YouSaid · the spoken record

Marc Ravalomanana

lines on the record: 89
first: 2002-09-24
most recent: 2008-09-24
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“It is crucial to share the responsibility and to prove our ability for leadership in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. I am calling on the leaders of the world to confront the challenge of transforming our thinking and our actions towards development to build a new Africa that becomes a continent of hope and opportunity.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is a bold and ambitious, five-year plan that aims to promote rapid growth, lead to the reduction of poverty and ensure that the country develops in response to the challenges of globalization and in accordance with the national vision, Madagascar Naturally, and with the Millennium Development Goals. To implement the plan we have mobilized the whole population, whose active participation strengthens its sense of national pride and country ownership. To help it move further on that path and to achieve the MDGs, the international community must double its efforts in Madagascar. For our part, we are resolved to assume our responsibilities, build trust with our partners, strengthen our capacities, promote democracy and good governance and take control of the future of our country.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“If you want to do so, if we are all committed to doing so, we shall be able to confront those crises together and achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and I am sure that we are going to win. The recent fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development provides an encouraging and promising example of our partners’ commitment and 08-51570 28 willingness to advance the development agenda of Africa and to achieve the MDGs. More and more foundations, such as the Gates, Rockefeller, MacArthur, Better U and Clinton Foundations, and others, are playing a vital role in Africa. All those initiatives are much appreciated. Madagascar has embarked on the path of transformation. To accelerate and better coordinate our development process and to make a quantum leap forward, we have created the Madagascar Action Plan, or MAP.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is increasingly clear that domestic interests are serviced at the cost of international needs. The outcome of the latest round of the World Trade Organization proved that. The lack of shared decision-making power in international institutions and global forums is a significant obstacle to making progress in developing countries and to achieving the MDGs. I would like to see a United Nations that can mobilize the resources and political will to tackle the toughest of problems — and succeed. I am optimistic. I believe that we can turn the situation around. I appeal to you as leaders of the world. Everyone needs to contribute more goodwill, more motivation, more technical assistance, more coordinated efforts and, above all, more financial resources to the international basket.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In fact, improving the situation of the most dominated is one of the best means to solve them. However, we must realize that those challenges will not be solved by simply shifting resources from one problem to another. It is clear that those other challenges require additional resources and a better coordination of efforts. Africa has been hit harder than any other continent by the food crisis, by higher energy prices, by environmental degradation, by disease and by social and political destabilization. That is why I would like once again to reiterate the need for a new Marshall Plan for Africa. It seems that many world leaders, and public opinion, have forgotten or neglected the MDGs. We cannot fill one group’s basket with the advantages of globalization while we empty the basket of another through the cost of globalization.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I understand, and I support reforestation efforts and the need for new hydro-energy plants. What I do not understand, however, is that all those challenges and threats offer reasons for countries to abdicate on their promises of doubled aid for education, health and infrastructure, in order to achieve the MDGs in developing countries, especially in Africa. For that reason, I have repeatedly stressed the importance of international assistance, especially the need to increase, improve and better coordinate that assistance, if donors are to meet their previously agreed pledges. There are links between the MDGs and the political, economic, environmental and other challenges I have mentioned. Therefore, more investment towards achieving the MDGs will contribute to addressing those challenges.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“What are the consequences of those threats and challenges? First, those threats have a severe impact on the education, health and well-being of the population. In short, they have a very negative impact on our development. Secondly, those challenges are now competing with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Many of the resources dedicated to achieving the MDGs are now being directed elsewhere. They are being used to reconstruct countries destroyed by war or that have collapsed as a result of social conflicts. They are also being used to stabilize the food markets, meet energy demands and tackle climate change issues. I understand that countries devastated by wars and other armed conflicts, by environmental disasters or by famine need assistance.