YouSaid · the spoken record

Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara

lines on the record: 57
first: 2013-09-24
most recent: 2017-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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 would like to conclude with an exhortation from Pope Francis: “Let us never forget that authentic power is service.””
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It will be up to the Heads of State of member countries during this session to ensure that it can be a starting point of a new era for the true universalization of the principles guiding the functioning of the Organization, particularly so that its programmes and actions can reduce the enormous inequalities that still exist between countries and regions. I reaffirm that my country will continue to give high priority to its participation in United Nations debates, in our belief in the importance of the Organization’s work in building a more peaceful and just world. For our part, we will continue to work resolutely towards development with true social inclusion, creating conditions for prosperity and always putting people first.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The Government of Paraguay once again urges all Member States to identify appropriate ways to facilitate Taiwan’s participation in the mechanisms for meetings and activities of the United Nations system, so that its 23 million inhabitants can exercise their responsibilities normally as global citizens and establish sustainable alliances with every country. In our view, Secretary-General António Guterres has made an auspicious start at the helm of the United Nations, supported by his vast experience as a statesman.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I would like to reiterate a message of solidarity to the people of Venezuela, victims of political persecution and human rights violations, in the hope that our brother nation can find a solution to its current democratic breakdown and deep crisis as soon as possible. Through international cooperation, the Republic of China on Taiwan has long been engaged in cooperation programmes related to the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. It supports many countries, including Paraguay. Taiwan has relevant knowledge and experience and has contributed effectively to the international community.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“My country is currently contributing military personnel, both women and men, to six peacekeeping missions, and invests in the training of its contingents at our peacekeeping operations training centre. We also reaffirm our commitment to the promotion and effective protection of human rights throughout the world. We firmly believe that we should protect the dignity and rights of all people, without discrimination. We urge the Human Rights Council to continue to fulfil its functions with objectivity, impartiality and universality. In this context, I should not omit to mention a worrying issue in my region, which is that the situation in Venezuela needs urgent attention.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We hope that the General Assembly will firmly reject such irrational behaviour, which threatens security and peace on a global scale. The Republic of Paraguay is deeply concerned about the scourge of terrorism, which we condemn in any shape or form. The fight against terrorism must be carried out within a framework of unconditional respect for the precepts of international law, through solid cooperation among States. We will continue to collaborate with peacekeeping operations organized under the auspices of the United Nations, in the belief that they can enable us to achieve the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The Republic of Paraguay reaffirms its commitment to international peace and security and the use of peaceful means to resolve conflicts, based on mutual cooperation between States. Our Constitution bans weapons of mass destruction, and we therefore welcome the recent adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and reaffirm our belief that the nuclear-disarmament process should be transparent and irreversible, with effective verification mechanisms based on a universal, legally binding framework. We reiterate our condemnation of the nuclear test by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in clear defiance and breach of its international obligations, constituting yet another provocation to the international community.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We are transforming our country through transparent and efficient efforts that enable us to make the most of our resources while reducing expenses, eliminating corruption in projects and improving construction quality through rigorous controls. My Government encourages productive development through responsible investment. We give priority to infrastructure projects that improve connectivity, both nationally and with neighbouring countries. In particular, investment in infrastructure is at its highest in decades, and the scope and modernity of our new road construction is outstanding. We demand responsibility and commitment from our leaders and have worked hard to achieve good standards of living for our people. Thanks to this new model for Government efforts, our country is becoming more efficient, progressive and honest.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In the past four years we have worked hard, transparently and responsibly, with unprecedented results. For the first time in Paraguay’s history, by the end of its term a single Government will have delivered on its promise of more than 30,000 public housing units, 10 times more than any previous Administration, and even more valuable because they benefit thousands of families that for years were ignored by previous Governments and now have decent homes and access to better conditions in which to thrive. We are building hope and opportunities so that families in Paraguay’s humblest communities — whether in poor urban areas, indigenous regions or rural villages — can move forward.