YouSaid · the spoken record

Emomali Rahmon

lines on the record: 154
first: 2008-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We are convinced that the adoption of a relevant resolution by the General Assembly will contribute to overcoming competing interests in the management of freshwater resources through such diplomatic means as early warning, preventive diplomacy and confidence-building measures, mutually advantageous and mutually acceptable regional cooperation, and a dialogue on these issues. A worldwide move towards the development and use of renewable energy, which considerably reduces harmful gas emissions, is an important component of efforts to address climate change. It is essential to encourage and support in every possible way projects aimed at increasing the proportion of renewable energy used globally, the transfer of new and advanced technologies and enhancing the efficiency of energy supply and energy conservation.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“The efforts of Tajikistan in matters of water are aimed at the sustainable and efficient use of the country’s potential and at strengthening mutually advantageous and equitable regional cooperation. We believe that water cooperation should strengthen rather than undermine interaction in other areas. It should increasingly build confidence among all water users and contribute to the introduction of integrated management of water resources at the local, national and regional levels. With that in mind, we proposed proclaiming the year 2012 as the International Year of Water Diplomacy.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In that context, the high-level international conference on the midterm comprehensive review of the implementation of the International Decade for Action, held in Dushanbe and organized in cooperation with the United Nations and in compliance with the General Assembly resolution 64/198, has made an important contribution. The conference confirmed once again that further strategies for water use, irrespective of the level at which they are developed, should be based on the principles of sustainable management of freshwater resources. The universal introduction of sustainable development is important for achieving progress in all fields of economic growth and the strengthening of human potential. Those and other recommendations are highlighted in the Dushanbe Declaration on Water (A/65/88, annex), the outcome document of the conference.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“According to the available forecast, by 2025 more than one third of the Earth’s population will experience water shortages, and by 2050 the planet will not be able to fully meet its water needs. Tajikistan, as the initiator of the International Year of Freshwater 2003 and the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, 2005 to 2015, actively promotes the water agenda in the United Nations. We act not only as the initiator of discussions on water issues in the international arena but also as the initiator 33 10-54827 in adapting specific measures on the sustainable use of this vital resource. All these steps are aimed at an in- depth study of water issues and the development of relevant coordinated actions by the international community.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“It is known that climate change affects freshwater resources and increases the probability of floods, mudflows, landslides, droughts and other water-related natural disasters. Furthermore, climate change aggravates an acute scarcity of freshwater in certain regions of our planet. For example, in Tajikistan, which is the source of about 60 per cent of the water resources for the entire region, during the last 30 years over a thousand glaciers disappeared, out of a total of 13,000. I will add that Tajikistan’s share of gas emissions is very low. All the electricity in Tajikistan is generated by hydropower stations. The depletion of groundwater in the world remains a serious problem.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Our efforts to address global climate change need to examined critically, especially in light of last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The lessons drawn from that meeting should encourage us to take more resolute measures towards mitigation of harmful gas emissions, adaptation to reduce the adverse impact of climate change, and the transfer of technologies that promote transition to a low carbon economy. We are convinced that at the forthcoming meeting in Cancún the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be able to agree upon those and other dimensions of a new global agreement that will become an important milestone in the post-Kyoto period.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“To accelerate progress towards the aforementioned strategic targets, the Government of Tajikistan intends to address sustainable macroeconomic growth issues, improve the system of government management, develop real sectors of the economy, and rehabilitate and diversify industries, as well as to strengthen the country’s export capacity, improve the investment climate, support trade renewal activities, ensure social protection of the population, develop the labour market and strengthen human resources. We need to make the transition to sustainable development in order to address such long-term issues as climate change, preservation of biodiversity and prevention of desertification. Finding solutions requires comprehensive and concerted actions.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“As the country’s major strategic document, the National Development Strategy identifies priorities and the principal lines of Government policy aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth, improving access of the population to basic social services and reducing poverty. Despite enormous difficulties associated with the global financial and economic crisis and natural disasters, the aforementioned strategies have in the last five years contributed to progress in the achievement of the MDGs.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Such a transformation requires an entirely new conceptual approach to development which takes into account the interests of both the present and future generations. Governed by the principles of sustainable economic development, the Government of Tajikistan has identified three strategic goals, namely, freeing the country from communications isolation, ensuring energy security, and ensuring food security. In order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, my country adopted and has been implementing the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period up to 2015 and the Poverty Reduction Strategy.