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“For example, we are promoting the widespread use of the System of Rice Intensification, developed in Madagascar in the 1980s, an eco-friendly method of production that is an important part of the natural revolution, recently launched in Madagascar. That revolution is based on sustaining our natural resources and maintaining an ecological balance. It respects the soil, the environment and the people. At the moment, as rice is the staple food of the people of Madagascar, we are trying to keep the domestic rice price at an affordable level to protect the most vulnerable layers of the population. In addition to that food crisis, we are confronted with other important challenges: climate change, increasing energy prices, unpredictable financial markets and other threats to our peace and security.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We must support them through a variety of programmes focused on training, access to finance and equipment, and marketing and distribution processes. Those small subsistence farmers must be an integral part of, and benefit from, a new model of agricultural production, economic development and environmental management. In that regard, I appreciate the true value 27 08-51570 of the new dynamic of the Food and Agricultural Organization’s pragmatic approach. I would like to speak about what we are doing in Madagascar to address the challenge of food security. Our chief intention is to make Madagascar’s agriculture more productive, more sustainable and more open to innovation and entrepreneurship, as the initiative Future Farmers of Madagascar shows.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Developed countries must reform their agricultural subsidy policies and amend the strategies and practices that increase the volatility of international prices. The international community must also help African countries to expand agriculture and to strengthen agricultural investment and the infrastructure needed for rural development. The new agricultural development strategies must address the need for environmental management, sustainable development and the resistance of crops to disease and climate change. Given the impact of global climate change, maintaining healthy biodiversity is critical to sustaining future production performance. Small subsistence farmers, representing 80 per cent of Africa’s population, are key to its development.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The global food crisis is partly the result of the domestic agricultural subsidies and tariff protection practices of developed countries, which for many years have discouraged agricultural production in developing countries. In Africa, we find ourselves in very difficult circumstances. Because we have such low agricultural output, we are dependent on the global marketplace to feed our people. With commodity prices soaring, however, we cannot afford the basic food items needed to survive. We are in an unprecedented crisis. Rising food prices are pushing more people into absolute poverty. The international community needs to take urgent and coordinated action to counter the negative impacts of increasing food prices on poor and vulnerable countries. Global trade policies must foster food security for all.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In Africa, we continue to bear the consequences of those broken promises. Africa cannot break the vicious cycle of poverty: families have difficulties feeding themselves and the number of families with access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation infrastructure is very small. I call upon all donor countries to honour their promises and to demonstrate leadership by explaining to their people why supporting the MDGs and the fight against poverty is a moral obligation and essential to creating a more stable and peaceful world. We are all aware of the current world food crisis. For us and other countries, it is a heavy burden that poses many new challenges.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“A million Malagasy have risen out of poverty in the past five years. None of that would have been possible without the support of the international community. Unfortunately, official development assistance continues to shrink, while the aid provided by the international community remains insufficient. The target of 0.7 per cent of gross national income allocated to official development assistance was set with a view to achieving the MDGs in the developing countries. In his report on Africa’s development needs (A/63/130), the Secretary-General rightly stresses that most of the wealthy donor nations have failed to deliver on their promises to help the world’s poorest countries. The same report estimates that donor countries must increase aid by $18 billion a year in order to honour their pledge to provide $50 billion dollars by 2010.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In spite of efforts to reduce the divisions between the rich and the poor, the progress we have made so far on the MDGs has fallen far short of the targets we established. Those global crises are of such importance that they are threatening to delay the achievement of the MDGs beyond 2015. It would be a major mistake if we were to do nothing to prevent that from happening. We must remain focused on the achievement of the MDGs. I highly appreciate the aid and assistance provided by donors and international organizations. Those institutions and their programmes are making a difference in the daily lives of people throughout Africa, including in Madagascar. In Madagascar, for example, under-five mortality rates have dropped from 159 to 94 per 1,000. Primary school enrolment has increased from 67 per cent to more than 92 per cent.