YouSaid · the spoken record

Hifikepunye POHAMBA

lines on the record: 84
first: 2005-09-24
most recent: 2014-09-24
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

“I trust that they will extend the same cooperation to my successor. Finally, let us reaffirm our collective political commitment to accelerating the achievement of the MDGs as we move towards the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Namibia condemns the abduction of more than 200 girls and other innocent people by Boko Haram in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We call for their immediate and unconditional release. We support international efforts to combat Ebola disease in the African countries affected. Towards that end, Namibia has contributed ND$11 million to the fight against the deadly epidemic. As prescribed by the Namibian Constitution, I have the honour to inform the Assembly that my term of office as President will come to an end early next year. Therefore, this is the last time that I will address the General Assembly as President of the Republic of Namibia. I would like to thank Heads of State and Government for the excellent cooperation that they have rendered to me and my country during my tenure of office.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Namibia has currently deployed one of the largest female police contingents to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. Namibia continues to call for the lifting of the economic embargo against Cuba. The embargo is contrary to international efforts to reduce poverty and achieve the MDG targets in States Members of the United Nations. The listing of Cuba as a State sponsor of international terrorism is not justifiable and should not be accepted. We call for the full implementation of all relevant United Nations resolutions on Western Sahara and Palestine. The international community must fulfil its obligations and assist the people of Western Sahara and Palestine to realize their inalienable right to self- determination.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“However, the success achieved by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Southern African Development Community, along with the Intervention Brigade, in neutralizing the negative forces in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is encouraging. In order to further consolidate peace, the voluntary programme for the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, resettlement and reintegration of the negative forces must be implemented fully. Namibia supports the participation of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations around the world. In that context, we call for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Furthermore, we should join hands to ensure effective mobilization and the efficient utilization of public- and private-sector resources at both the domestic and international levels. The ongoing efforts to reform the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council, must be concluded without further delay in order to reflect the contemporary geopolitical realities. We remain concerned about the political instability and armed conflicts in South Sudan, Somalia, Mali and the Central African Republic.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Going forward, our discussions and interactions should be guided by the principles articulated in the Millennium Declaration; the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, entitled “The future we want”; and the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits on economic, social and environmental matters. It is vital to ensure that the concerns articulated in the African Common Position be fully integrated into the post-2015 development agenda. As we prepare for the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda, we must demonstrate the necessary political will and create strong global partnerships to realize our shared goals.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Namibia therefore calls for implementation of the action programme and the dynamic Windhoek Declaration adopted in 2013 in Namibia at the eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. We applaud the Secretary-General for hosting the Climate Summit during this session of the General Assembly. Its outcome should complement the negotiations within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change towards a meaningful and coordinated global agreement in 2015.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We therefore have a strong foundation on which to realize the sustainable development goals that are part of the post- 2015 development agenda. In that context, urgent action should be taken to meet the basic needs of all human beings and the protection of the natural environment, on which we all depend for our livelihoods. I believe no effort or resource should be spared in addressing holistically the root causes of social strife, poverty and political conflict in our societies. Developing countries, particularly African and island States, continue to bear the brunt of the adverse effects of climate change. Floods, droughts and soil erosion have become more severe, prolonged and frequent.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In Namibia, the implementation of the MDGs has had many positive results. We have reduced the percentage of our people living in extreme poverty by more than half. Primary school enrolment has reached 100 per cent. Health care is now delivered to many communities where once there was none. The rates of new cases of HIV infection have stabilized. Our coverage of antiretroviral treatment has reached 85 per cent, while the rate of prevention of mother-to- child transmission now stands at 90 per cent. We are moving closer to eliminating malaria as a public health threat, and our provision of clean drinking water and sanitation has also expanded. Notable successes have been achieved at the global level, too. The living conditions of millions of people have improved, especially in developing countries.