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“After 175 years, the Paraguayan Government is once again granting postgraduate scholarships for study abroad at the world’s best universities, with a record investment of $42 million. Thanks to the Carlos Antonio López scholarships, 1,000 Paraguayans from the country’s 17 departments and its capital are doing postgraduate studies in 50 of the world’s 200 most prestigious universities. Hundreds of them are teachers and 60 per cent are women under 30 years old. The first 60 have successfully completed their studies and are returning to apply their knowledge for our country’s benefit and development. Another of our national strategic goals in combating poverty focuses on housing programmes designed to offer citizens decent homes, revive the economy and create jobs.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Our priorities have been focused on giving a strong impetus to social investment, particularly in education, so that people living in poverty can benefit from economic growth and to help reduce inequality. We are implementing flagship social-protection programmes such as the Tekoporã conditional cash-transfer programme, a school meal programme, food allowances for elderly adults living in poverty and the Sowing Opportunities poverty-reduction programme. In addition, we are increasing our grants of scholarships and financial aid to young people living in poverty, in the firm belief that education and professional training for young people represent the best possible investment for the country’s future.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We are undergoing an unprecedented transformation, and although it has triggered some concerns, reactions and resistance from those who were more comfortable with the former model, I can guarantee that it is closing the door on such evils as corruption, which delayed Paraguay’s economic and social development for many years. Despite regional economic problems, we have been able to achieve sustained economic growth, and we hope to continue improving our ability to forge relationships throughout the world by being trustworthy and predictable. Paraguay’s economic growth in recent years has been constant, and at an annual average of 5.2 per cent is one of the highest in South America. While we are also working to reduce the poverty rate, years of neglect in the past have made eradicating poverty altogether a major challenge.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“During these past four years, the Administration I lead has responded justly and effectively to the needs of all sectors of society. When we first came to power, in August 2013, we established three main national policies — poverty reduction through social development; inclusive economic growth; and the expansion of Paraguay’s role in the world. As we implemented those policies, we transformed a culture previously marred by political cronyism and bad practices into a model based on transparency and compliance, where public access to information is guaranteed and more opportunities are offered to our people. Access to public information has led to unprecedented progress, and today we have instruments ensuring that public business is conducted in public.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The 2030 Agenda for Sutainable Development is the most ambitious intergovernmental development project in the multilateral sphere. In order to properly implement our national development plan through 2030, we are building an innovative, participatory institutional architecture that is committed to the Agenda’s Goals and targets. I am proud to say that, together with the Presidents of our Congress and Supreme Court of Justice, I have publicly signed a joint cross-branch declaration that recognizes Paraguay’s absolute commitment to the terms of the 2030 Agenda and its Goals and targets. Paraguay has thus declared itself in favour of the 2030 Agenda through its three State branches, an event previously unheard of in our region.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Our priorities within the framework of the United Nations have been established in the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024, an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We therefore urge States, especially our trading partners and transit countries, to duly take those into account. Regional integration has undeniable benefits, especially when we work to achieve it while endeavouring to reconcile the interests of all stakeholders. We are therefore working in the Southern Common Market to revitalize economic and commercial integration while also making progress on the social, employment, scientific and cultural aspects of the bloc, which represents a very positive agenda.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We can proudly say that Paraguay is a member of that select OECD group in an affirmation of the international community’s confidence in the significant reforms undertaken by our Government. Today we are members of the World Intellectual Property Organization Advisory Committee on Enforcement, following years of mistrust of our country regarding respect for intellectual property rights. We have decided to take on additional memberships in international bodies in order to be part of discussions and decision-making, with a view to continually expanding our global presence. The role of Paraguay in the world today transcends borders and continents.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Over the past four years, our country has had official visits from His Holiness Pope Francis, former Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Rus’, as well as other top officials from multilateral organizations and various Heads of State and international eminent persons who have honoured us with their presence. Paraguay was unanimously admitted to the Development Centre of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). For us, our membership of that highly prestigious global organization is an unequivocal sign of international recognition of our Government’s efforts and achievements through our policies of good practices and institutional robustness.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“This is my final address to the United Nations, and I would like to mention several improvements that we have made since I took office in 2013. Today Paraguay is a full representative democracy with a true separation of powers, solid electoral processes and a fully effective rule of law. We have given clear signals to the international community, both publicly and privately, on our country’s improved potential as an investment vehicle, in the area of cooperation and with regard to treaties. Where foreign relations and Paraguay’s role in the world are concerned, our interactions have grown exponentially through visits and invitations received as well as participation in international organizations.