YouSaid · the spoken record

Denis Moses

lines on the record: 99
first: 2015-09-24
most recent: 2018-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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 commit to continuing to work in good faith with the United Nations, which has long stood as the cornerstone of multilateralism in the face of unprecedented challenges and threats facing humanity, while ensuring that no one is left behind.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The challenge of our time is to pursue and achieve a sustainable future for all in the face of burgeoning threats to our shared humanity, including but not limited to the threats posed by extreme poverty, rising inequality, climate change and protracted conflicts. Facing that challenge requires deepened partnerships, meaningful dialogue and an appropriate review of established mechanisms and institutions that can, if reformed, exponentially improve our ability to transform lives globally. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains unequivocally committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to the achievement of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Despite that positive development, we must note that. in our own region, the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba continues to stand as the last vestige of the Cold War. In keeping with its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which calls for no one to be left behind, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago reaffirms its persistent call for the termination of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba as soon as possible. At the heart of our sovereign nations, our cultures and our languages lie individual beings who, at their very core, seek a life of purpose, happiness and the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Trinidad and Tobago urges the international community to work collaboratively towards reforming the Security Council so that it can better address current realities and challenges, including those faced by small island developing States, and so that it can improve the effectiveness and credibility of the United Nations with regard to the maintenance of peace and international security. This year, the world has witnessed the unifying power of dialogue and understanding with the recent Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and the Unification of the Korean Peninsula between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Trinidad and Tobago remains optimistic that that historic milestone will usher in a new era of peace, cooperation and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Those who fail to cooperate with the Court are contributing to a culture of impunity that undermines the rule of law and denies justice to victims of heinous crimes. Our best efforts to strengthen multilateral peace and security will surely fall short unless there is real and significant reform of the Security Council. While we welcome the continuation of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform, Trinidad and Tobago remains concerned that such discussions have not resulted in tangible progress towards a text-based negotiation.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The delegation of Trinidad and Tobago wishes to make the point that, consistent with the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute, the Court’s jurisdiction is invoked only when States are unable or unwilling to prosecute those accused of committing the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. At the adoption of the Rome Statute in June 1998, the late Kofi Annan stated that: “Gradually the world has come to realize that relying on each State or army to punish its own transgressors is not enough. When crimes are committed on such a scale, we know that the State lacks either the power or the will to stop them.” Therefore, no individual or State that demonstrates full respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights need fear the ICC.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Trinidad and Tobago has long recognized that international peace and security must be supported by a robust international legal system, including international criminal justice. Trinidad and Tobago, through the work of our former Prime Minister and President, the late Arthur Robinson, was at the vanguard of efforts to establish the International Criminal Court (ICC) two decades ago. Trinidad and Tobago remains a fervent advocate of the Court, underscoring its importance and legitimacy in various forums. We stand resolute in our commitment to support the mandate of the ICC and to promote the universality of the Rome Statue.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Thus, since 2010, Trinidad and Tobago has presented the biennial resolution on women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, which encourages women’s participation in disarmament decision-making processes. On the issue of denuclearization, Trinidad and Tobago resolutely believes that the use or the threat of use of nuclear weapons constitutes a crime against humanity and a violation of international law, including the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago therefore remains firm in its support for the full and effective implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and is actively considering its signature and ratification.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The illegal trade in arms continues to affect the social and economic fabric of the Caribbean region, including Trinidad and Tobago. That is particularly true of the trade in small arms and light weapons, which is linked to other transnational organized crimes, such as drug trafficking. It threatens the livelihood of our people, undermines the rule of law and challenges our efforts to ensure a peaceful, equitable and sustainable country. At the global level, Trinidad and Tobago fully subscribes to the object and purpose of the Arms Trade Treaty, which can be leveraged as a mechanism for reducing the incidence of armed violence in the region.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Trinidad and Tobago reiterates the importance of ensuring that the development system adopts a more responsive and flexible approach to development assistance, based on national priorities and needs, while strengthening national ownership and leadership. The United Nations has long recognized the interconnectedness between peace and development — a symbiotic relationship, where one cannot exist without the other. Ongoing conflicts across the world serve as stark reminders of the need to promote a positive, dynamic and participatory international peace and security architecture that is based on the spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation between Governments, international organizations and civil society ─ one that is in compliance with international obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In our collective journey towards sustainable development, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is fully convinced that the United Nations development system will, for the foreseeable future, remain a reliable partner in assisting our country in its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and our Vision 2030 national development strategy. With that in mind, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago welcomes the Secretary-General’s efforts to reposition the United Nations development system in order better to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SAMOA Pathway, including through a reinvigorated resident coordinator system.