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Eight years ago in this very Hall, we, the leaders of the world, solemnly adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Three years ago, we reviewed the Goals to assess the progress made thus far. We realized 08-51570 26 that the Goals were in danger of not being attained by the year 2015, and we all acknowledged that we would be able to achieve them only through a considerable increase in our efforts. Have we been able to deliver on those promises and commitments? I am afraid that we have not. In fact, the situation is more complex now than it was three years ago. We are facing a global food crisis, a global economic crisis and a global security crisis, with war and political hostilities spreading throughout the globe.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“To achieve this globalization of responsibility will require dedicated leadership. We need leaders who can mobilize their people and get results — fast results and big results. At this time I want to congratulate the new Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. I wish him the best of success in this very important task. We in Africa look to the United Nations for dynamic leadership — it is our hope. May his leadership help us to get results — the kind of results that bring peace and prosperity to Africa and to the world.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In Madagascar, cyclones destroy a large part of our harvests every year; they destroy houses; they kill people. The increase in the number and strength of those cyclones is hindering the whole process of development. Higher temperatures are reducing harvests and our unique biodiversity. They also lead to more and more harmful inserts and illnesses. All over Africa, we are already seeing the consequences of climate change. Droughts and floods are the causes of increased migration and serious conflicts. An aggravation of climate change will not only bring fluxes of devastating waters on all continents, but also fluxes of refugees and waves of social conflicts. In short, the world needs Africa to solve the problem of climate change, and Africa needs a stable climate for lasting, sustainable development.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“A crucial element to this plan should be a new partnership. I propose to you an ecological partnership between the industrialized countries and Africa. Such a partnership could contribute substantially to finding real solutions to some of the climate problems through a programme of investment. Other important features would include nature conservation and the preservation of our biodiversity. I am convinced that Africa could supply clean energy, medicinal and industrial plants and other natural products in the future. The world will eventually need more and more of these. We feel that sustainable policies that emphasize protection and added value should be high on our agenda, and should represent our commitment to the world. Remember though that such policies will also benefit our country.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Our economy has benefited from continuous economic growth: we had 5 per cent economic growth 5 years ago, 6 per cent over the last few years and 7 per cent in 2007. Poverty rates are dropping dramatically; in 2002, 80 per cent of our population lived in poverty and last year this rate stood at 67 per cent. Aid to Africa is as weak as ever. Africa can absorb so much more and all countries would benefit from this. The European Union is a good example of a lot of aid leading to great benefits for many countries. I am convinced that Africa could advance much quicker if the international community and the African countries could come up with a new plan. A “Marshall Plan” for Africa — I have suggested this repeatedly over the years and I am saying it again: We need a “Marshall Plan” for Africa.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are thankful to the donors who have increased their financial assistance; however, as a whole, these efforts have fallen far short of our expectations, especially if we are to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The amount of financial assistance is not even close to the promise of doubled aid to Africa. The donors are still far from honouring the numerous promises made here at the United Nations. They are far from addressing global challenges. The international approach to Africa lacks seriousness. Aid to Africa is still not a success story for many members of the international community. On average, results are poor, but Africa is advancing as a continent — not everywhere, but in an increasing number of countries. Once, Madagascar rated amongst the least effective countries. Today, we are an effective country.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“This is a different approach; this is a Malagasy approach; this is an approach that encourages the Malagasy people to take their future into their own hands; this is not the approach of the donors. With this approach we strive to forge a partnership with the international community. We have described all of this in detail in the Madagascar Action Plan. Read it, and you will see that we are already contributing to meeting the challenges that I have mentioned. We are committing ourselves to protecting and cherishing the environment, to healing the injuries of the past and to ending rampant climate change. In the Action Plan we came up with a set of very ambitious goals. We do what we can, despite our limited resources; we could do so much more if the international community helped us more.