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

“That is the common experience of the Caribbean Community, and indeed of the majority of SIDS. We firmly believe that the United Nations development system should be driven by a multidimensional approach to development assistance that is better tailored to national priorities and specific needs. If the States Members of the United Nations firmly believe that there can be no sustainable development without peace — and if we all have intentions to keep our promise that no one will be left behind — then the international community must find a solution to the protracted conflicts, tensions and humanitarian crises occurring across the world. Trinidad and Tobago continues to be deeply concerned about the lack of credible progress in the Israel-Palestine conflict.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Partnerships undertaken by Governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector and others provide a vehicle for mobilizing and sharing knowledge, expertise, financial resources and technology in order to support the efforts of developing countries to realize sustainable development. However, middle-income developing countries continue to grapple with a situation that renders them ineligible for international development assistance by virtue of their status, while also coping with the vulnerabilities of being a small island developing State. That is indeed a problem when we consider that our country’s middle-income status, based solely on per capita income, denies Trinidad and Tobago access to international development assistance that could bolster our efforts to accelerate our sustainable and social development.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We are of the view that a new implementing agreement under UNCLOS should lay a foundation for achieving sustainable development and the protection and sustainable management of the common heritage of humankind for the benefit of present and future generations. On the occasion of the adoption of the 2030 Agenda last year (see A/70/PV.4), Trinidad and Tobago stated that one of the cornerstones of the integrated sustainable development agenda is the development of a multilateral system strategically poised to facilitate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals through multi-stakeholder partnerships.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“For those reasons, we urge those countries that have not yet submitted to the jurisdiction of the Court to do so sooner rather than later, so that it can appropriately and completely fulfil its mandate as a universal court. Trinidad and Tobago is located in a region that is highly vulnerable to the current unprecedented rate of loss of marine biodiversity and the impact of unsustainable practices on the marine environment, particularly in relation to activities conducted in marine ecosystems beyond areas of national jurisdiction. As such, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to the adoption, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), of an international legally binding instrument on the issue of conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“As a country that was in the vanguard of the efforts to establish the International Criminal Court (ICC), through the pioneering work of the late Arthur Robinson, former Prime Minister and President of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago remains resolute in its commitment to supporting the mandate of the ICC and its primary objective — helping to put an end to impunity for perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community and helping to prevent such heinous crimes. Trinidad and Tobago recognizes the importance and legitimacy of the ICC in promoting the rule of law, encouraging respect for human rights and achieving sustainable peace and the further development of nations, in accordance with international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Trinidad and Tobago is committed to building an effective global framework for a strategic collective security architecture that addresses the negative social, economic and psychological conditions that give rise to violent extremism, including poverty, violations of human rights and weak governance. That framework must also be supported by a robust international legal system that enables everyone to live freely and in dignity, without fear of persecution, and that affords everyone equal protection before the law, in word and in fact. A robust framework of international law can protect all individuals from acts of violence, war crimes, crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“While it is important to deal with violent extremism from a security perspective, we should not overlook or dismiss the correlation between violent extremism and development. We remain concerned about the global trend whereby young people fall victim to recruitment by extremist groups, through both online recruitment and other forms of proselytization. To address the problem, we share the view that in order to be as effective as possible, counter-terrorism strategies should include the creation of enabling environments that support the empowerment of young people. That inclusive approach can help to involve them in advocating for the goals of our collective aspirations, thereby reducing the allure of extremist groups.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Mutually assured destruction, which is inevitable with the use of nuclear weapons, cannot be a way of settling disputes when both the combatants and several hundred millions of people outside the theatre of war would assuredly perish. Trinidad and Tobago therefore continues to firmly support the call for taking effective measures on nuclear disarmament, including commencing negotiations on an international instrument for prohibiting and eliminating nuclear weapons. Trinidad and Tobago is deeply concerned about the growing number of violent extremist acts across the world and the threat that they pose to our shared values of democracy, peace, tolerance and respect for human dignity.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We therefore reiterate our call for denuclearizing every region of the world, and we are proud to belong to the region that enshrined the world’s first nuclear-weapon-free zone under the Treaty of Tlatelolco. Trinidad and Tobago believes firmly that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons constitutes a crime against humanity and a violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations. We lament the fact that, 46 years after the entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the international community is still unable to undertake good-faith negotiations on nuclear disarmament.