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We should therefore resolutely reaffirm our faith and move forward, guided by the enduring values and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and all that it stands for. Those values should guide our discussions during this session, including on our theme “Delivering on and implementing a transformative post-2015 development agenda”. That theme presents an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the successes we have achieved and the challenges we have encountered in implementing the ambitious targets set by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The creation of a better world through inclusive development, improved freedom from want, and greater security and prosperity, especially in developing countries, are some of the priorities we agreed on 14 years ago.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I am proud to see you, Mr. President, a distinguished son of Africa, presiding over the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session, and I congratulate you warmly on your election. I would also like to pay tribute to the President of the Assembly at its previous session for his sterling leadership. This meeting is taking place at a challenging time on the global stage. Several African countries have been dealing with an unprecedented outbreak of deadly Ebola disease; the 200 girls abducted in Nigeria by Boko Haram are yet to be found or rescued; and the indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza ended only a few weeks ago. At the same time, terrorist groups continue to disrupt peace and stability in various parts of the world. Those challenges are not insurmountable, but overcoming them requires steadfastness and unity.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“This session of the General Assembly presents an historic opportunity for the international community to take concrete steps to eradicate poverty and enhance international peace and security in order to create a world free of want, as envisaged in the Millennium Development Goals. Let us summon the necessary political will to act now. I congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session and assure you of the full support of my delegation.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Namibia condemns the use of chemical weapons against the civilian population in Syria, as confirmed by the United Nations inspectors. We welcome the agreement reached between the Russian Federation and the United States of America to place Syrian chemical weapons under the control of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. We also support the efforts of the Joint Special Envoy of the Secretary- General and the League of Arab States to help the Syrian parties find a peaceful solution to the conflict in their country. The process of reforming the United Nations system, especially the Security Council, must be accelerated in order to make it representative and democratic.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We commend the Economic Community of West African States and other international partners for the leading role they have played in resolving the crisis in that country. I take this opportunity to reiterate our steadfast solidarity with the people of Cuba, who have endured harsh conditions due to the illegal economic blockade imposed on their country. We once again call for the unconditional lifting of the embargo on Cuba. The attainment of self-determination of peoples living under foreign occupation is one of the principles that this Organization was founded on. In that regard, we reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Western Sahara, and call for the implementation of the United Nations settlement plan for that country. Similarly, we call for the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions on Palestine.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We call on the international community to provide the financial, technical and logistical support necessary for those elections to be successful. Our Government continues to support the efforts of the African Union (AU), through the African Union Mission in Somalia, to stabilize the situation in Somalia. The Southern African Development Community and AU election observer missions have declared the harmonized elections that recently took place in Zimbabwe to be free, peaceful and credible. In that context, Namibia calls for the unconditional lifting of all sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. We welcome the holding of democratic elections in Mali and congratulate President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on his election.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We welcome the signing of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Region. Namibia urges all signatories to the Framework to work together in good faith towards its full implementation. We commend the efforts of the Intervention Brigade to restore peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and call on the international community to give its full support to achieving the success of that important mission. We also appeal to the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the communities affected by the conflict. Namibia welcomes the decision of Madagascar’s reformed special electoral court, paving the way for holding presidential and parliamentary elections there next month.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“While developing countries have made commendable advances in the areas of social and economic development, many challenges remain. Namibia holds the view that the post-2015 development agenda should take into account the valid concerns and challenges faced by middle-income countries, such as access to grants and concessional funding for developmental purposes. The post-2015 development agenda should also embrace the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, the rule of law and the maintenance of international peace and security. I wish to emphasize that sustainable development requires adequate and predictable financing at the local and international levels. Namibia is concerned about the conflict situations and growing instability in many parts of the world.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“During the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, we made commitments to create a new global partnership characterized by a new spirit of solidarity, cooperation and mutual accountability. The outcome document of the Conference, entitled “The future we want” (resolution 66/288, annex), identified poverty eradication as the greatest global challenge facing the world today and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. As I speak, the eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is about to conclude its deliberations in our capital city, Windhoek. We believe that the outcome of the Conference will further strengthen the Convention’s role in mitigating the effects of desertification and droughts, particularly on the continent of Africa.