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Our vision is called “Madagascar, Naturally!” It means that our natural resources and our people are our wealth. We will preserve our environment and increase its value by using it responsibly. We are actively looking for international investment, but believe that in the long run this will not amount to much unless we have domestic investors as well. We can create added value through our successes in processing our natural products. We are convinced that economic growth from the bottom up is the key to success. The most important message I gave to the Malagasy people at the beginning of my second term was the necessity of decentralization right down to the level of the fokontany. Originally, the fokontany was the traditional Malagasy village. We are trying our best to restore the balance between humans and nature.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In Africa, the possibilities for new and clean forms of energy and for the reduction of carbon dioxide are enormous. Madagascar could provide some of its energy needs through the development of hydropower. Additionally, half of the island could be reforested. Our island, called the Red Island, could once again become known as the Green Island. There is a strong link between the quality of the environment and poverty. Many bushfires are the result of poverty; the destruction of natural resources increases poverty. It is necessary to quickly step out of this vicious cycle. Increased international help will limit the exploitation of natural resources by poor farmers. In Madagascar, we have been planning our development strategies around the concept of sustainability for some time now.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“On the other hand, imagine the impact on all nations and all people if the current situation improves. It will strengthen the confidence of nations and investors. If the world were in ecological balance, and if it were without poverty, there would be a considerable impact on political and social conflicts. The two challenges are bound together. Africa will have either a positive or a negative impact on the world climate, with enormous repercussions. Our actions and our decisions will decide. The world climate will have either a positive or a negative impact, with enormous repercussions for the development of Africa. Again, our decisions and our actions will decide. Africa only produces one per cent of the world's solar energy.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Second, I am very concerned about the lack of seriousness. A lot of promises are made, but not a lot of promises are kept. Today, we are confronted with two major challenges that could entail major disasters should we not take them seriously and act quickly. Those challenges must be the priority of priorities. The first concerns climate change. The second is the development of Africa. Imagine the impact on all the nations and all the people represented here if the situation worsens. All of our national efforts will be ruined by earthquakes, ecological disasters and social disasters. Climate change creates and aggravates conflicts. The refugees and victims of climate change will be the refugees and victims of wars and poverty. We must act today to save the earth, or this earth will not be ours anymore.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Each and every one of us knows that there is an urgent need for the globalization of responsibility. Each of us knows that this responsibility demands more than just goodwill. Each of us knows that the globalization of responsibility demands the creation of the right environment to reach these objectives. Every year, these objectives and measures are repeated at this General Assembly. Every year, the actions to fulfil them remain weak. This is the fifth time I have taken part in the General Assembly, and I must honestly tell you that I am very concerned about two things. First, I am very concerned because national interests prevail over emergencies that affect us all. These emergencies are closely linked to common interests. It is in the interest of all of us to address them together.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I therefore call upon the United Nations to develop and adopt a new, more dynamic and determined approach in favour of Africa. If that is done, opportunities will be more balanced and the world will be a fairer place. We note that the industrialized countries can react quickly and launch large-scale operations if their vital interests are at stake. We desire now the same dynamic approach for Africa, because the basic needs of our people are still being ignored. Such an approach is in the interest of the African peoples, but it is also in the best interest of humanity. A prosperous Africa is an asset for the world.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Confidence comes from opening up to the outside world, from stability, security and transparency. Good governance and democracy are also crucial. I assure the Assembly that Madagascar, my Government and I, will hold free and fair presidential elections in December. During last year’s session of the Assembly there was general agreement about the urgent need to increase international aid quantitatively and qualitatively in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. We should therefore act accordingly. North America, Europe and most countries in Asia and South America have experienced an era of prosperity and progress. Their peoples now have a good chance of enjoying a good standard of living until the age of 80. The peoples of Africa do not have that chance.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I also recommend more effective decentralization, so that financial aid reaches the grass- roots communities. The financing mechanism is often slow and sometimes complex. It resembles a tortuous, stony path — and it is porous. From time to time, we ask the same questions: How can we better structure international assistance? Which transfer of funds, for which area and with which measures is the most important? There is no simple answer. Each country, each region and each area requires a different answer. Theoretical discussions will not help. However, there is a foundation that is crucial to all development: confidence. If a people do not feel confident, they will not contribute to development. If international firms do not feel confident, they will not come.