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Those actions have severely destabilized the financial sectors of the region without due consideration having been given to the financial, human and technical constraints confronting our member countries. As a result, the region’s efforts to bolster our economic stability and effectively engage in the global financial system have been stymied to the detriment of our economic growth and progress. That has the potential to further erode the development gains achieved thus far. In that regard, Trinidad and Tobago joins with other CARICOM member States in reiterating our commitment to ensuring compliance with globally accepted standards and calls on our international partners to engage constructively on that issue.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We therefore welcome the first session of the intergovernmental conference that seeks to develop a legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to participating in future sessions of the intergovernmental conference in 2019 and 2020, which will draft the text of the instrument that will ensure the protection and sustainable management of the common heritage of humankind for the benefit of present and future generations. One of the pressing challenges facing the region is the termination of correspondent banking relations and the labelling of countries in the region as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Our commitment to the Paris Agreement reflects Trinidad and Tobago’s assumption of overall responsibility to support international efforts to tackle shared environmental challenges, which include climate change, ozone depletion, land degradation, the loss of biodiversity, the illegal trade in wildlife and the movement of hazardous waste. As a twin-island State, the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources is critically important to the development priorities of Trinidad and Tobago. However, Trinidad and Tobago is located in a region that is highly vulnerable to an unprecedented rate of loss of marine biodiversity and to the impact of unsustainable practices on the marine environment.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“As a State party to the agreement, Trinidad and Tobago will be actively engaged in the negotiating process within the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which seeks to operationalize the Paris Agreement on a scale that will result in achieving the long-term temperature goal and further limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5°C. It is also hoped that the operationalization process will catalyse international cooperation on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance to that end.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“For small island developing States such as Trinidad and Tobago, casting doubt on the scientific truth behind climate change only serves to distract and delay the urgent and ambitious action that is needed to confront the existential threat posed by global warming. Earlier this year, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago deposited its instrument of ratification to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, thereby formalizing its steadfast commitment to the principles and goals of the Agreement. As our national contribution to achieving the overarching objectives of the Paris Agreement, Trinidad and Tobago has committed to reducing cumulative greenhouse-gas emissions from industry, power generation and the transport sector by 15 per cent by the year 2030.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In that regard, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago welcomes the adoption of the political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. By raising the standard of living, improving the educational and health-care systems and providing equal access to opportunities, Trinidad and Tobago’s Vision 2030 is actively pursuing the development of a resilient, equitable and healthy society that places all people at the centre of our sustainable development efforts. However, no challenge is more pressing than climate change.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Those diseases ravage our human resources, burden our health-care systems and undermine our development efforts. Since the adoption of the Port of Spain Declaration on NCDs by the CARICOM Heads of Government in 2007 and the landmark United Nations high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in 2011 (see A/66/PV.3 et seq.), Trinidad and Tobago has implemented a number of strategies for controlling and reducing NCDs. Our 2017-2021 National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases aims to harness the collective efforts of both the public and private sectors to prevent and control NCDs.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Moreover, Trinidad and Tobago takes this opportunity to reinforce the principle that SIDS continue to be a special case for sustainable development, given our complex and intricate challenges. As we and our regional partners prioritize the unique threats to the development of our people, the 2030 Agenda provides an important guide in our efforts to ensure that none of our citizens are left behind. In manifesting the intent of Agenda 2030, we have come to appreciate the importance of prioritizing the well-being of all of our citizens. In that regard, Trinidad and Tobago and our Caribbean Community (CARICOM) counterparts are taking action to address the threat that the high incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) poses to our region.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Notwithstanding the global relevance of those challenges, it is widely acknowledged that asymmetries exist with regard to the impact of external shocks on small island developing States (SIDS), such as Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognizes the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway as an essential component in the catalogue of development frameworks needed to specifically guide the sustainable development of SIDS. Accordingly, Trinidad and Tobago welcomes the San Pedro Declaration adopted at the Caribbean Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Midterm Review of the SAMOA Pathway in Belize, and looks forward to participating in the high-level review summit of the SAMOA Pathway in 2019.