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“When the Millennium Summit adopted the Millennium Development Goals in 2000, it emphasized the urgency of making the world a better place for all humanity. That promise gave hope to millions who live in abject poverty and deprivation in many parts of the world. As we approach the 2015 deadline, we should ask ourselves whether we have lived up to the commitments that we made in 2000. We believe that the post-2015 development agenda should be people-centred and inclusive, with a focus on the provision of health care, education, food security and nutrition, energy, potable water, gender equality and the empowerment of women, young people and people with disabilities. The challenges of climate change and environmental conservation should continue to be a focus of our attention.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Last week a heinous terrorist attack was perpetrated against the Republic of Kenya, resulting in the death and injury of dozens innocent civilians as well as the destruction of property. We condemn this senseless attack and express our fraternal solidarity with the people of Kenya. The theme for the sixty-eighth session is “The post-2015 development agenda: setting the stage”. It echoes the words of the Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations: “to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom”. As leaders, we are therefore challenged to ensure that the post-2015 development agenda promotes sustainable development and a secure future for current and future generations.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The reform of the United Nations and its principal organs should seek to strengthen the Organization in order to make it more efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of all its Members. In that context, strengthening the role and authority of the General Assembly is of paramount importance. Equally, the reform of the Security Council is at the core of the wider United Nations reform, given its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Namibia reiterates its support for the common African position on the reform of the Security Council. Let us rededicate ourselves to the principle of the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means in order to save current and succeeding generations from the scourge of war and build a prosperous future for our children.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Thus, Namibia reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the embargo against Cuba. Namibia attaches great importance to sustainable development and the search for the best ways to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. In that regard, we will continue to actively cooperate with the international community to address climate change. In that context, Namibia seeks the support of Member States in hosting the secretariat of the Green Climate Fund in our capital city, Windhoek If successful, that would provide an opportunity for a developing country to host a United Nations agency of great importance. Given the opportunity, Namibia stands ready to discharge its obligations arising from hosting the Green Climate Fund secretariat. We count on Member States’ support.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“For many decades, the people of Western Sahara have been denied their inalienable right to self-determination and independence. Namibia reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional implementation of the United Nations Settlement Plan, leading to the holding of a free and fair referendum in Western Sahara. Equally, we wish to reaffirm our unequivocal support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and national independence on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions. Each year during the general debate, the majority of States Members of the United Nations express their concern over the continued economic, commercial and financial blockade unilaterally imposed against the Republic of Cuba, with its adverse effect on the Cuban people.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Equally, Namibia resolutely rejects the secessionist attempts in northern Mali and the destruction of ancient shrines in Timbuktu. We wish to commend the role played by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in helping to resolve the conflicts in those two countries. At the same time, we urge the international community to provide support and assistance to ECOWAS. Namibia welcomes the recent positive political developments in Somalia, including the election of His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as President of that country. I congratulate him and wish him well in the noble task of bringing normalcy and stability to that sister country. The international community should continue to support the people of Somalia as they embark upon the path to rebuild their country.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We call on all neighbouring countries to work together with the Congolese authorities to help resolve the conflict and to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not violated. In Madagascar, we urge the Malagasy political actors to expedite the full implementation of the road map leading to the holding of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections. With regard to the Sudan and South Sudan, Namibia calls on the two countries to resolve all outstanding issues peacefully. In the Darfur region of the Sudan, we urge the Government and the other parties concerned to find a negotiated and peaceful solution to the conflict. We denounce the unconstitutional changes of Government in Mali and Guinea-Bissau that took place, respectively, in March and April this year.