YouSaid · the spoken record

Pravind Kumar Jugnauth

lines on the record: 88
first: 2017-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
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

“Mauritius and the United Kingdom have started negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, on the basis of international law. We hope that those talks will lead to the completion of the decolonization process of Mauritius and enable Mauritius to implement its resettlement programme. We also appeal to France to resolve the dispute over Tromelin. which forms an integral part of the territory of Mauritius, in the spirit of friendship that characterizes the relations between the two countries. We are at a crossroads. We do not want to be judged by the next generation for having been complacent. Let us seize this opportunity to recommit to forging the future we want for us and for our future generations. I remain confident that we will discover the common purpose needed to restore trust in our shared future.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“It is now four years since the International Court of Justice gave its advisory opinion on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos archipelago from Mauritius prior to its independence. The International Court of Justice made it clear that the Chagos archipelago is an integral part of the territory of Mauritius and invited the colonial Power to withdraw its administration from the archipelago as rapidly as possible. Ever since, the Government of Mauritius has made a strong commitment to implementing a programme of resettlement in the Chagos archipelago for Mauritian nationals, in particular those of Chagossian origin, who have suffered historic injustice by being forcibly removed from their birthplace. We are hopeful that they will soon be able to resettle in the Chagos archipelago. Indeed.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“As we navigate through an increasingly complex path, it is crucial that we adapt our global institutions to effectively address the challenges of the twenty- first century. The Security Council has a vital role to play in maintaining international peace and security. However, it no longer reflects the realities of the modern world. Urgent reform of the Security Council and the revitalization of the General Assembly are essential to strengthen the United Nations for future generations. Amidst the Ukraine-Russia conflict. the international community must relentlessly pursue peaceful dialogue. We commend African nations and other mediators for their vital role in that regard.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Upholding the rule of law is essential to restoring faith in governance, fostering stability, and enabling sustainable progress on the continent. The peaceful transition of power through democratic means is the only way to ensure peace, development and prosperity. We proudly welcome the admission of the African Union as a member of the Group of 20. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterate our unwavering support for the two-State solution, as we recognize its potential to bring lasting peace and stability to the region. We commend the recent step taken to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice and hope that the Palestinian people will be able to live in freedom in their own State.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We encourage all countries to sign and ratify the agreement so that it can enter into force as soon as possible. In the same vein. Mauritius reiterates its invitation to States, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to support the marine protected area that Mauritius will be establishing around the Chagos archipelago. We also look forward to the finalization of the international, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, and to ensuring its effective implementation. Democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights are fundamental values that every country must respect and abide by. The instability in some parts of Africa is detrimental to progress.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“It is my Government’s top priority to ensure the continuous supply of clean and safe water to every citizen. We will continue to invest in water storage capacities to face the effects of climate change and achieve long-term water security. The ocean, on which we are all dependent, is a critical reservoir of marine biodiversity. Mauritius welcomes the adoption of the agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, and I am pleased to inform the Assembly that Mauritius has signed the agreement. That historic legally binding instrument is a victory for multilateralism and international law and a game-changer towards the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“SIDs are hopeful that the fourth International Conference on SIDS in Antigua and Barbuda will deliver a more focused, measurable and fully resourced programme of action that is tailored to the circumstances of SIDs. We look to the Summit of the Future in 2024 to address issues of financial stability, promote financial inclusion and debt sustainability and embrace sustainability. We call for an inclusive and equitable global governance and not a finance divide. Mauritius believes firmly that the SDG Stimulus and the Bridgetown Initiative can accelerate progress towards the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. The United Nations report SIDS in Numbers: Biodiversity and Oceans projects that Mauritius will become a water-stressed country by 2025. barely two years from now.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Developed countries must urgently deliver on their promise made 14 years ago at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, held in Copenhagen, to provide climate finance of $100 billion per year. As it is. that amount is no longer sufficient, so there is a need to make the scale of climate finance commensurate with the challenge through the new collective quantified goal on climate finance. We urge the international financial institutions to recognize that GDP per capita is not the sole measure of a country’s development. We call on the international financial institutions and development partners to use the multidimensional vulnerability index developed by the United Nations as a tool in further integrating SIDs vulnerability into their decision-making.