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The Republic of Paraguay reaffirms its firm commitment to implementing the provisions of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and encourages other States, particularly those that are most responsible for producing greenhouse gases, to take all necessary measures to save our planet from the consequences of global warming. In Paraguay, our vision of social responsibility is behind our efforts to increase our production of clean and renewable energy. We have two impressive hydraoelectric dams — Itaipu, which we share with Brazil, and Yacyreta, shared with Argentina. This year, Itaipu Binacional was incorporated into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, as was the Alto Paraná Atlantic forest. My mandate as President of my country comes to an end in August 2018.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We seek a more democratic, transparent, inclusive and representative Security Council that reflects the diversity of the States Members of the United Nations and the geopolitical realities of today’s world. The Organization continues to be the most important universal forum for tackling global challenges. Problems such as poverty and inequality, climate change, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking — which undermines democratic institutions — and terrorism, among others, must be dealt with collectively. We urge all stakeholders to focus their efforts and resources on responding to these shared and pressing challenges faced by humankind.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“After four years as Head of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay, I have the honour of participating in the General Assembly with strengthened resolve to contribute to building a world order governed by the principles of justice, peace and solidarity among nations and within an effective framework of human rights, State institutions and the rule of law. We must persist in our efforts to strike a reasonable balance between the interests of all States and to build a democratic and equitable world order, while developing relations among sovereign, independent States based on respect and trust and prioritizing the peaceful coexistence whereby all nations can enjoy the same opportunities. To that end, we need the bodies of the United Nations, particularly the General Assembly and the Security Council, to work efficiently.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“On behalf of the Paraguayan people and the Government of Paraguay, I hope that under the presidency of Mr. Miroslav Lajčák the General Assembly will have great success in fulfilling the purposes of the United Nations. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Paraguay, I wish to express to the people and the Government of Mexico our solidarity with the victims of yesterday’s earthquake, whose epicentre was in Morelos state, and to extend our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragedy.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Paraguay, with its preponderance of young people, is inspired to vigorously promote their active participation in building a more just and free society and the protection of the rights of children and women. Fate has given us the huge responsibility of governing and representing our nations at a time when international solidarity has become imperative. Paraguay brings from the beating heart of America its continued and caring commitment to the beautiful 70-year-old dream of strengthening peace and security in the world. Today’s reality also calls upon us, more than ever before, to protect our common home — our damaged and mistreated planet. Let us fully meet this challenge so that we can bequeath to future generations a world at peace that is fairer, healthier and more inclusive and is a better place to live. May God bless us all.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“It signals an important step towards achieving the long-awaited peace in that sisterly nation, which is linked to my country by honourable historical traditions. The promotion of human rights is a priority issue if we are to move towards a more balanced, fair and dignified world. For us, the rights to freedom, free assembly, human integrity and quality of life are essential. So long as there is discrimination, whether it be racial, religious, political or gender-based, our human rights record will be deficient. It is in the light of this vision that Paraguay is becoming a first-time member of the Human Rights Council, where it is to be one of the Vice-Presidents. Owing to the social dimension that we give to these inalienable rights, we also aspire to join the Economic and Social Council for the period 2019-2021.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Paraguay welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan to reduce tension across the Taiwan Strait, efforts which have contributed greatly to ensuring peace and stability in East Asia. Our Government advocates continuing the pragmatic dialogue and mutually beneficial interaction between both sides of the Strait, parties that are also recognized by the international community. Similarly, Paraguay reaffirms its commitment to supporting the peace process in the sister Republic of Colombia, initiated by President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, and hopes that the conflict, which has claimed thousands of innocent lives, will soon be resolved. We welcome the agreement reached on 23 September in Havana.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“To that end, Paraguay supports a reform of the Organization that would strengthen the General Assembly, the most representative organ within the Organization, and restore to it its legitimate powers, which must be interdependent with those of the Security Council, in accordance with the terms of the 1945 Charter. Paraguay is following with great interest developments with regard to the reform and expansion of the Security Council. We believe that it is necessary to improve the Council’s working methods and to make its management more transparent, and that the views and ideas of non-members of the Council on issues related to international peace and security that will undoubtedly have an impact on them should be heard.