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“People must be at the centre of our common endeavour. Having recognized that far-reaching truth, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, through wide consultation, developed its Vision 2030 national development strategy. That multidimensional and inclusive development policy places our people, our greatest resource, at the centre of our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. If we really are to ensure that no one is left behind, we must redouble our efforts to ensure equitable access to opportunity and mobility for the most vulnerable. Those who have long been left behind must now be positioned to participate in society as equals. By its very nature, the scope of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development speaks to the wide range of issues that challenge global sustainable development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is on that basis that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago reaffirms its support for the implementation of the Secretary-General’s reform agenda, in accordance with the relevant General Assembly resolutions. As we pursue the cost savings and efficiencies associated with the reform agenda, however, it is imperative that we not lose sight of the foundational principles, values and overarching objectives of this institution. In that regard, I am reminded of the words of our former Secretary-General, the late Kofi Annan. He reminded us that, even though the United Nations is an Organization of States, the Charter of the United Nations is written in the name of “We the peoples.” Ultimately, that is the role of the United Nations, namely, to serve the needs and hopes of people everywhere.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The myriad multidimensional threats that litter the international development landscape threaten our efforts to ensure universal sustainable development and the eradication of extreme poverty, as well as peace and security and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights by all. The existential threat posed by unmitigated climate change and global warming, extreme poverty, violent extremism, gender-based violence and the spread of new and infectious diseases is one that is best faced together as Members of the United Nations. As the bastion of international peace and security, human rights, sustainable development and the rule of law, the United Nations, as an institution, is compelled to adopt a shift in its approach in order to ensure adequate, effective and efficient responses to the challenges of our time.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Allow me to further express the gratitude of the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago to her predecessor, His Excellency Miroslav Lajčák, whose leadership helped advance the efforts of the United Nations to undertake the ambitious task of system-wide reform. The reform agenda marks a new, emerging approach to multilateral institutionalism and presents an opportunity to transform the United Nations into a dynamic body capable of better responding to the needs and challenges that reflect the diversity of its membership. This year’s theme, “Making the United Nations relevant to all people: global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies”, compels us to reflect on the nexus between the Organization’s ambitious and comprehensive reform agenda and our shared pursuit of a sustainable future for all.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I am honoured to address this eminent gathering of nations seized with advancing the international agenda towards the realization of international peace, sustainable development and the well-being of all humankind. On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I extend our congratulations to the President on her election to lead the General Assembly at its seventy-third session. As we continue to pursue gender equality across all borders and spheres of endeavour, her election to the post of the presidency of the General Assembly is further impetus for the global rethinking and acceptance of female leadership, and towards strengthening the global pursuit of gender parity, empowerment and equality.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In harmony with the global vision for multilateralism, we are committed to working together collectively to find enduring and sustainable solutions to global disparities, poverty, rising inequality, protracted conflicts and other challenges facing the world today. We must all do our part in this noble endeavour for the good of humankind.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Robinson, former Prime Minister and President of Trinidad and Tobago, we remain resolute in our commitment to supporting the mandate of the ICC and its primary objective to help put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, as well as to prevent such heinous crimes. In conclusion, Trinidad and Tobago is particularly pleased with the President’s choice of theme for the seventy-second session, “Focusing on people: Striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet”. We believe that these concerns and issues are timely and necessary, especially as we are faced with increasing humanitarian challenges, threats to international peace and security, as well as the environment.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Trinidad and Tobago, as a democratic society, adheres to the rule of law and the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. As such, we uphold the importance of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to promoting the rule of law, encouraging respect for human rights and achieving sustainable peace and development, in accordance with international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. As a country which has been credited as one of the forefathers of the ICC through the pioneering work of the late Arthur N. R.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We remain fully committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and in particular to the principles of the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of trade and navigation. To this end, Trinidad and Tobago consistently supports subregional, regional and international efforts to promote constructive dialogue to bring about the cessation, sooner rather than later, of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Adherence to the rule of law is important to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which seeks to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and to ensure equal access to justice for all, as it is one of the pillars for promoting sustainable development.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The Arms Trade Treaty remains a key priority for Trinidad and Tobago as it seeks to regulate the illegal transfer of small arms and light weapons and ammunition. I wish to reiterate to the Assembly the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s unequivocal commitment and unceasing call for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. We remain optimistic that there will be a diplomatic solution to finding an end to this long-standing issue and that in good faith the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against Cuba, which significantly challenges its achievement of sustainable development, will be lifted soon.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“As a small island developing State, Trinidad and Tobago actively participated in the negotiations to prohibit nuclear weapons, as it is acutely aware of the destructive force of these weapons of mass destruction to, inter alia, human life, the environment, food security, infrastructure and economic growth. In view of the continued prevalence and negative effects of illegal small arms and light weapons, including the issue of curbing such weapons and its ammunition, Trinidad and Tobago has played leading roles in a number of United Nations initiatives, such as the Arms Trade Treaty. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has contributed significantly to violence and instability in our region.