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“10-54827 32 Efforts should be focused on creating new international transport systems and corridors as well as promoting the efficient use of existing ones, as this will help to end the marginalization of landlocked countries in global trade. Tajikistan advocates the speedy completion of the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations, which will contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Our view is that the international trade system must remain open, equitable, predictable, non-discriminatory and based on agreed rules, especially in a time of crisis. Our current stage of development is characterized most notably by the fact that we have attained maximum quantitative growth, which must now be followed by new qualitative development.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Allocation of additional external funds for development should not aggravate the burden of debt of developing countries whose financial situation has been exacerbated by the world economic crisis. Strengthening the global partnership is essential if we are to provide an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth and job creation. First and foremost, it is necessary to revitalize global trade and investment, which are the driving force behind industrial growth. Such an approach is of vital importance for landlocked countries, whose participation in global trade is hampered by their geographical location and existing barriers to expanding trade relations, which, in turn, affect industrial growth and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in these countries.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“Further advancement in this area depends on concerted, coordinated and consistent actions by the entire international community, with the United Nations playing a central and coordinating role. We believe that this firm commitment must be buttressed in every possible way by specific practical measures that will contribute to the full and timely achievement of all MDGs without exception. Against the backdrop of the energy and financial and economic crisis of recent years and the ever-growing impact of climate change, our actions should be supported with adequate financial resources. In this regard, the appeal to double official development assistance, an important component of financing for development, remains urgent.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“I would like to congratulate Mr. Joseph Deiss on his election to the prestigious post of President of the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session and to wish him every success. Yesterday, the High-level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly finished its work. At the Meeting, world leaders not only reaffirmed their strong commitment to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) laid down in the Millennium Declaration (resolution 55/2), but also announced specific new decisions on their practical implementation. The leaders who demonstrated their renewed political will availed themselves of a very important and timely opportunity for accelerating the enhancement of concerted efforts at ensuring sustainable progress in the implementation of the MDGs.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“In conclusion, I would like to stress that, as an advocate of broad-based cooperation, Tajikistan believes that only collective and coordinated efforts and effective regional and international cooperation can serve as a foundation for our common success in that area. The mutual understanding and cooperation that have prevailed in this Organization since its establishment remain the only way to a bright and clear future and to universal peace and prosperity.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“To that end, the Republic of Tajikistan has proposed declaring 2012 international year of water diplomacy, with the aim of developing, within the United Nations, further coordinated steps towards the rational use of water resources at the national, regional and international levels. Our country intends to further promote that issue at the General Assembly, and hopes for the support of all Member States. Next year will mark the beginning of the third five-year term on the way towards the international community’s achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The year 2010 will be a landmark in the assessment of our efforts to meet global challenges, overcome difficulties and evaluate the progress in attaining the goals outlined in the United Nations Millennium Declaration.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“My Government has already put forward a proposal to hold a conference for a midterm review in Dushanbe in 2010 that would serve as one of the preparatory events for the United Nations millennium review summit in 2010. I hope that that initiative will find understanding among and receive support from all Member States. Bearing in mind the water crisis, which has been aggravated by population growth and global climate change, the international community should take specific measures to ensure the fair and integrated use of water resources in order to meet the needs of the people, environment and economies of all countries around the world.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As the initiator of the International Year of Freshwater 2003 and the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, 2005-2015, Tajikistan believes that it is of paramount importance to expedite the implementation of the United Nations water agenda and to enhance it by achieving the Decade goals. World Water Day on 22 March 2010 will mark the fifth year since the commencement of the Water Decade. In that regard, Tajikistan proposes holding on that day a high- level dialogue of the General Assembly to discuss the implementation of the international water Decade and the Millennium Development Goals on water and sanitation. That event could be a milestone in the midterm review of the implementation of half of the Decade and evaluation of the progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As a country that has one of the largest amounts of freshwater resources in the world, Tajikistan is convinced that creating an economic mechanism for the cross-flow of water and energy resources between upstream countries that are rich in water resources and downstream countries where hydrocarbon deposits are primarily located would promote long-term mutually beneficial cooperation among those States. Having put forward the idea of using safe drinking water from Lake Sarez to meet the needs of the population of the entire region, we propose specific measures in that area. We hope that the United Nations and other international organizations, regional commissions and relevant institutions can offer constructive and unwavering assistance on that issue, which is of utmost significance to our region.