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Transferring the rules of good governance and standards of quality in education, health and infrastructure into our culture and our policies is essential. The transfer of knowledge is as urgent as is the transfer of capital. It is not only technical knowledge that we lack; the transfer of knowledge must also include values and the concept of professionalism. Let us pool our capacities. What is at stake is so important that we must use all our capacities at the same time. Effectiveness must be the rule. Good cooperation between national and international experts is the basis of success. And let us be more realistic, more pragmatic. The percentage of international aid spent on studies is far too high. Most studies are not implemented and simply repeat what previous studies have already found out.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“If there are not yet enough human resources available at the national level, it is necessary to call on international experts, while reinforcing national capacities. In this context, I would like to add a few words on “country ownership”. It is true that we in the developing countries know our problems very well. Therefore, we are ready to assume our responsibilities. Deciding on policies and actions must be the responsibility of nationals. The programmes of the donors have to be integrated into national programmes. But it is also true that we are not always aware of our weaknesses and are not in phase with all the 06-52988 20 values, rules, standards and procedures that are acknowledged in most industrialized countries. Often our fellow citizens do not appreciate the true worth of good governance.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Investments in education, health, infrastructure and so on continue to be conditions for foreign direct investment. Private investment cannot replace them. We should look at the results of the Marshall Plan and at the huge investments by the European Union in the new member States. They have been a huge success. The question of absorption capacity has been discussed. Like all developing countries, we too have had problems, problems of cooperation between national and international partners. Basically, if there is a lack of capacity, it is the result of lack of cooperation and confidence. Capacity must never be the factor that determines the volume of support. Where there is a lack of capacity in an area, it is necessary to strengthen that area.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“There are many reasons. They include internal conflicts, lack of good governance, instability and insecurity. However, the reduction of aid per capita during the last 20 years is one of the main reasons for the slowing of economic growth. A further reduction of international aid has been proposed, so that developing countries will become — so it is said — much more independent quickly. That is a fundamental misunderstanding. To become independent, we need more international aid. Greater support is the shortest path towards independence. The more we invest in education, infrastructure and health, the more economic growth will be strengthened. And the more economic growth is strengthened, the quicker will the independence of developing countries become effective.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Together we have to answer these questions, because they concern global tasks, common tasks. Hunger, poverty and disasters are among those issues that know no borders. Therefore, they are part of our shared responsibility. We must change the approach used in the past, which was based on division. We must accept that the tasks are too burdensome to be carried out by weak people, to whom a new burden is given. I am talking about goals and measures that we must deal with together, according to the capacity of each of us. International assistance for African development must undoubtedly be doubled or tripled in the short term. Donors must deliver on their promises in the short term if we really want to revive the economies of African countries. People ask why sub-Saharan Africa has not experienced economic growth in the last few years.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The plan has been discussed throughout the regions of Madagascar with representatives of private and public organizations to create a sound basis for achieving our vision, “Madagascar — Naturally!”, and the Millennium Development Goals. The plan has also been discussed with members of the donor community. I told them that it is based on our vision and on the Millennium Development Goals, which we all set together. We should not be satisfied with existing means; we should mobilize all the means needed to achieve those goals. I also told the donors that the Madagascar Action Plan is our common plan. We decide together how many men and women we want to — and can — pull out of poverty; how many poor children can have a better education; and how many children we can save by providing them with safe drinking water and vaccines.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The industrialized countries have asked us, the 19 06-52988 developing countries, to develop visions for our countries and to prepare road maps in order to achieve them. They have asked us to specify the Millennium Development Goals for our countries. They have asked us to increase our absorption capacity. All of that is fair and understandable. However, the role of industrialized countries is not to play the referee, assess players and give out red cards. All countries, developed and developing alike, must play together. We must act together and have the same goal. That is why I have decided to develop a new strategy in Madagascar, which we call the Madagascar Action Plan.