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago considers it important to develop ways to effectively manage migration and to take the necessary steps to enable the process of mainstreaming migration into development planning. We have therefore sought to make the necessary policy changes and to participate in projects and training in order to develop the necessary tools to mainstream migration into development planning. Trinidad and Tobago was among the 122 States that voted in favour of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which was adopted on 7 July. The Treaty is particularly significant as it is the first multilateral legally binding instrument for nuclear disarmament to have been negotiated in 20 years. We look forward to the convening of the high-level conference on nuclear disarmament by 2018.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In placing women at the forefront of our development, it should be noted that a Trinidad and Tobago national is one of two women who sit on the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, which comprises 20 members. With regard to the advancement of girls, the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago recently passed the Miscellaneous Provisions (Marriage) Bill. This bill provides for outlawing child marriage in Trinidad and Tobago by raising the legal age of marriage to 18 years. We are currently witnessing unprecedented levels of displacement in the world. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, approximately 65.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes. This amounts to nearly 22.5 million refugees.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Trinidad and Tobago therefore looks forward to the convening of an intergovernmental conference in 2018 to consider the recommendations of the Preparatory Committee on the elements and to elaborate the text of an international legally binding instrument under the Convention. The Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago protects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens and residents without discrimination based on race, origin, colour, religion or sex. Our Government accords high priority to achieving gender equality and the empowerment and advancement of women, who are pivotal to the achievement of the SDGs. In the words of the Secretary-General, “Women’s rights are indeed human rights”. One cannot overstate the importance of protecting the rights of women and ensuring their full participation on an equal basis with men.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Consequently, we welcome the adoption of the recommendations of the Preparatory Committee established pursuant to resolution 69/292, on the development of a legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. Notably, this agreement will seek to address existing regulatory and legal gaps and ensure that the resources of our oceans are properly conserved and managed for the benefit of present and future generations After two years of having the Preparatory Committee and about 10 years of negotiations, we believe that the time is long overdue for us to translate words into action.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Trinidad and Tobago welcomes the progress achieved at the recently concluded Oceans Conference in June and the adoption of the historic call for action, as well as the commitments and actions to be taken by Member States to safeguard the health of the oceans through the implementation of SDG 14. As a small island developing State, Trinidad and Tobago is highly vulnerable to the unprecedented rate of loss of marine biodiversity and the impacts of unsustainable practices on the marine environment.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In alignment with the quadrennial comprehensive policy review and the Secretary- General’s reform proposals, Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to ensuring that the United Nations development system adopts a more flexible and tailored approach to sustainable development assistance to assist countries in implementing the SDGs in a focused, coordinated, coherent and cost-effective manner. Oceans cover three quarters of the Earth’s surface and contain more than 95 per cent of the Earth’s water. It is therefore indisputable that promoting the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources is of critical importance to sustainable development and the survival of all humankind.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In this context, we have mapped our national development goals in accordance with global priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Trinidad and Tobago and the United Nations signed the Multi-country Sustainable Development Framework in April. We acknowledge and thank the United Nations Development Programme for its assistance with these activities. We are also pleased that the recently completed quadrennial comprehensive policy review has initiated a recalibration of the United Nations development system. This would better support developing countries, including SIDS, in the implementation of the programmes of action, including the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the 2030 Agenda.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In order to achieve human and global sustainable development, we must treat unmitigated climate change and global temperature rise as a priority issue. Trinidad and Tobago is doing its part and remains committed to achieving the overarching objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Through our nationally determined contribution, Trinidad and Tobago has indicated its intention to reduce by December 2030 greenhouse-gas emissions in its public- transportation sector by 30 per cent, in comparison with 2013 levels. Trinidad and Tobago has therefore framed its national development plan for the period 2016-2030, entitled Vision 2030, with a thematic focus of “Many hearts, many voices, one vision”, in keeping with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We cannot by any means continue with the same approach, as nature’s fury holds no prejudice. Yet, in the light of their categorization as high-income countries under the outdated formula of gross domestic product per capita, Caribbean countries will not qualify for aid and development assistance in their time of need. I join my Caribbean colleagues in calling for a multidimensional approach that takes into consideration real national needs and priorities and takes these extraordinary circumstances into account in order to provide access to development assistance, aid and debt relief as the Caribbean region collectively embarks together on the arduous task of recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago joins with other Caribbean Community Governments in expressing our gratitude for the tremendous generosity and support provided in face of the region’s most urgent need. Our thanks and appreciation also go out to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the region’s first responder. However, CDEMA will need additional resources and funding to enable it to do even more to facilitate its immediate responses to natural disaster. In the face of the recent natural catastrophes, how can one deny the scientific findings that climate change is real and that it is here and indeed upon us? The events of the past months in the Caribbean remind us all once more that small island developing States (SIDS) remain at the forefront of the impact of climate change.