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Only an integrated and mutually beneficial approach of the countries of the region towards the use of water energy and other natural resources can help to resolve the interrelated energy, food and environment problems and to ensure the sustainable development of all Central Asian countries. It is no secret that humankind is already facing a shortage of safe drinking water, which is not accessible to more than 1 billion people on the planet, while in some countries the price of freshwater currently exceeds that of petrol.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The large-scale use of land for cultivating such agricultural crops as cotton and rice, which consume a great deal of water, has become the primary cause of this ecological disaster. The most reasonable solution to the current situation, which is characterized by the salinization of soil and the irretrievable loss of 30 to 60 per cent of irrigation water, would be to adopt specific water- saving measures, such as the rehabilitation of irrigation systems, the reclamation of irrigated land, the 7 09-52228 introduction of advanced irrigation technologies and the partial replacement of cotton and rice with crops that consume less water, which would also help to address the food crisis issue.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“At the same time, water consumption has increased, due to demographic growth and the expansion of areas of irrigation. In the previous century alone, the total area of irrigated land increased from 2.5 million to 9 million hectares, while the population of Central Asia grew from 20 million in 1956 to 63 million people today. In these circumstances, the countries of the region should review their programmes and strategies with regard to water use, especially in agriculture, and take consolidated and concerted action to promote sustainable development. From this lofty rostrum, we should like once again to remind everyone of the problems caused by the degradation of the Aral Sea.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Every year, natural disasters cause severe damage to agriculture, the environment and the entire economy of countries such as ours. In Tajikistan, 93 per cent of the terrain consists of mountains. The damage done to our country’s economy in recent years by such natural disasters as mud flows, landslides and floods is estimated at hundreds of millions of United States dollars. Tragically, that damage entails human casualties. An assessment of the impact of climate change on Tajikistan’s glaciers has shown that, during the period of observation begun in 1930, the total area of the glaciers has been reduced by approximately one third. Since glaciers and snowcaps are the main sources for water runoff into the rivers, there is a probability that in the near future river capacity will be diminished by 5 to 15 per cent.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The ever-increasing need for cost-efficient and environmentally sound energy requires the construction of hydropower stations and water reservoirs, which are essential to providing reliable volumes of water, especially in years of drought. As hydropower facilities generate energy by utilizing water rather than by consuming it, hydropower engineering plays an important role in developing energy production and the socio-economic sphere, as well as in environmental protection not only in Tajikistan but in the entire Central Asian region. Global climate change requires a comprehensive and integrated approach to the use of natural resources. We are deeply convinced that the Copenhagen meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will endorse a new comprehensive agreement on this issue.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“It is perfectly logical that, in the absence of explored hydrocarbon resources, Tajikistan should develop its hydropower engineering in a concerted and comprehensive manner. The completion of the construction of a number of small, medium-size and large hydropower stations will help to provide energy not only to the whole of Central Asia, but to neighbouring countries as well. In this regard, the implementation of such regional projects as the Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project will define the development prospects of our vast region, which includes Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Meanwhile, in our opinion the efforts to solve the problems caused by the energy crisis have not been successful enough. We believe that, along with the Millennium Development Goals, access to energy should be given top priority. Tajikistan, which ranks eighth in the world in terms of available hydropower resources — the total amount of which is estimated at 527 billion kilowatt hours — currently utilizes less than 5 per cent of its potential, and over the past 18 years has endured a chronic energy crisis for eight months of every year, primarily in autumn and winter. In recent years, the electricity shortage has been exacerbated by abnormally severe and long winters, the result of climate change.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“In my opinion, it is high time for a number of forums to be replaced by practical support for the efforts of the developing countries to mitigate and overcome the impact of the crisis. If the crisis should 09-52228 6 persist over the long term, it may be fraught with ever- more serious consequences. Along with other Member States, Tajikistan supported the outcome of the United Nations Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Development. We highly appreciate the efforts undertaken by the High-level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis, and deem it necessary to enhance assistance to the developing countries in the form of financial and economic support and the transfer of modern technology and seed stocks.