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“In order to ensure the successful implementation of our national determined contributions, a total of $6.5 billion is required. Despite the economic constraints, we have been able to commit $2.5 billion. Our challenge is to secure the remaining $4 billion. Indeed, all SIDS need adequate and predictable support, including climate finance, from the international community. We call on the international financial institutions and development partners to ensure that access to climate finance by SIDS is simplified and made easier. We look forward to the swift operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund agreed upon at the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. That facility represents hope for those in urgent need and cannot remain a mere promise.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Our Climate Change Act serves as the cornerstone of our commitment to fulfilling our obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and other related instruments on climate change. In order to build our resilience. Mauritius has implemented a series of adaptation measures such as coastal rehabilitation, mangrove propagation and flood management programmes. We have also formulated a nationally appropriate mitigation actions for low-carbon strategy. Mauritius is also committed to implementing a series of adaptation and mitigation measures aimed at reducing its greenhouse-gas emissions by 40 per cent and achieving 60 per cent of energy production from green sources by 2030.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sixth assessment report has already warned that further delay will mean missing “a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all”. SIDS like Mauritius wrestle with coastal erosion, marine pollution, and coral bleaching. Sea-level rise and climate-related disasters loom large. Mauritius is facing a rise in sea level of 5.6 millimetres annually, almost twice the global average of 3.3 millimetres. Those compounding challenges heighten our inherent vulnerabilities and imperil our sustainable development objectives. As leaders, it is our duty and responsibility to save the planet for our future generations. Mauritius is spending about 2 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on environment and climate change-related policies.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“By fostering cooperation and sharing resources and expertise, we can ensure universal access to the highest standard of health care in order to protect the vulnerable and strengthen our global resilience. Scaled-up action to reduce emissions to align with goals set forth in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is becoming imperative. Even within the 1.5°C goal, the small island developing States (SIDS) are facing an existential threat. Exceeding that threshold would be catastrophic. To secure a sustainable future, we must collectively phase out fossil fuel usage and hasten the just transition to sustainable energy sources, targeting net zero emissions globally by 2050.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“An efficient education system is vital in order to achieve such inclusivity. Everyone will need to possess an evolving pool of knowledge, skills and capacities, or else we will have a two-speed world deepening inequalities and exacerbating global instability. We need to build an integrated system of lifelong learning and ensure equity, access and inclusion in relevant curricula. We should work together towards harnessing digital tools and increase investment in education so that it is recognized as a global public good. The surge in health challenges. from non-communicable diseases to global pandemics like COVID-19, underscores the importance of global unity.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We have to give new direction to multilateralism and to the United Nations. We need to restore trust in multilateralism. As leaders of the world, we should lead by example, show our unwavering commitment and honour the promises made. More importantly, we need to uphold fairness and justice. In that regard, finding consensus on such crucial priorities as poverty eradication, renewable energy, education and women’s empowerment is paramount. The Sustainable Development Goals serve as our guiding compass on that journey. In a world marred by inequalities, our commitment to uplifting the marginalized and empowering the vulnerable must remain steadfast. We must ensure inclusivity where every individual feels safe and secure. Our society’s strength lies in its diversity.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Indeed, the world is at a critical inflection point as it faces unprecedented and interlocking crises, with the multilateral system being under greater strain. The information and communications technology revolution has increased connections and complexities in our daily lives. The list of problems is daunting, from a lingering coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, climate change, declining biodiversity, food and energy insecurity, cybercrime, terrorism, large-scale migration, gender inequality and a general pushback against human rights, to inadequate development financing, increasing debt burdens and geopolitical crises. Our national borders are no match for those challenges. Effective multilateral response is the only way to address geopolitical challenges and rescue our common agenda.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“and the hopes and aspirations that we all have in the United Nations. Mauritius is firmly committed to fulfilling its responsibilities as a Member of the United Nations. Let me also seize this opportunity to express to the Governments and the peoples of the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Libya our solidarity at this tragic moment. The theme of this year’s general debate could not be timelier. It is about how we can together restore confidence in our shared future — confidence between people and leaders, confidence in our institutions and among countries. Unless we urgently begin to rebuild this trust, it will prove impossible to tackle the challenges we have to face. No country, no matter how powerful or wealthy, can succeed in tackling the current challenges on its own. Our fate and fortunes have never been so closely linked.