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“True integration also entails the transfer of knowledge and capital investment and a balance in terms of trade and bilateral and multilateral treaties. The reduction of asymmetries depends on economic, social and cultural integration, with a view to a common destiny, not on draconian policies in which weaker countries have to bear the brunt of the burden. Democracy is a political system in expansion, and it is based on the indivisible principles of equality, freedom and sovereignty. If we want democracy to prevail in our own countries, it is only to be expected that we would also want to prevail at the United Nations. We must aim at ensuring that democracy, equity and geographical representation prevail in its various organs.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In preparation for the next session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled for later this year in Paris, we must redouble our efforts with a view to making serious political commitments to mitigating, alleviating and reversing the devastating consequences of climate change. Being a landlocked developing country, as Paraguay is, has some adverse effects. To address that situation, we are proposing, together with 32 other landlocked developing countries, that the more developed economies accord us special and differential treatment, including the removal of high tariffs and non-tariff barriers, thereby enabling us to be more competitive.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In a masterly fashion, the Holy Father described climate change as a global issue with major environmental, social, economic, distributional and political dimensions, characterizing it as a current challenge for humankind and one whose worst impacts would probably be felt in the developing countries over the coming decades. He went on to say that environmental and social deterioration had the greatest impact on the weakest of the planet, and that this inequity affects entire countries as well as individuals, requiring us to think about the issue of ethics in international relations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We are aware of the immense responsibility incumbent upon humankind to safeguard the resources on which its existence depends. It is with this awareness and commitment that Paraguay encourages the rational management of natural resources and promotes the use of renewable sources of clean energy, in harmony with nature and in pursuit of development. The whole world heard the urgent call of His Holiness Pope Francis, which was repeated last Friday in the Assembly (see A/70/PV.3). He appealed to us to protect our common home, to engage in urgent discussions on how we intend to build the future of the planet and to unite the whole human family in pursuit of sustainable and comprehensive development.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Paraguay reaffirms that disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control are essential factors for international peace and security and provide the guarantee that the most vulnerable countries need in order to ensure sustainable economic and social development. We thank the member States of the International Atomic Energy Agency for the confidence they have shown in Paraguay by unanimously electing it to the Board of Governors. As a Governor, we will act with absolute impartiality and balance in promoting and ensuring the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Another major issue of concern is the preservation of the environment. Paraguay, like many developing countries, gives priority in its national policies to the preservation of the integrity and diversity of the natural legacy bequeathed to us by our ancestors.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“An excellent education and scientific research should not be the preserve of some countries, but rather should be a universal public good. We witness with great concern today a huge and endless exodus of families fleeing conflicts. I am referring to our brothers in Syria and in other countries faced with the violence of radical and intolerant groups. We cannot turn our backs on this current human tragedy. We call on the Organization to appeal to Member States, in particular the States in the affected region, to adopt the necessary measures in favour of this extremely vulnerable sector of civil society.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The twenty-first century society requires a key asset: human skills. The new challenges are meant for qualified individuals, and they are such that fitness for survival is in direct proportion to the degree of one’s real and effective academic training. Following the political and industrial revolutions and, together with globalization, the knowledge revolution has taken place. This means that the human element remains the most important and essential resource, provided that people are sufficiently trained. Education is the key. Therefore, it is imperative that UNESCO be strengthened. Developed countries should be driven by a sense of fairness and moral obligation to increase their contributions to its financing.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We are promoting a culture of transparency and, from the beginning of our term of office, we have affirmed that what is public should be in the public domain. Those national efforts will not be enough without international policies that promote effective cooperation, fair-minded exchanges and adequate complementarity among countries and regions. That triad — cooperation, exchange and complementarity — urgently requires a new paradigm, which the United Nations should help in creating. We are living in the age of globalization. A few keystrokes and, thanks to technology, the whole world is within range. Almost instantly, we are aware of what is happening halfway across the world. Moreover, technology affects us directly and personally. We live connected. Within that context, how does one board the development train?”