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We highly appreciate the United Nations role and efforts to address the current threefold crisis and mitigate its consequences. It is well known that the global financial and economic crisis was caused primarily by the most advanced and wealthy countries, which unreasonably inflated banking assets on the basis of unsecured loans. We therefore believe that these countries must bear their share of responsibility towards the developing countries, whose already difficult situation was further aggravated by the global financial crisis. Partial write- offs of the debts incurred during the crisis, ongoing increases in donor assistance and rational management of labour migration would be very helpful in this situation.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Today, it is obvious that the Afghan issue cannot be resolved by military means alone, but requires a comprehensive approach taking into account all the many factors involved. First and foremost, social and educational projects and programmes should be implemented in that country. We support the current efforts at peaceful rehabilitation and believe that the international strategy of action in Afghanistan should to a larger extent rely upon the Afghan people themselves, and that priority should be given to ensuring close and efficient cooperation with the country’s authorities. The world situation is rapidly changing because of the financial and economic crisis. It not only undermines our efforts and capacity to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, but imposes new and complex tasks.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“Regrettably, the efforts undertaken to date and the resources allocated by the international community to address this challenge have not always been sufficient to counteract the increasingly aggressive spread of narcotics. In our view, the borders of the countries neighbouring Afghanistan should be regarded as the front line in this struggle, and efforts to reinforce that line should be enhanced. For many years, Tajikistan has acted as a buffer zone against the spread and export of narcotics, terrorism, extremism and other negative phenomena emanating from this area. We are profoundly interested in strengthening lasting peace and stability in our neighbour Afghanistan because the security of Central Asia depends in every respect on the situation in Afghanistan.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The Drug Control Agency established by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, with the active involvement of the United Nations, has now been in existence for over a decade. The total value of heroin seized during these years, in terms of its average price in Europe, is estimated at $1.12 billion. This initiative has helped save more than 36 million lives from drug addiction. The Tajik initiative to establish an anti-narcotics security belt around Afghanistan was launched from the lofty podium of the General Assembly at its twentieth special session in 1998. We believe that rendering assistance to Afghanistan’s target programmes could be one way to counteract the drug threat emanating from that country.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We believe that Central Asia must be free from the threat of mines and we call upon the international community to do its utmost to achieve this noble goal. The international community continues to fight terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking. These combined threats give rise to greater concerns. We therefore consider it essential to expedite the adoption of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Double standards must be avoided in this endeavour, since terrorism has no national or religious affiliations. The prevention of illicit drug trafficking is an integral part of the common struggle against terrorism. Tajikistan has developed bilateral, regional and multilateral short- and long-term programmes of action, and ratified approximately 30 intergovernmental agreements.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We hope that important measures for 5 09-52228 coordinating further steps in this direction will be developed at the next Biennial Meeting to be held on the Programme of Action. Tajikistan supports the efforts of the international community to achieve the comprehensive prohibition of the use of anti-personnel mines. For our part, we are meeting our commitments under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, by providing mine-risk information to the Secretary-General on an annual basis. The first international conference to address the issues of the consequences of landmines was held in Dushanbe, the capital of my country, in June 2009. Tajikistan has long suffered the effects of landmines.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“We hope that, at the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, a constructive exchange of views will take place on urgent issues related to the practical implementation of that agreement. We are convinced that the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones is equally important at the regional and global levels. Tajikistan is therefore prepared to work to enhance its practical implementation of the provisions of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia, which came into effect on 21 March 2009. We support the leading role played by the United Nations in combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“The United Nations plays the key role in coordinating Member States’ efforts to effectively meet the challenges of modern times and to attain the Millennium Development Goals. Tajikistan regards peacekeeping as one of the most important aspects of the work of the United Nations. Last year, for the first time ever, citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan joined police forces in peacekeeping operations, contributing to efforts to strengthening peace and stability in conflict zones. A national strategy on the development of Tajikistan’s peacekeeping capacity is currently being drafted. Tajikistan attaches the utmost importance to strengthening the disarmament process.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“At the outset, I should like to congratulate Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-fourth session. I am confident that his extensive diplomatic experience and talent will contribute to the fruitful and successful work of the General Assembly at this session. In recent decades, the world has made considerable progress in terms of technology, information and economic and social development, which, due to globalization, is being spread throughout the world. However, the negative aspects of this phenomenon, such as international terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, narcotics trafficking, pandemic outbreaks and emerging ecological challenges, pose a serious threat to the international community.”