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“May I begin by congratulating Mr. Dennis Francis on his election as President of the General Assembly at it seventy-eighth session. I also wish to convey my appreciation to Mr. Csaba Korosi for his sterling leadership of the seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also deserves our gratitude for his inspiring and commendable initiatives in furthering the objectives of our Organization. It is a matter of great pride to see a fellow islander preside over the proceedings of the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly, especially at a time when the world is faced with a myriad of interlocking challenges amidst conflicts, climate chaos, inequality and hunger. Let me assure him of the commitment of Mauritius to the principles that the United Nations stands for.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We have reached a once in a generation moment and we must make critical choices that will determine our future. The vicious cycles of violence must stop; divides and distrust must end. We should not allow the winds of discord to draw the iron curtain closed again; the winds of peace should flow smoothly. Humankind’s aspirations and yearnings for peace are resonating strongly on the world stage. Current geopolitical tensions should be de-escalated. It is time for decisive action and stronger international cooperation. More than ever, the promise to leave no one behind must guide our actions and forward path. It is only by working together that we can begin to weave a stronger and more inclusive global economy and build a better world for our shared prosperity. We can and we must act now.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“I must, however, deplore the decision of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, which, at its latest meeting, held in Bali, violated its legal obligations by failing to recognize the legal entitlement of Mauritius, which satisfies all the criteria for full membership of that organization. In that regard, it is with much regret that Mauritius has decided to suspend its participation in future activities of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission until its legal entitlement to full membership of that regional organization is fully recognized. With regard to Tromelin, which also forms an integral part of the territory of Mauritius, we look forward to the early resolution of the dispute over that island in the spirit of friendship that characterizes the relations between Mauritius and France.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Mauritius is deeply grateful for the support it has been receiving from other countries and for actions taken by international and regional organizations, including the United Nations and its specialized agencies, to implement resolution 73/295. We are particularly thankful to the United Nations for amending its world map to include the Chagos Archipelago as a part of Mauritius; to the Universal Postal Union for ceasing to recognize the so-called British Indian Ocean Territory issued stamps; to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for upholding the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion and the General Assembly resolutions; and to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for proceeding to delimit the maritime boundary between Mauritius and Maldives in the region of the Chagos Archipelago.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We reached a point where it would have been possible to agree on a way forward, but it appears that the United Kingdom is having some difficulty in accepting the proposal that any final agreement must be based on international law. It would be most disappointing if the ability to reach a final settlement were scuppered by its unwillingness to express a commitment to respecting the international rule of law — all the more so that Mauritius has over the years confirmed that it is prepared to enter into a long-term lease to protect the continued operations of the military base on Diego Garcia, given its contribution to regional peace and security.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“What more fitting tribute could there be to the memory of that great monarch who dedicated her life to service and to upholding the values of democracy, human rights and international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity than to bring this history to an end and to do so in a manner that respects sovereignty, matters of security, environment and the fundamental rights of human beings? We urge the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to act with statesmanship and work with us to implement resolution 73/295 and support the completion of the decolonization of Mauritius and the resettlement of the former inhabitants of the Chagos Archipelago. I wish to report that there have indeed been some attempts to start such a conversation.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“It ill behoves the United Kingdom to call on Mauritius and other African countries to respond to other allegations of illegal occupation when it is illegally occupying a part of Africa. The new Government of the United Kingdom has an opportunity to place itself on the right side of history and bring to a close this dark chapter of history involving the last colony in Africa and the last colony it ever created, as well as the shameful forcible displacement of people. Such a move would be fully consistent with the values and principles of the beloved late monarch, who we honour today and pay homage to.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of 25 February 2019, resolution 73/295 and the Judgment of the Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea of 28 January 2021 have confirmed, with crystal clarity that international law, recognizes the Chagos Archipelago to be and to have always been an integral part of the territory of Mauritius. Yet, despite the aforementioned resolution, which required the colonial administration to withdraw within six months of the date of its adoption, that part of our territory remains occupied today. This situation further delays the implementation of our resettlement programme, especially for those Mauritians of Chagossian origin who were forcibly removed from there in the 1960s.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“The fundamental pillars of the United Nations, such as development, human rights and international peace and security, are grounded in respect for and the promotion of international law. This essential bond among States enables the rule of law and global good governance to flourish, without which there would be chaos. When the United Nations and the institutions that we have created to uphold international law are not respected, democratic governance and our universal values are undermined. International Law cannot be applied selectively. It is universal, indivisible and essential to promote multilateralism, international cooperation and strengthen faith in a fair and equitable global order.