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I remind the Assembly that the task of this community is to avoid crises instead of dealing with crises. This institution should be a place not for firefighters, but for strategists. I emphasize that the idea of one world, the foundation of globalization, cannot take us towards a fair and peaceful future as long as many poor countries are still marginalized. We want the same ticket to enter the international community as the European Union has given to Eastern European countries. We should all be on the same boat. However, many developing countries are still struggling behind it, swimming hard to try to catch up with it. How can we get out of this calamitous situation? The Millennium Development Goals must remain the basis of our discussions and our actions, even if their achievement becomes more and more difficult.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“The great ideas and the goodwill expressed in words rarely pass through the filters of existing structures and programmes. The files on Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon, the Palestine question and the oil question have put the Africa file in the shade. It is a fact: Africa is not a priority for international authorities. However, I remind the Assembly that we all set the Millennium Development Goals. These are common goals; therefore, their realization is also a common task. I remind the Assembly, too, that when we deal with issues we are also writing the destiny of hundreds of millions of human beings. Our decisions affect millions of children. Where is the fervent desire, then, to deliver on what we have promised to do for them? That is the paradox between what we preach and what we do.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I would like to pay tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, for everything that he has done; he has been a great Secretary-General. Thanks to his clear vision, his commitment and his open-mindedness, he has greatly contributed to the development of the United Nations and the promotion of Africa. I thank him and his team. Last year we discussed the Millennium Development Goals. It was clear that they could not be attained in the sub-Saharan countries if we did not make a considerable effort. The initiatives of the G-8, the World Bank, the European Union and other donors seemed to constitute a good foundation for a profound change. Have we noticed a profound change? I do not think so. The sad reality is that Africa receives less international assistance per capita than it did 20 years ago. Let us be honest.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Let us create more equitable structures that are better suited to today’s needs and realities. Let us draw inspiration from the spirit of the founding fathers of our Organization. Let us be nations united in spirit, with a global vision and strategy of development for a world that is not only more dynamic but also more balanced, more equitable and more responsible. Let us work towards that end.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Such an approach must incorporate the various international and bilateral programmes and projects whose differing structures, objectives and content make them complicated to manage and hinder the identification of possible synergies. But it is incumbent on us to ensure the effective coordination of development and thus adopt the concept of country ownership. We in Madagascar have taken the initiative of setting up national programmes in which all donors’ projects are incorporated. The world must heed the needs of Africa, but Africa must also face up to its responsibilities by strengthening democracy, good governance and the rule of law. The discussions on the role and the structure of the United Nations which have taken place in the context of the sixtieth anniversary offer us an exceptional opportunity.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“This is the approach that Madagascar is taking now, with the support of donors. Let us foster initiatives to establish a fair and equitable trading regime among nations, such as the reduction of trade barriers. In short, such a Marshall Plan should make it clear that the African continent can prosper by shouldering its responsibilities. We need to speak more of our assets than of our weaknesses. We need to speak of our potential rather than our lack of resources. The world wants to invest in our potential. Let us find a fresh approach. Let us create a new image, a new, clear vision for Africa. It is only through such a vision, along with a genuine global strategy for development, that the Millennium Development Goals can be achieved.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Such a Marshall Plan should include the protection and development of natural resources, which are crucial to our continent. To that end, we have a vision, which we call “Madagascar, naturally”. Two years ago in Durban, I announced our decision to triple the extent of protected areas in the country so as to ensure the preservation of our rich and unique biodiversity. We took the decision to earmark 8 per cent of funds stemming from the cancellation of external debt for the funding of our protected-area system. The African continent already is involved in the preservation of natural resources for the world and will increase its efforts in that area. Let us focus on agribusiness by creating more opportunities for processing our natural products and thus enhancing the value-added that they bring to our countries.