2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)
“As noted by the Secretary- General, “Rudaki’s timeless and profound writings provide an inspiration for the Alliance of Civilizations, our initiative to counter extremism and heal the divisions that threaten our world”. (Press release SG/SM/11646) I am confident that the common human values praised by Rudaki are in harmony with the objectives pursued today by the United Nations worldwide. I am very optimistic about our ability to make the world a better place and to meet the aspirations and hopes of our peoples.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In order to strengthen peace and stability, countries that have suffered internal conflicts need not only humanitarian assistance but also concrete help in dealing with their economic and social problems, along with support for their efforts to establish the foundation that is essential for a transition to sustainable development. This year the international community celebrated the 1,150th anniversary of the birth of Abuabdullohi Rudaki, the founder of Tajik-Persian literature. The essence of his moral philosophy can be described as praise for such eternal spiritual values as kindness, beauty, tolerance and mutual assistance. Centuries later, the poetry of Rudaki continues to call for strengthening friendship among nations and expanding dialogue among civilizations; it sings a hymn to humanism and harmony.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The settlement model for the inter-Tajik conflict, involving assistance from the United Nations and guarantor States, has been acknowledged as a unique example of both peacebuilding and preventive diplomacy. We support the Secretary-General’s initiative to reform the peacekeeping machinery, and we believe that it is essential to continue providing the relevant political, financial and logistical support to peacekeepers in order to help them cope with their difficult missions. Tajikistan endorses the priority attention given by the United Nations to enhancing the effectiveness of assistance to countries that have endured internal conflicts and supports the activities of the Peacebuilding Commission, which is mandated to contribute to ensuring coordination and enhancing the effectiveness of international assistance to such countries.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The global system of fighting terrorism, transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking which is currently being shaped cannot be built without support from regional organizations. In this regard, Tajikistan salutes the efforts of the United Nations to expand its cooperation with relevant regional organizations. These are powerful structures, and involving them in addressing global issues will 08-51845 4 prevent modern challenges and threats from taking on undesirable dimensions. The United Nations and peacebuilding are inseparable. We appreciate the devotion of those who selflessly worked at the United Nations Tajikistan Office of Peacebuilding and pay tribute to those who lost their lives while performing their professional duty.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Experience has shown that military action against terrorist groups is often far less effective than carefully thought-out non-violent political and economic measures. We must, as a matter of urgency, realistically consider involving other influential regional actors, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in resolving the Afghan issue. Strengthening international cooperation in the fight against terrorism is inseparable from counteracting the trade in illicit drugs. It is essential that we assist the Government of Afghanistan in destroying the technological and financing links of the modern illicit-drug industry. Consolidated efforts to that end will enhance the achievement of the goals set out in the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Paris Declaration.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The forthcoming Follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus, to be held in Doha, will provide a good opportunity for the further development of effective measures to provide the resources needed to achieve the MDGs. Our hope is that the Doha Conference will provide new impetus for the implementation of the Monterrey Consensus and that it will enhance the spirit of global partnership and solidarity. The situation in Afghanistan, which has been devastated by a long period of conflict and violence, is a source of grave concern. Afghanistan needs not only a larger military presence on its territory, but also targeted economic, technical and humanitarian assistance.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In that respect, Tajikistan associates itself with the appeals made to the donor community to double its development assistance, which is vital for the support of sustainable growth and for the achievement of internationally agreed goals. The proposal that debts accrued by developing countries be relieved in exchange for the implementation of national projects in the area of sustainable development remains relevant. The soaring costs and, in many cases, artificially inflated prices of hydrocarbon raw materials and food have considerably worsened and complicated the financial situation of poor and developing countries. Even partial cancellation of their debt would help, since it would release funds that could be invested in education and the entire social sector, environmental protection, the fight against HIV/AIDS and other areas.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It takes into account global experience in the area of development, the implementation of similar strategic documents, lessons drawn and conclusions reached during the previous stages of the country’s development, current realities and development prospects. However, I must note that the federal financing of the country’s social progress is limited by the growth rate of our economy. It is obvious that, in many respects, achievement of the MDGs depends on the approach taken by the international community to the provision of assistance to developing countries and the timely mobilization of internal and external resources.