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In this respect, Mauritius has made significant progress towards achieving gender equality. We reaffirm our full solidarity with the Palestinian People and strongly condemn the senseless acts of violence against its vulnerable population. The recent development on the world scene is again pointing to the need for us to improve our ability to respond to crises, be they manmade or natural. In this regard, we believe that the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council, needs the necessary reforms to make it more representative of the world today and thereby render it more effective. In that regard, we again reiterate the importance of expanding the Security Council with members of the African continent, based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, as well as a member from SIDS, amongst others.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Mauritius strongly believes that we must address the concerns of our Youth for the future. Even though we are constrained by our insularity and limited means, we are striving to increase opportunities for our youth. Providing social protection and promoting social justice remains a key priority of our Government. Despite very difficult economic challenges, we are maintaining our social welfare State, inter alia, by providing free health coverage, free education and basic pension to the elderly. The economic empowerment of women is at the heart of various policies that we have adopted in Mauritius. Our Government programme is paving the way for a society where gender equality is adhered to, ensuring fairness and equity among all, as well as the human and social development of women.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Mauritius’ socioeconomic vision and multicultural and societal values take into account and encourage the pursuit of a secure, and safe digital world for all as we strive to undermine disinformation with accurate information. We strongly value respect for and the promotion of human rights, both online and offline. We are equally keen to protect human values, promote tolerance and avoid hate speech. In this respect, we support the efforts of the international community to elaborate a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of information and communications technology for criminal purposes. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in its totality is to the benefit of all, for today’s and future generations.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Mauritius is committed to protecting our oceans and, in this context, it announced during the Lisbon Ocean Conference the creation of a marine protected area around the Chagos Archipelago. We invite States, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to support this initiative and assist in the creation, management and enforcement of the marine protected area which, will be among the largest in the world. The world is getting increasingly connected digitally and cyberspace is invading almost all areas of modern day-life. However, while it is providing new opportunities, it is also creating new challenges. The pandemic has brought to light the role of information and communications technology as a crucial enabler of economic and social development, but we need to be cautious about the misuse and abuse of this technology as well.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We must also address the inequities and, in that respect, the United Nations development systems, together with our development partners, should use a unified compass and a refined and more comprehensive vulnerability index that accurately captures the vulnerabilities of SIDS so as to prioritize allocation of funds and increase the funding of development activities. Ocean-based economies are being deeply affected. Restoring the health of our oceans is crucial to preserving our biodiversity, community livelihoods and climate resilience. Negotiations for a binding global treaty to end plastic pollution and the consensus reached on banning harmful fisheries are important steps in the right direction to turn the tide and make our oceans healthy for our sustainable development.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Our responsibilities as leaders and our state responsibility should guide us in ensuring that our own future and that of our children are secure and refrain from any action that is tantamount to ecocide. Access to climate finance is essential to addressing these existential threats. Mauritius is keen to implement its nationally determined contributions which are estimated to cost around $6.5 billion. Despite the huge costs to our economy, Mauritius has pledged to finance 35 per cent of the projects. We appeal to the international community to support us for the remaining part. The financing needs for development projects in SIDS like Mauritius should be demand-driven and based on the prevailing economic conditions, especially in light of the budgeting stress created by the pandemic.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“This is the time when we should be seriously thinking of saving our planet, slowing down the effects of climate change, preventing a worldwide recession and, most importantly, preventing a nuclear catastrophe. We are witnessing more and more extreme weather events; higher-than-ever temperatures, droughts, fires and floods are creating unprecedented challenges across the globe and taking a heavy toll on human life and material damage. I take this opportunity to express my Government’s sympathies and solidarity to the populations affected throughout the world, especially in Pakistan. The twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change gives us another chance to globally agree on and commit to yet unprecedented measures to keep the temperature rise below the 1.5°C target.