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“It is widely acknowledged that the world drug problem and the illicit drug economy have the ability to destabilize vulnerable States in many different ways. In order to deal with the problem, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is using its national development agenda to launch initiatives to mitigate the socioeconomic conditions that are both the cause and result of the problems related to drug use and trafficking. The initiatives are fully aligned with our overall policy direction and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It seems fitting that I am addressing the Assembly on 26 September, the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Trinidad and Tobago would like to stress that using the nuclear option would have severe humanitarian and other devastating consequences for the peoples of the world.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Since 2010, Trinidad and Tobago has also introduced and sponsored General Assembly resolution 68/33, on women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, encouraging women’s participation in all disarmament, non-proliferation and arms-control decision-making processes at the local, regional and national levels. Ensuring the security, health and social development of our people continues to be a major priority for Trinidad and Tobago. Like many others, our country has not escaped the effects of the illicit drug trade and its associated ills. We have come to realize that in the context of sustainable development, our people’s continued development cannot be divorced from the proliferation of that illicit trade and its concomitant problems.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“It is the experience of Trinidad and Tobago, as a small island developing State, and of the Caribbean Community as a whole, that those challenges undermine our efforts to achieve sustainable development, threatening the livelihoods of our people and the rule of law. Such threats can have the potential to affect regional and international peace and security. Consequently, at the international level, Trinidad and Tobago, together with CARICOM, fully subscribes to the Arms Trade Treaty, with the aim of preventing armed violence in the region and freeing many from the deadly tyranny associated with a prevalence of unregulated small arms and light weapons.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago therefore joins its partners in the Caribbean community in calling for international banks to engage in collaboration with affected member States to restore normal financial relationships between domestic banks and international markets. The 2030 Agenda also recognizes that sustainable development can be realized only in a peaceful, secure and stable environment free of war and conflict. Transnational organized crime and violence, piracy, trafficking in persons, cybercrime and illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons pose a daunting challenge to the security of all States, but especially small island developing States (SIDS).”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“However, the issue of financial institutions terminating or restricting correspondent banking relations in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region has destabilized the financial sectors of our member States and has disrupted the region’s growth and economic progress. The cessation of correspondent banking relations by international banks, despite CARICOM compliance with the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Global Forum on Taxation, undermines our efforts to truly build a global partnership that will achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Accordingly, the Government has instituted incentives to encourage investment and job creation in renewable and clean technologies in the transportation and industrial sectors. The Government has aggressively pursued a national economic diversification strategy, a strategy which will also strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s resilience to exogenous shocks in global markets. Trinidad and Tobago continues to explore innovative measures to bolster its economic stability and its capacity to remain properly integrated in the global financial and trade architecture. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that national development efforts need to be supported by an enabling international economic environment through international business activities and finance, international development cooperation and international trade.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Trinidad and Tobago also looks forward to deliberations at the upcoming twenty-second session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Marrakech, Morocco, and to working towards the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and supporting international cooperation on the mitigation, adaptation and compliance on a scale that will ensure that the increase in the average global temperature is limited to 1.5°C. Although the economy of Trinidad and Tobago is largely dependent on the hydrocarbon and petrochemical industries, we are committed to the processes under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The adoption of the Paris Agreement signalled to the world that, in the words of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, “the spirit of multilateralism is strong”. That spirit must continue to see us through to early entry into force and implementation of the Agreement. In keeping with that sentiment, Trinidad and Tobago joined 174 other Member States in becoming a signatory of the Paris Agreement in April. Trinidad and Tobago recognizes that the conversation surrounding the Paris Agreement is now focused on building momentum towards its early entry into force. To that end, the Trinidad and Tobago Government is actively addressing the issue of ratification.