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We have confidence in the immense potential of our youth, and we firmly believe in the importance of access to high-quality education if we are to achieve the full progress of our nation. That is why we created a scholarship programme, the first phase of which will allow 1,500 Paraguayan professionals to complete master’s degrees and doctorates in the best universities around the world. On 17 September, our Government, which is committed to transparency and to fighting corruption and its corrosive effects on the foundations of society, enacted the instrument regulating the law on free access to public information and government transparency, which allows all citizens to exercise their constitutional right to be informed.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“To the added value of our raw materials, which requires domestic and international investments, we are exponentially adding that of the construction industry, which is rapidly changing the profile of our cities. Similarly, we aim to expand and modernize our infrastructure in the conviction that by transforming the country, we are reducing poverty. We consistently uphold the importance of young people. Paraguay is a young country; 75 per cent of its population is below 40 years old. That represents a great deal of human capital. I welcome the enthusiasm of young people, in particular Paraguayan students, who in recent days made a united appeal for transparency in public administration and for quality education in Paraguay.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We rely on an arsenal of programmes that provide opportunities, employment and decent housing and ensure respect, equity and access to education, health and high-quality utilities as we wage our unceasing battle to eradicate extreme poverty in our country. These programmes provide comprehensive and permanent solutions that enable people to become independent agents and develop their full potential. We seek inclusive economic growth for our country, so that progress reaches all Paraguayans. We are encouraged by the fact that Paraguay is one of the countries with the highest economic growth rates in the region. That has been achieved by maintaining strict fiscal discipline and by improving our production capacity and competitiveness.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“That means rectifying the inequities and inequalities that still cast a shadow on the world order, a feat whose realization will depend on the extent to which international law is complied with and the dream of a peaceful era and well-being shared among all our nations is fulfilled. With regard to Paraguay, the main objective of our Government is to reduce poverty in the short term in the context of a State policy aimed at its eradication. To that end, we are maintaining and increasing the scope of our social programmes, especially those focusing on extreme poverty and providing conditions-based assistance.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Ban Ki-moon, whom we had the honour to receive in my country in February. His visit further strengthened our connections with, and commitment to, the Organization and multilateralism. I take this opportunity to reiterate to the Secretary-General my gratitude for recognizing the work and results of our Government’s fight against poverty and expressing his appreciation of the abundant clean and renewable energy that Paraguay is blessed with. The strengthening of the Organization should have as its specific goal the building of a truly fair and caring world in which human dignity is universal.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Seventy years ago, on the still smoking ruins of the Second World War, the United Nations was born, with the purpose of maintaining international peace and security and promoting cooperation among all the nations of the world. The Republic of Paraguay was one of the 51 States that signed the Charter of the United Nations, which has become a historic contribution to the international community. For Paraguay, the right to equality and respect for sovereignty among States, both large and small, justifies the reasonable hope for the full strengthening of the United Nations. I express my best wishes to the President of the General Assembly for the successful conduct of proceedings at the current session. I would also like to express my singular appreciation for the work of Mr.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“History will judge us for what we have done for our peoples and will sternly hold us accountable for what we have failed to do. To honour the trust and hope of my people, I have decided to commit myself wholly to the service of my homeland and to do everything necessary for its greatness and prosperity. Paraguay considers it necessary, more than ever before, to give greater impetus to the negotiating process between Israel and Palestine in order to attain a lasting peace, so that Israel and Palestine can live side by side with secure borders and in peace. As a final comment, I wish to convey my most sincere condolences to the people of Kenya for the casualties that resulted from the terrorist attack, an act that we most vigorously condemn.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I have decided to devote myself to the service of Paraguay and to bring about the real change that my country demands, which is to return to the path of the true Paraguayan destiny of peace, development and modernity, and to grow in harmony with all nations of the world, particularly with our neighbours. I assure the General Assembly that my country is a very generous and attractive place. I invite the world to learn more about Paraguay, to discover the treasure that pulses in the heart of America, ready to write anew the most glorious pages in its history, today in peace and social and economic development, with dignity and readiness to welcome all those who wish to share in our great destiny. We Heads of State are transients in Government.