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In Africa, since its inception, the African Union Peace and Security Council has cooperated with the United Nations Security Council towards those shared goals of conflict resolution. Similarly, the subregion of the Southern African Development Community has established initiatives to resolve political conflicts in the region through mediation. However, we are concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We therefore urge the international community to support the regional initiative aimed at resolving that conflict and to provide humanitarian assistance to displaced persons.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Namibia believes that respect for the sovereign equality of States, territorial integrity and independence constitute the pillars of international law and, indeed, the bedrock of peaceful relations among nations. The violation of any of those principles poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Regional and subregional organizations are important partners in solving conflicts in affected areas throughout the world. Their contribution to conflict resolution is provided for under the United Nations Charter. There is therefore a compelling need for the United Nations to take into account the views of regional organizations in the areas of mediation and peacemaking. Such institutions should be fully supported in finding lasting solutions to violent conflicts around the world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I therefore commend the President for choosing the theme for the debate at this session, namely, “Adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means”. Namibia firmly believes that, if we all dedicate ourselves to finding lasting solutions to conflicts by peaceful means, our collective efforts will be successful. There is no better way to achieve peace than by upholding the cardinal principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes, as provided for under Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter. In that regard, we should renew the original commitment to peace and progress as essential values of the United Nations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I extend warm congratulations to Mr. Jeremić and his country, Serbia, on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty- seventh session. My delegation is confident that, under his leadership, this session will address all burning issues on its agenda. I assure him of my delegation’s cooperation and support. I also wish to thank his predecessor for presiding over the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. Similarly, I wish to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon on assuming his second mandate as Secretary-General at the beginning of this year. The unresolved conflicts around the world demand commitment and resolve from us all in order to find durable solutions.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“This should set the tone for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, to be held in Rio de Janeiro next year. The reform of the United Nations system, especially the Security Council, has been painfully slow. I underscore Namibia’s firm conviction that a reformed Security Council should be democratic, representative and transparent in its working methods. That is consistent with the African common position. It is incumbent on all Member States to work together to strengthen the Organization in order to guarantee international peace and security and to advance sustainable economic and social development for a fairer and more just world for all.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Namibia has joined the international community in contributing food supplies to the people of Somalia as part of the international effort to address the crisis. The effects of climate change are real and are acutely felt in every part of the globe. For the past three consecutive years Namibia has experienced devastating floods, which negatively impacted our development plans. I take this opportunity to once again thank members of the international community who responded to our emergency appeal for assistance. Now more than ever before, all Member States should work towards the successful conclusion of the seventeenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will take place in Durban, South Africa, later this year.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Namibia calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of this embargo. Namibia welcomes the recent signing of the road map by the Malagasy political stakeholders with the facilitation of the Southern African Development Community mediator. It paves the way for bringing an end to the political crisis and returning Madagascar to constitutional order and democratic rule. The United Nations and the international community should provide adequate financial support to that country and become actively engaged in the ongoing mediation efforts to ensure the full implementation of the road map. 11-51185 20 The people of Somalia are faced with not only political uncertainty but also a severe drought and famine, which have resulted in a human catastrophe.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I wish His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit success as he leads the people of South Sudan in building a united and prosperous nation. Namibia calls for the immediate implementation of the United Nations settlement plan and relevant United Nations resolutions calling for the holding of a free and fair referendum in Western Sahara. With regard to Palestine, I reaffirm our full and unequivocal support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people to achieve their inalienable right to self-determination and national independence. Namibia supports the admission of Palestine to the United Nations as a full Member. The overwhelming majority of the Member States of the Assembly have for many years expressed serious concern over the continuing economic, commercial and financial embargo against the Republic of Cuba.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In the aftermath of the recent political changes in some African countries, it is important to underscore the need to promote genuine national reconciliation and unity and to begin urgently to address the challenges of poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth of the world. Respect for justice, fundamental human rights, the rule of law and good governance should be preconditions for lasting peace. Following successful negotiations, the Republic of South Sudan attained its independence on 9 July 2011. This demonstrated the statesmanship and wisdom of the leaders of the Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan, who chose the path of peace and mediation. We call on the two countries to resolve all outstanding issues through peaceful means.