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Notwithstanding the minuscule contribution to absolute global carbon emissions of small island developing States such as Trinidad and Tobago, unmitigated climate change represents an existential threat for us. The future viability and existence of our island State is dependent on the urgency and ambitiousness of the global response to reversing the already unsustainable trend of the global temperature increase. Consequently, Trinidad and Tobago joins the international community in endorsing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as a sign of hope for the future. We especially wish to emphasize that the Agreement prioritizes the need for global action on the critical issue of climate change, an approach which, for us, is absolutely imperative if we are to have a chance of averting its most dangerous effects.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to raising the standard of living and welfare of all members of the national community, the enhancement of the educational system, improving the delivery of health care and providing a higher level of accessibility and support to persons with disabilities. That commitment has been a long-standing position of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, which has enacted several laws, policies and other measures to promote and strengthen the role of women and girls in society and their overall contribution to national development. One of the defining challenges of our time is that of addressing the issue of climate change and global temperature increase.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Among them are women, girls and the differently abled, who have historically been denied the equitable access to opportunity and mobility that would have ensured their participation in society as equal partners with men and enhanced not only their own quality of life and happiness, but also that of their families, communities and society as a whole. It is deeply regrettable that women and girls and the differently abled continue to be denied fundamental human rights and freedoms in many parts of the world. Women do not receive equal pay for equal work, and they are systematically prevented from obtaining an education and reaching their full potential as human beings and as citizens.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Our Vision 2030 national plan, currently in the final stages of elaboration, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. Trinidad and Tobago recognizes that the 2030 Agenda is a transformative plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity through peace and partnership. Accordingly, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is committed to its full implementation through the mainstreaming of the principles of sustainability throughout its policy spectrum. The thrust of the 2030 Agenda for global transformation, with no one left behind, calls for action to enhance the quality of life of all segments of society, including the systematically marginalized groups.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“This groundbreaking Agenda, bolstered by a renewed spirit of global solidarity, compels each of us to join together in international cooperation and partnership to profoundly improve the lives of our fellow humans without discrimination or prejudice. Having adopted the Agenda, we are all now tasked with determining the best way forward for its operationalization and implementation, according to our respective domestic circumstances. As evidence of its unreserved commitment to the achievement of the overarching objective of the 2030 Agenda and the full implementation of the SDGs, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is placing the principles enshrined in the Agenda at the nucleus of its National Development Plan for Trinidad and Tobago, Vision 2030.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I am therefore grateful for the opportunity to address the Assembly yet again and, in this general debate on the aptly selected theme, “The Sustainable Development Goals: a universal push to transform our world”, to share the perspectives of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, a small island developing State, as a responsible and committed partner in the multilateral pursuit of a sustainable future. A little more than a year ago in this very Hall, Trinidad and Tobago joined other members in adopting the ambitious and inclusive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and thereby heralded a new phase of enhanced multilateralism in pursuit of a common goal.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Such an approach will allow for a reversal of the current patterns of inequality and insecurity and transform our collective circumstances into those that will redound to the benefit of all humanity. The pathway to that transformation lies in the creation of meaningful and innovative partnerships to facilitate the full and universal implementation of the SDGs. The leadership imperative of our time requires that we strike an appropriate balance between national interest and the global good and, accordingly, that we adopt a deeply cooperative and constructive approach to carving out a future of prosperity for our and succeeding generations.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“From the existential hazard caused by unmitigated climate change to the insidious threats of violence, extremism and terrorism, to the crises of forced displacement and the spread of infectious diseases and illnesses, such as Ebola, chikungunya and zika, it is clear that the challenges of our time far exceed the limits of geography and demography and therefore diminish the efficacy of unilateral responses. However, as grave as the threats we collectively face, what is even more compelling is the opportunity presented to our United Nations to chart the course of meaningful and universal growth and prosperity by deepening our partnership and cooperation.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark, who as President of the Assembly at its seventieth session further advanced the Office’s high standard of transparency and accountability. Under his stewardship, notable progress was made towards the revitalization of the General Assembly, and its members fully identified the priorities for which action is deemed imperative to ensuring our common journey to 2030. The scope of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) covers the multitudinous threats to our collective well-being and the longevity of our civilization.