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Speaking before the Assembly and the world for the first time as President of the Republic of Paraguay, I present the new direction that the Paraguayan people freely and sovereignly chose on 21 April. I belong to a nation whose children have contributed to history with their prowess and boundless sacrifice, such as the supreme sacrifice by our greatest hero, Francisco Solano López, Field Marshal and President of the Republic, who decided to give his life, sword in hand, fighting on the front lines with his last soldiers, rather than see his homeland humiliated.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Institutions of public education should rethink their role in society and assume an unprecedented role as a breeding ground for leaders for a new Paraguay, with a skilled workforce adapted to this millennium, in an interconnected world where those who possess more knowledge, information and abilities are more likely to find more and better opportunities for work, well-being and personal advancement. Those countries that emphasized education from the beginning are proud of their results. There is a clear and direct relationship between education and development. Education is therefore key. The issue is rooted in the quality of training and is the key to escaping geopolitical shakles, backwardness and a lack of opportunities. For my country, the new rules that govern the world therefore represent an access to the ocean of development.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“My country therefore today presents itself to the world as a land of opportunities for investment and prosperity, with security, formality, reliability and predictability. On this occasion, I cannot fail to mention a key issue — education. Traditional political discourse has significantly undermined certain core ideas that my Government intends to definitively turn into a reality. Much has been said about the need for education, security and health, but little has been done in that regard. Improving education in Paraguay, in terms of quantity and quality, is a fundamental premise of my Government. Today more than ever before, the great change that must take place in Paraguay and the opening of a wide window of opportunity depend on an efficient and inclusive educational system.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Paraguay’s contribution is essential in today’s integrated reality and is indissolublely linked to our dignity as a free nation, sovereign and independent, under the premise of the right to the self-determination of peoples and the principles of non-intervention and the legal equality of States. The true destiny of the people of Paraguay is to become a prosperous nation, living in social peace, liberty, justice and equality. My management of the Government is geared towards creating and strengthening an environment suited to the unlimited opportunities that my country offers for all Paraguayans and for foreigners who have chosen it. I have realized that my people neither want nor seek handouts, but opportunities to achieve dignity through work and study.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“My Government will continue to encourage the positive interaction between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in the international sphere. The calm and determination of the nations and the organizations able to help in conflict resolution are more necessary than ever. Paraguay encourages peace, dialogue and development in harmony with the other countries and the world, promoting an integration that is respectful of the rule of law, the dignity of nations and the asymmetries. Integration is a phenomenon that in this global era cannot be halted. Paraguay understands and promotes integration in conditions of equality as a means for supranational insertion, but under fair conditions and looking towards a common future, not as a simple courting of Powers or being a silent guest in global forums that are discussing the future of our peoples.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“On the international level, I cannot avoid mentioning the upheavals that disturb our times. Economic crises, financial disasters, civil wars and the use of weapons of mass destruction cloud the horizons of great regions of the planet. The events in Syria are a concern for all of us, and the United Nations must play a pre-eminent role in finding a definitive solution to the conflict affecting that country. In that regard, my country calls for supporting the implementation of the framework agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation. My Government has observed with satisfaction that the Republic of China on Taiwan has achieved a greater presence in the specialized agencies and bodies of the United Nations, thanks to solid international support and a rapprochement between both parties on the Taiwan Strait.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We assume that stance out of genuine conviction, while my country is also a respectful signatory of recognized international instruments in that field. The demands of landlocked developing countries like Paraguay must be adequately addressed. Apart from that, my Government is committed to overcome the disadvantages posed by our inland status, making our geographic position an advantage in communications, logistics and infrastructure that connects the world’s zones and regions through Paraguayan territory. In a manner similar to that in which an old border dispute between Paraguay and Brazil finally gave way to what today is Itaipu, transforming a problem into a majestic work of integration and development, we hope that our landlocked position in the heart of Latin America will serve as a development hub for Paraguay and its neighbours.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Together, we assume the responsibility of making Paraguay a country of opportunity for all. After visiting countries in Europe and the Americas recently, I reflect on the great challenge posed by the perception of my country beyond its borders. I have seen with satisfaction the respect, admiration and interest that Paraguay and its enormous potential give rise to. Just as it is our responsibility as Paraguayans to build predictability and reliability, it is for the branches of the Government to provide the legal security necessary for Paraguay’s overdue progress. I would like to underline my Government’s commitment to the defence and promotion of human rights, which in Paraguay are fully acknowledged in the Constitution.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)