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Our Government recognizes the legitimacy of peaceful demands for democratic changes in sister countries such as Tunisia and Egypt. However, we believe that the demands for democratic change should be locally driven. They should not be used as a pretext to undermine the fundamental principle of sovereignty and non-intervention in the internal affairs of independent States. We are concerned that all efforts by the African Union to find a peaceful negotiated solution in Libya were ignored and undermined. Never in the history of the United Nations has the sanctity of the principle of non-intervention been so compromised as we have witnessed recently in Libya. The military intervention by a foreign Power reminds Africa of the infamous Berlin Conference of 1884, when Africa was carved up by imperial Powers.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I wish to congratulate the President and his country, Qatar, on his election to the presidency of the Assembly at this session. With his wisdom and experience, I am confident that he will successfully steer the proceedings of the Assembly. I assure him of my delegation’s cooperation and support. I also congratulate His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon on his reappointment as Secretary-General. I commend the President for choosing the role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means as the theme for this debate. The peaceful settlement of disputes, as provided for in Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, is an important principle that the international community should uphold in seeking solutions to conflicts throughout the world.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Recently, States parties to the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We welcome that positive step, in the belief that multilateralism is the most viable option for achieving a world free from the danger of nuclear weapons. Namibia believes in the effectiveness of collective action under the auspices of the United Nations to resolve conflicts by peaceful means and to address the challenges facing the world. My delegation is optimistic that together we can successfully work for the common good of all humanity. Let us join hands to achieve our common objective of building a better world for present and future generations.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is unjust that Africa remains the only region of the world without permanent representation on the Security Council. In that connection, we reiterate our support for the African common position on Security Council reform, as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. The maintenance of international peace and security is our collective responsibility. Namibia believes that peace, security and stability are the cornerstones of sustainable development, and thus we will continue to participate in United Nations and AU peacekeeping missions. We urge the international community to support conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts around the world.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Namibia is also concerned about the prolonged and extraterritorial economic embargo imposed on the people of Cuba. We fully support the decision of the AU summit in Kampala calling for the embargo’s removal. We believe that the economic blockade is unjustifiable and unfair and should therefore be lifted. Similarly, Namibia calls for lifting the economic sanctions imposed, directly or indirectly, on the Republic of Zimbabwe by some Western countries. Those sanctions have caused enormous suffering, not 15 10-54965 only to the people of Zimbabwe, but also to other countries in the SADC region. For many years now, we have been calling for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council. The process must be finalized to render the Council more representative, democratic and accountable.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Namibia has consistently urged the international community to fulfil its obligation to help the people of Western Sahara in their quest for self-determination. We therefore call for immediate and unconditional implementation of the United Nations Settlement Plan for Western Sahara and for the holding of a free and fair referendum, based on the terms of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly. Namibia is deeply concerned about the ongoing suffering and humiliation of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation and the denial of their fundamental right to self-determination. It is encouraging, however, that direct negotiations have been resumed between the parties. We hope that a durable solution will be found without further delay and on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In that capacity, we will work to promote cooperation with other regional economic communities in Africa, as the building blocks for intracontinental integration. SADC strives for political stability in the region as a prerequisite for sustainable development. In that connection, we have taken proactive steps to resolve the political crisis in Madagascar, through the facilitation efforts of former President Joachim Chissano of Mozambique. The recent African Union (AU) summit, held in Kampala in July, focused on maternal, infant and child health and development in Africa. African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mobilize and direct resources to check the deaths of women and children from preventable diseases.