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The recent earthquake in Mexico and hurricanes in the United States ought to be counted within the realm of the recent global disasters. Trinidad and Tobago, which is in the southernmost part of the Caribbean, was spared from the ravages of these hurricanes. It is with empathy that I extend, on behalf of the Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago, heartfelt condolences to our Caribbean family. We are forever mindful that, given our spirit of resilience, we will rebuild that which was lost. Trinidad and Tobago stands in solidarity with the affected countries and will continue to assist with relief efforts. However, rebuilding will require resources, as well as the cooperation and collaboration of the international community, because we simply cannot do it alone.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Peter Thomson, former President of the General Assembly, for his hard work, commitment and leadership during the seventy- first session. Once again, I extend congratulations to His Excellency Mr. António Guterres on his assumption of the position of Secretary-General. We wish to encourage and commend his direction and guidance in steering us forward. From shifting weather patterns to global warming to sea-level rise, the impacts of climate change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. In our region, we have witnessed the catastrophic effects of Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria, which have undoubtedly changed forever lives in several of our Caribbean countries, leaving some islands almost uninhabitable and resulting in many untimely deaths.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Each year, as a community of nations, we gather together to reaffirm the possibilities and potential arising from our resolve that finding solutions to the many challenges facing our planet can best be achieved through our collective action and shared dialogue and by striving for peace and a decent life for all peoples. On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I am honoured and delighted to address the Assembly today. I extend heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Miroslav Lajčák on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-second session. We are confident that he will discharge his mandate with efficiency and impartiality for the benefit of all nations. He has the support of our delegation. I also seize this opportunity to convey thanks and best wishes to His Excellency Mr.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In that regard, Trinidad and Tobago reaffirms its commitment to the Charter and its principles. We will continue to work closely with our family of nations in the pursuit of international peace and security, human rights and sustainable development for every single human being. While we may look different, speak different languages and face different challenges, humankind shares a common beginning and a common future. In the words of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, “beneath the surface of States and nations, ideas and language, lies the fate of individual human beings in need. Answering their needs will be the mission of the United Nations in the century to come”. Together, let our answer resonate for generations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“As the United Nations continues its search for a successor, Trinidad and Tobago is of the view that the next Secretary-General must be held to the highest possible standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with proven leadership and diplomatic skills. It is the responsibility of the next Secretary-General to help realize the extraordinary expectations embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals, to address the burgeoning challenges of the forced migration of refugees and violent extremism, and to transform the United Nations into a global institution that is effective, relevant and fit for purpose. The universal push to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and transform our world is the responsibility of every State Member of the United Nations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“At a time of escalating international terrorism and the increasingly urgent need for decisive action on climate change, as well as of criticisms of the efficacy of the United Nations and its peacekeeping operations, his outstanding efforts and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the future of multilateralism. The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement are just two examples of an exceptional record of achievements, not to mention his groundbreaking initiative earlier this year to convene the first ever World Humanitarian Summit, in collaboration with the Government of Turkey, in the beautiful city of Istanbul.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We therefore urge all Member States to work collaboratively, in the spirit of compromise and for the benefit of all States, to achieve reform of the Security Council so as to enable it to better address current realities, thereby improving the functioning and effectiveness of the United Nations. On behalf of the Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish to express our deepest appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, whose term as the eighth Secretary-General comes to a close at the end of this year. Mr. Ban has initiated many sweeping changes and reforms at the Secretariat designed to make the Organization an ever more dynamic body capable of responding to the emerging needs and challenges facing its diverse membership.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The memory of the first historical visit by a sitting United States President to Havana since the 1959 Cuban revolution will remain in the minds of the people of Cuba and the world for generations, and Trinidad and Tobago continues to be optimistic that the growing relationship between both countries will continue in good faith, and that the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed on Cuba, which significantly challenges its ability to achieve sustainable development, will be lifted soon. Since the adoption of the 2005 World Summit Outcome (resolution 60/1), not much has been done to move the process of reforming the Security Council forward. Trinidad and Tobago remains concerned about the fact that the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform have seen little progress since 2008.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people as well as those of Israel, our Government has consistently expressed its support for a negotiated settlement involving a two-State solution. Trinidad and Tobago is also concerned about the ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. Given that the two countries have historically maintained a friendly and cooperative relationship, we believe that they should both engage constructively in working towards a peaceful settlement, in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. The international community is pleased that the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba is making progress.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)