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Millions of people will continue to suffer worldwide, and millions more will be left behind. While we are still confronting an uneven recovery of the global economy, the pandemic recovery gap between countries is widening, creating economic and social reverberations around the globe and injecting more uncertainty into global markets. The rising cost of commodities and energy and, in some cases, their scarcity will further weaken our economies and delay the achievement of the SDGs. Small island developing States (SIDS) like Mauritius, which are highly vulnerable, will be particularly affected. We make an urgent appeal to all players and the international community as a whole to work towards a cessation of hostilities and seek to resolve differences through peaceful means.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“After the past three years of reeling from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we were hoping that the availability of vaccines against COVID-19 would stop bleeding our economy and that we would return to normalcy. Instead, the situation has worsened due to the conflict in Europe, which is having far and wide ramifications around the world. Conflicts and political instability have led to more crises and the human tragedy of war has worsened. Their profound economic impact is slowing growth and exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. There is uncertainty as to when and how the conflict will end, but what is clear is that the massive influx of funds needed for recovery and reconstruction will necessarily draw from the much-needed assistance to countries seeking to recover from COVID-19.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“At the outset, let me congratulate Mr. Csaba Korosi on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-seventh session. I wish to assure him of the full cooperation of my delegation in the fulfilment of his important duties. We are at a watershed moment in human history, when humankind is facing interlocking challenges that threaten peace, increase the level of poverty and are likely to considerably delay the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At this particular session, the President’s proposed motto — “Solutions through solidarity, sustainability and science” — can provide us with some transformative solutions to address them. Multilateralism continues to be under threat, yet there is no other body or entity more representative and likely to strengthen global cooperation than the United Nations.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As regards Tromelin which also forms an integral part of the territory of Mauritius, we look forward to the early resolution of the dispute over the island,in the spirit of friendship that characterizes the relations between Mauritius and France. Thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We have been unable to have regular in-person meetings, hence our inability to pursue efficiently the implementation of Resolution 73/295. We will, therefore, have to attend to this forcefully and effectively as soon as the situation permits. We are nonetheless thankful to the Secretary-General for his report and the UN Secretariat for amending the UN world map to reflect the correct appurtenance of the Chagos Archipelago as part of the territory of Mauritius. I would also like to express our gratitude to all the Member States and organizations for their continued support to the completion of the decolonization process of Mauritius.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The General Assembly, given its crucial role in the process of decolonization, must take all necessary actions to ensure that all remnants of colonialism are dismantled as soon as possible, especially as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations. The General Assembly has also been tasked with assisting Mauritius in the resettlement of the forcibly displaced inhabitants of the Chagos Archipelago. I need not recall the horrendous conditions in which these innocent persons were made to leave their homes. That by itself was a major crime, but what makes it even worse is the systematic manner in which they continue to be prevented from returning. Mr President, COVID-19 has completely disrupted our activities for the past 6 months.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr President, As the General Assembly is aware, the decolonization of Mauritius remains incomplete despite the clear and unambiguous Advisory Opinion given at its request by the International Court of Justice on 25 February 2019 which determined that the Chagos Archipelago is an integral part of Mauritius, and UN General Assembly Resolution 73/295 which required the United Kingdom to end its administration of the Archipelago by 22 November of last year. The UK continues to ignore the International Court of Justice as well as its obligations under international law by maintaining its unlawful occupation of the Chagos Archipelago.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“It is important for all of us to reaffirm our conviction to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations which is the cornerstone of International law. This remains timeless, universal and an indispensable foundation for a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world. It is also important that the institutions that we have collectively created operate independently and their rulings respected by all countries irrespective of their size and power.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“By the sheer fact that the membership of the UN has quadrupled and the poles of economic power have been shifting, it is essential that the composition of the Security Council should reflect a fair, equitable and geographically representative body. Our United Nations will be strengthened when we all feel well represented and have a say in the decision-making process. That is why we believe the African continent must have its legitimate seats both in the permanent and non-permanent categories of the Security Council. A reformed and enlarged Security Council with all regions and SIDS represented will restore confidence and enhance legitimacy of its work and our organization itself. A rules-based international order with the UN and multilateralism at its core, is the guarantor for peace and shared prosperity.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Access to funds should be made less complex, and the discrimination linked to categorization of income status should be suspended at least until such time that these countries are able to stabilize their economies. Mr President, We appreciate the important work undertaken in respect of reaching a legally binding instrument on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. As we move to the drafting stage, it will be important to provide better clarity on marine organisms in the extended continental shelf of coastal states. In our view, the coastal state should enjoy full rights on those organisms whether they are found on the seabed or above. In the 75 years of its existence, the world has undergone profound changes.