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“As we commemorate the first decade of that resolution, let us recommit ourselves to the protection of women and girls in conflict situations in all parts of the world. We welcome the Assembly resolution on system- wide coherence and the establishment of UN Women as an entity dedicated to dealing with gender-related issues (resolution 64/289). We hope that that new entity will strengthen the institutional capacity of the United Nations for the support of gender equality and the empowerment of women. My delegation wishes to congratulate Ms. Michelle Bachelet on her appointment as UN Women’s first head. In August, Namibia assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is our hope that the industrialized countries will meet their commitments to provide adequate resources, in line with the undertakings made at Copenhagen in 2009. Namibia looks forward to a successful outcome of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Mexico later this year. In 2000, while serving as a member of the Security Council, Namibia initiated and introduced a theme on women, peace and security, which resulted in the adoption of the resolution 1325 (2000). Our objective was to highlight the plight of women in conflict situations and to recognize the vital role that they can play in peacemaking efforts for the effective resolution of conflicts.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“At the global level, climate change is one of the major challenges facing humanity today. The devastating impact of natural disasters around the world has affected most of our countries. Although Namibia does not significantly contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, it is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In recent years, we have experienced increasingly severe floods and droughts that have destroyed crops, livestock and wild animals. We thus call upon industrialized countries to take practical steps and demonstrate greater political will to bring about drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. We also urge them to give meaningful support to the efforts of developing countries to mitigate and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In that light, I appeal to the international financial institutions to create special mechanisms to enable middle-income countries to access financial resources for development on concessional terms, as called for by the 2008 Windhoek Declaration on Development Cooperation with Middle-Income Countries. Our recently concluded High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) gave world leaders and other stakeholders a unique opportunity to review progress made towards 10-54965 14 the achievement of the MDGs and to share valuable experiences. It is also evident that more work remains to be done. The challenges encountered should encourage us, and the successes recorded should inspire us all to work relentlessly for the noble and common objectives of achieving all of the MDGs.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In that regard, we must reaffirm our commitment to a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system and also work together for a speedy and equitable conclusion to the Doha Round. Although Namibia is currently classified as a high middle-income country, it still bears the scars of social and economic inequalities inherited from its colonial past. As a result, we carry the unenviable distinction as the country with the most unequal distribution of income and economic resources in the world. Ironically, our country also faces declining international development assistance due to that very classification, which has negatively impacted our ability to mobilize resources for national development efforts.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The theme for this year’s session, “Reaffirming the central role of the United Nations in global governance”, is both timely and appropriate. In that spirit, Member States should reaffirm the central role of the United Nations in global governance. Namibia shares the views expressed in the outcome document of the Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Development (resolution 63/303, annex). We believe that because of its universal membership and legitimacy, the United Nations is well positioned to participate in the reform processes to improve and strengthen the effective functioning of the international financial system.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I wish to congratulate Mr. Deiss on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session. We are confident that he will discharge the responsibilities of his high office with wisdom. I assure him of Namibia’s cooperation and support. I would also like to commend his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, for the able manner in which he presided over the sixty-fourth session. The Secretary-General of the Organization, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and his staff have done a commendable job in overseeing the ongoing efforts to improve the working methods of the Organization and for better interaction with Member States. We commend them for their dedication and hard work.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Member States should work with resolve to strengthen our Organization and to ensure that it delivers in terms of its mandate. However, the process will not be complete without reform of the Security Council. We have an obligation to make the Council more representative, democratic and accountable. It is an anomaly, and it is unjust, that Africa does not have permanent representation on the Security Council. Namibia reiterates the African common position on Council reform as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Intergovernmental negotiations on reform should commence without any further delay. It is our duty to ensure that the United Nations remains true to its unique universal character and that it becomes a source of hope for a more secure and peaceful world for current and future generations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We call for the immediate implementation of all United Nations resolutions on Palestine and for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine living side by side with Israel. My delegation reiterates the call that we have made on several occasions in this House for the unconditional lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba. Not only is the blockade against international law; its extraterritorial nature impedes free trade and economic development. Namibia calls for the implementation of all resolutions of the General Assembly calling for the lifting of the blockade. If we are to be able to respond effectively to the manifold challenges of our time, we must accelerate the reform of the United Nations.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)