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“For that reason, in order to ensure that water issues are comprehensively addressed and that efforts taken at the national, regional and global levels are strengthened, the Republic of Tajikistan proposes that a special session of the General Assembly be convened to review progress made in achieving the goals set for the Water Decade and identify areas for further action. Today, in addition to the general debate, a high- level event on the Millennium Development Goals is being held at United Nations Headquarters. My country regards timely achievement of the MDGs as a priority issue. The Government of Tajikistan has been implementing its national development strategy up to 2015. The strategy, developed at the initiative of the United Nations and with its direct involvement, reflects a largely new approach to development.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Obviously, water is an essential resource, because it is needed not only to sustain human life, but also for industrial purposes, environmental protection and the 3 08-51845 entire development process. Addressing urgent water- related issues and promoting international cooperation in meeting the water challenge are the goals of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, 2005-2015, which was initiated by the Republic of Tajikistan. I invite Member States to designate representatives to participate in the International Freshwater Forum, to be held in Dushanbe in 2010, to review the practical implementation of the internationally agreed water agenda. Despite the many water-related events held throughout the world at various levels in recent years, the issue of water remains urgent.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The problem of climate change is already affecting our region, in particular its water resources. As a result of global warming, Tajikistan’s glaciers have diminished in size by more than 30 per cent. That has produced low water levels in our rivers over the past three years, which in turn has caused grave social and economic problems by triggering drought, a locust invasion and other difficulties. Without the implementation of hydropower projects, our country will be unable to achieve the MDGs or arrive at sustainable growth, as shown clearly last winter, when weather of unprecedented severity revealed all the difficulties of the transitional period. Next winter and summer are expected to be even more challenging.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is only by taking a comprehensive and mutually beneficial approach to the use of hydropower and other natural resources that the States of Central Asia can ensure sustainable development in the region and help to resolve its food and environmental problems, notably through the efficient use of those resources. Only mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at such use can bring well-being to the peoples inhabiting that vast region. We hope that our plans will be supported by the Bretton Woods institutions and by United Nations partners in the private sector. I believe that we need to create an economic mechanism for the transfer of water and energy resources, which would serve the interests of both upstream countries, which are rich in water resources, and downstream countries, most of which are rich in hydrocarbon raw materials.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Tajikistan, which has fertile soil and is rich in water resources, can make its own contribution to the resolution of that problem. More than 55 per cent of all water resources in the Central Asia region originate in Tajikistan. Not only is that amount of water sufficient to meet the freshwater needs of agricultural irrigation and related economic sectors in the region; it can also serve as a major source for the generation of ecologically sound electrical energy. Tajikistan’s hydropower capacity, in particular, is estimated at 525 billion kilowatt-hours, and only 5 per cent of that capacity is currently being utilized.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We call for enhanced support for the assistance programmes being implemented through the World Food Programme. The lives of millions of men, women and children on Earth depend on their ability to exercise their human right to an adequate food supply. That issue requires not protracted discussions, but resolute practical action, since the food crisis, which deprives human beings of their dignity, is no less of a threat than terrorism itself. We believe that the world’s leading countries should act more responsibly to mitigate the consequences of the global energy, food, climate and financial crises, particularly with regard to the poor and developing States, which are most affected by the devastating consequences of those phenomena.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is quite obvious that the United Nations should play the key role in addressing the food crisis and related world agricultural policy. Tajikistan supports the activities of the United Nations High-level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis mandated to design urgent response measures to the food crisis. The efforts of the Task Force should also be focused on assistance and on developing joint agreed long-term approaches to ensuring food security throughout the world. The High-Level Conference on World Food Security in Rome and the resulting adoption of a declaration were important steps in that direction. Within the Food and Agriculture Organization, it is necessary to revitalize activities in the transfer of advanced technologies and seeds and in the provision of financial and technical assistance to developing countries.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)