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“The only way to fight it is to do it together, whether it is in the area of prevention, cure or reconstruction. We salute the Secretary-General’s initiative aimed at setting out a vision for delivering the SDGs over the course of the Decade for Action and recovering better from COVID-19. We also commend the initiative of Canada and Jamaica on financing for development. Likewise, we are thankful to all the other countries and organizations that made significant amounts of funds available to face the pandemic. What we need now is long term planning accompanied by adequate funds to ensure that affected countries can pursue their development path, for economies to grow and for the populations to survive.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Borders have had to be closed and as a result, we are also witnessing unrest in many parts of the world where citizens are on the streets voicing their frustrations. We, as leaders, need to be attentive to these developments. As much as our efforts at national level are crucial, there is an imperative need for us at global level to take all necessary actions to ensure that the world economy does not sink into depression, that we get back on track on the SDGs, that we recommit to our obligations under the Paris Agreement and more importantly, avoid any action likely to create more tension that could lead to further economic despair. This is the time when multilateralism cannot be jeopardized or put in doubt. The pandemic has taught us that no one is immune to it.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr President, Once the Pandemic will have been eradicated, and we hope that this happens soon, we will wake up to a new reality — a reality for which there is no reset button. For many countries, the economy will likely suffer by a 14 to 20 per cent contraction with severe job losses and acute poverty. The road to the achievement of the SDGs will become longer and, in some cases, unattainable within the time frame. Added to these woes, we are witnessing severe weather conditions and other calamities such as wild fires with their lots of devastation. The Pandemic has also resulted in the concentration on national needs at the expense of, and in direct competition with, the outer world.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“A second naval incident in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka only a few weeks later has brought to the fore the need to put in place a robust regional disaster prevention and management system that can be promptly deployed to limit the damage from oil spills. At the same time, there is a need for a review of governance rule concerning bunkers and tankers. Mauritius happens to be on an important and busy sea lane between the west and the Far East and is, therefore, directly concerned. We call on the International Maritime Organisation to address these matters as a matter of urgency. Weaknesses in the current liability and regulatory regime for oil spills and for environmental catastrophes need to be addressed promptly.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We wish to thank all the countries and the UN system which rushed to assist Mauritius during these difficult times. I have a special word of thanks and gratitude for the people of Mauritius whose display of solidarity and spontaneous support helped protect our Ramsar sites and other environmentally sensitive areas. A major campaign of cleanup and general assessment was undertaken but we know for a fact that mangroves and other areas will take time to return to their original state. This disaster, apart from the damage that it has caused to nature, has also adversely affected the livelihood of the fishermen and other people involved in coastal and marine activities.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr President, Hardly had we had control on the pandemic, that Mauritius became the scene of an environmental disaster following the wreck of a bunker which collapsed on our reef within our internal waters. The ship MV Wakashio ran aground on the pristine reefs at Pointe D’Esny in the South Eastern region of Mauritius on 25 July, following which around 800 tons of fuel oil leaked from its breached tanks which quickly propagated inside our lagoons and the surrounding areas. Bad weather further complicated the spread and restricted our ability to contain it. On 16th August the ship split into two. This oil spill is the worst environmental disaster that Mauritius has ever faced. We are still assessing the damage to the mangroves and the coastal areas.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In developing and producing such vaccines, multinationals and governments must ensure that there is a fair distribution at a price that is affordable to all. Our collective needs have to be taken into account and it is only through our commitment to multilateralism that we will be able to succeed. Human health and planetary health are intrinsically linked; this is not a time for playing politics or making excessive profits from the vaccine. This pandemic cannot be defeated as a divided world. The lives of millions, the economic welfare of billions and the social stability of the world are at stake. Global solidarity and reinforced multilateralism are, therefore, paramount.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Our topmost priority is to avoid the risk of a possible resurgence through a second wave of COVID-19 because that would be catastrophic for our economy. Mr President, The pandemic has shown that more than 4.4 billion people are without any form of social safety net or health care. The pursuit of Universal Health Coverage should be at the center of human development. This is the surest way to move closer to a world where everyone benefits from the human right to health. Despite all efforts to contain the pandemic, it is clear to us that the only way to overcome it would be through the development of an effective and safe vaccine. And we all know this is not something that all of us can engage in.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)