulnerable communities and the least developed amongst us, in a coordinated and timely manner. A future in which development is inclusive and measured by the percentage of the population lifted up across the poverty line, to live secure and healthier lives; congruent with the ever-powerful motto of our 2030 agenda, to leave no one behind. Mr. President, The future may be a vision, but it is a vision I believe can come true. And by seeing all the support that Kiribati has received from our UN family in these challenging times, I remain optimistic of this vision. Mr. President, I believe that the transformation called for in our theme is a call for more action and less words.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“While COVID-19 is our immediate crisis, we must continue to work on the other challenges that confront us all, in particular climate change, which presents the single greatest threat to the livelihood, security and wellbeing of the Pacific and its peoples, as declared by Forum Leaders in the Kainaki II Declaration in 2019 and the Boe Declaration in 2018. Conclusion Mr. President When I am asked to define the future that my people want, it remains for me to convey that Kiribati wants an uncompromised future. A future that is secure and certain. A future that seeks to make our planet earth, a resilient, healthier, and safer home. A future in which national plans such as the KiribatiVision for 20 Years (KV20), are enhanced by multilateral policies such as the 2030 Agenda.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“To this end, my Government continues to implement critical projects to build resilience, including the Peacebuilding Fund’ climate security project, which I launched in Kiribati earlier this month. In solidarity with our Pacific Islands Forum family, we also remain committed to securing our maritime boundaries, amid the impacts of climate change. This is a matter of sovereignty. Equally, we underscore the importance of countries managing their own upper airspace, in line with the requirements of ICAO, relating to effective administration, capacity and safety. My government is committed to invest into our aviation capability and strengthen internet connectivity through fibre optic cable technology and welcome any support from our development partners and the UN family.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“With current border restrictions around the world, our seafarers are effectively stranded both on land and at sea, unable to embark on ships to work and unable to disembark at other ports. In our efforts to address this issue, on 26 August 2020, my Government declared seafarers as key workers in response to the calls made by the IMO and the UN Secretary-General. To this effect, I wish to make a call for the support of UN family and partners for assistance in fulfilling our commitment for the safety of all seafarers around the world, and their families and economies who depend on them. A future that is resilient to the impacts of Climate Change Mr. President, Of great importance to Kiribati and our Blue Pacific is without question, the alarming dilemma of our present time, climate change.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We have a large EEZ and hence depend on fishing as our primary source of income, accounting for more than 70 per cent of total annual revenue. Being a volatile resource, we need to affirm our strategic intent of reinvesting more to maximize revenue to buffer the uncertainty posed by COVID-19 COVID-19 has created an unprecedented situation worldwide resulting in the closure of borders, both airports and seaports. This has presented a complicated situation for maritime transport and commercial activity, particularly for seafarers. Closure of borders have rendered ships unable to change crews forcing seafarers to stay on-board for extended periods of time and thus subjecting them to various health issues.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Accordingly, I believe that the real and true test of the success of multilateralism, and that of our United Nations family, lie not in the measure of the number of treaties concluded or resolutions adopted, nor number of countries that graduate from the list of least developed countries; but rather on how the most vulnerable, disadvantaged, and least developed peoples, can get targeted support to ensure they are less compromised during the onset of global pandemics such as COVID-19. We need a United Nations that embraces these challenges. Mr. President, Blessed with a large ocean, Kiribati depends on the sea for livelihood. A common trait we share with our Blue Pacific family. For us, the sea is our identity and how we define ourselves and how we trace our roots, cultures and traditions. It is also the cornerstone of our economies.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)