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“His election comes almost one year after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in which the international community committed to changing its approach to development to one that is people-centred, planet-focused, grounded in the principle of sustainability, and which endorses a balanced approach across the economic, political and social aspects of development. The election of a representative of a small island developing State to the presidency of this body is symbolic of the imperative for universal action and the contribution that must be made by all Members, regardless of size, economy, religion or demography, so as to ensure a trajectory of sustainable growth and development for humankind and life on earth. Allow me to also express our gratitude to his predecessor, Mr.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I am honoured to have been given once again the opportunity to address the Assembly, which is composed of States that are tasked with charting the way forward on a range of issues that impact our collective development and well- being. Allow me first to extend congratulations to the President of the General Assembly, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on his election to lead the Assembly at its seventy-first session.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We must therefore spare no effort to make it a more effective and dynamic instrument in the service of all the peoples of the world, elevating none about others and respecting and defending the rights of all. Trinidad and Tobago commits to continue to play its part at the regional and global levels to ensure that we avoid the pitfalls experienced by the United Nations. We will work faithfully with others to build on the tremendous progress made by this institution over the seven decades of its life in order to bring about a greater commitment by all States to peace, security and human rights for all peoples of the world so that they may live in larger freedom and continuing prosperity.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“It is our hope that both sides will work together with others in resolving this decades-old problem, resulting in the establishment of a Palestinian State with clearly defined borders, coexisting in peace and security alongside the State of Israel. The United Nations must adapt to the ever-changing geopolitical environment as well as the emerging economic and social landscape. Trinidad and Tobago therefore emphasizes the imperative to move with greater alacrity on the question of the revitalization of the General Assembly in order to ensure the effective execution of its mandate. The General Assembly is the only institution or grouping of States that possesses the inclusiveness, and indeed the legitimacy, to act on behalf of the international community.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Trinidad and Tobago remains convinced that the controversy should be settled by pacific means in keeping with the Charter of the United Nations. At the same time, Trinidad and Tobago reiterates the position of the Caribbean Community on the matter concerning citizens of the Dominican Republic of Haitian ancestry and calls on the Dominican Republic to ensure that the human rights of these citizens do not continue to be infringed and are honoured in accordance with international law. Once again, the failure to find a permanent solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict remains of deep concern to Trinidad and Tobago. That situation affects the ability of both sides to live in peace and security and also impinges on the right of the Palestinians to self-determination.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We applaud the initiation of steps towards full rapprochement between the United States and Cuba, which has so far, among other things, been exemplified through the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two States, thus reducing tensions in our hemisphere. Trinidad and Tobago hopes that, sooner rather than later, that process will mature with the lifting of the anachronistic economic embargo and blockade that for too long has undermined the economic development of Cuba. While we are very much encouraged by the easing of tensions in the northern Caribbean with the resumption of dialogue between the United States and Cuba, we are concerned by the recent developments surrounding the protracted border controversy between our neighbours, Venezuela and Guyana.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In that regard, the growing religious and ethnic diversity of our societies highlights the ever-present need for mutual respect and appreciation for the value of diversity that today is a defining characteristic of many countries and communities. A lack of such tolerance and respect for human rights and human diversity has 15-29822 25/29 A/70/PV.26 02/10/2015 fuelled once again in our lifetime the horrific crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression. With a view to ensuring accountability for those accused of committing such crimes, and in order to act as a deterrent to would-be perpetrators, the international community established the International Criminal Court (ICC). Trinidad and Tobago calls upon all States that have not as yet done so to support the ICC.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In the area of governance of the oceans, it is well established in international law that the utilization of resources of any kind beyond areas of national jurisdiction must be consistent with the principles under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In that regard, Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to active participation by all States in the Preparatory Committee on the development of an international legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, for the benefit of all humankind. The quest for economic and social justice for many cannot be divorced from the fervent desire of all peoples to live in freedom and without fear of persecution.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“It is our expectation, in conformity with that of the Caribbean Community, that any credible agreement from the Paris Conference must set the world on a path to decarbonization of the global economy before the end of the century. In order to achieve that, the agreement must be legally binding and contain provisions on mitigation, adaptation, finance, transparency and compliance that would ensure that the increase in average global temperatures can be limited to less than l.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels. An ambitious agreement in Paris is therefore also an imperative for the maintenance of international peace and security in the medium to long term. Trinidad and Tobago is committed to work with all States to achieve a new legally binding balanced framework for global cooperation on climate change.