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“They deserve to play a more significant role in civil society and in the economic and political arena. I have personally been asked by the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project to share their concerns with you. Indeed, one of the most burdensome daily chores of African women is providing a family with water. Access to drinking water for all frees women from servitude and thus preserves their dignity. Moreover, the issue of water management is inseparable from those of sanitation and hygiene. Water is a source of life and a great economic asset. The development of hydroelectric energy is one solution to Africa’s energy deficit. Let us not forget that rational water management will enable us to achieve food self-sufficiency.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“We also need an educational system that meets international 5 standards of quality and effectiveness — a system that will foster creativity and help our peoples to realize their dreams; a system that will optimize our countries’ human resources so as to enable us to play an important role in the world economy; a system which will help to close the digital divide among nations. Saving African children also means feeding them. In that respect, overcoming hunger in Africa is an urgent challenge, as millions of people will be affected by this crisis. Madagascar, as a new member of the Southern African Development Community, urges the General Assembly to make that crisis its highest priority. We must act rapidly and with resolve. Let us also improve the situation of women.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“However, we need to invest more in the social dimension of development by enhancing the role of the Economic and Social Council so as to meet the legitimate aspirations of our peoples. The future of Africa lies, of course, with its children. The plan for Africa should describe how we can approve the transfer of knowledge and how we can ensure access for young Africans to the world’s knowledge and expertise, so that the intellectual potential of millions of people will not be wasted. We need to increase literacy levels.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The previous General Assembly provided me with an opportunity to propose a “Marshall Plan for Africa”. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom made the same proposal and the President of the World Bank, Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, has also spoken of a plan of action for Africa. Let us ask other donors to join in this initiative. The Marshall Plan for Africa should cover much more than a call to cancel debt and increase financial support. It should take into account Africa’s potential and the right steps that are needed to realize it. It should build a positive image of our continent and determine the role that it could play in economic, political, social and cultural spheres. Globalization highlights the economic dimension of international relations.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“The Secretary-General rightly quoted one of the United Nations purposes from the preamble to the Charter: “to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom”. Our peoples want to have real opportunities. Quite rightly, they call for the favourable conditions that will allow them to take advantage of those opportunities. Our Organization is 60 years old. Much has been achieved in decolonization and peacekeeping, for instance. Five years ago we defined the Millennium Development Goals. Now we must go still further. Let us devise a genuine global strategy for development, a strategic partnership with a clear-cut vision and more ambitious goals. As regards Africa, what is lacking is a clear vision of its future. It can be seen that Africa is still a poor continent. Nonetheless, Africa has the potential to be rich.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Let us convert it into a body that inspires us with hope. Let us work together for development, justice and equity. The sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations should mark the beginning of a new era in which we will have the opportunity to build a more prosperous, more just, more democratic and more environmentally aware world — a world that is sounder, healthier, more responsible and more united. We need to work out strategies and plans that arouse enthusiasm among nations and attract the fervent hopes of our peoples. We will only change the world if we can secure the support of our populations. The United Nations must devise and adopt the necessary measures to establish a more balanced world. All the crises, the wars, the questions of security and terrorism, the world’s epidemics — all of those have concrete causes.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)
“Having Africa’s voice heard on the international level and allowing it to share in responsibilities on a global level are marks of concern and respect for our States and our peoples. Let us put an end to the exclusion of the African continent. We want to make our full and complete contribution to debates and decision-making on issues that concern how our world works. The discussions in recent months have focused on institutional reform at the United Nations. That is a very important question. It is also important for Africa. But we would ask you to expand the discussion so as to properly define the role that the Organization should play in world development. The United Nations should be more than just a crisis management body — a body that addresses poverty, disasters and emergencies.”
2005-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 60 (2005)