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We recently witnessed the destructive effects of Tropical Storm Erika on our fellow Caribbean State member, the Commonwealth of Dominica, which has set back that country’s development by many years. It is undeniable, therefore, that climate change and development are closely interlinked. Recognizing the need for bold and responsible action on the part of all Governments, albeit on the basis of common but differentiated responsibility, Trinidad and Tobago has adopted a proactive posture and has submitted its intended nationally determined contributions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ahead of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We need to be mindful, however, that this threat to humankind recognizes no boundaries, cannot be contained through high-level diplomatic talks and mediation and will weigh heavily upon developing countries, particularly small island developing States and least developed countries, thereby crippling their ability to react to external shocks to their social, economic and natural systems. Like many other small island developing States, Trinidad and Tobago is at high risk of being severely affected by the devastating effects of climate change, and has therefore made mitigation measures a national priority, within the practical constraints of its limited financial capability.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“While time will not allow for a thorough review of our strategy, permit me to share some of the measures targeted for implementation: the development of an adaptable defence and security posture to ensure that the traditional role of the military is integrated with new roles to ensure the security of the State; the establishment of a joint border protection agency; the adoption of an intelligence-led national security architecture; and the enhancement of our disaster risk management capability policy. The international community now accepts that climate change is a threat to our very existence.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“To promote such an integrated and resilient approach to national security and to contribute to the attainment of sustainable development in line with the Government’s strategic vision for developed country status by 2030, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will actively pursue mechanisms to strengthen national capacities to reduce risk and to build community resilience to threats to national security.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“24/29 15-29822 02/10/2015 A/70/PV.26 Additionally, recognizing the progressive contribution of women to peace and development, Trinidad and Tobago has since 2010 introduced, and been the main sponsor of, the General Assembly resolution on women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control since the year 2010. Our commitment to the safety and security of our citizens remains undiminished, and as we move forward it is the intention of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to adopt a ‘whole of Government’ approach to national security, in which all ministries and national agencies will share responsibility and will be accountable for the safety of the State.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Regrettably, in some parts of the world, women and children continue to be denied fundamental human rights and freedoms, receive less pay for equal work as men and are systematically prevented from obtaining an education, all of which hinder their ability to participate in the sustainable development of their countries. Since its independence, in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago has enacted several laws and administrative and other measures to promote and strengthen the general well-being of women and girls in society. On the international plane, we have committed to the full and effective implementation of our obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“This reality should chasten all peoples, and especially the leaders of countries possessing such weapons. Accordingly, we welcome the nuclear deal negotiated by the United States, its partners and the Islamic Republic of Iran. We wish to congratulate all the parties involved on the tenacity and patience they demonstrated in that complex and demanding process, and challenge both sides to honour their commitments. The 2030 Agenda would not be fully implemented if the most vulnerable members of our societies — women, children, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples — are not placed at the very centre of the development paradigm.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Trinidad and Tobago recognizes that as we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the creation of the United Nations, the international community still grapples with the goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Trinidad and Tobago and the other members of the Caribbean Community join with the countries of Latin America in celebrating our common commitment to denuclearization through the establishment of our region as the first nuclear-free zone in the world. The disastrous humanitarian consequences of the use of the nuclear option today for a large number of people from diverse regions of the world could result in widespread suffering, dislocation of populations and increased migration, thus undermining the peace, security and development of many countries and regions.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“However, our ability to provide such safety and security is increasingly being stretched, given that Trinidad and Tobago is located in a region heavily impacted by the trafficking of small arms and light weapons, as well as its attendant ills. This illicit trade is transboundary in nature and is largely associated with the drug trade and its international criminal networks. Consequently, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Community fully subscribe to the aims and objectives of the Arms Trade Treaty as a critical vehicle to address the scourge of the illicit arms trade. We do so because we understand all too well that the continued presence of this menace in our region can, if left unchecked, undermine our peace and security and limit our progress towards sustainable development.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Other actors, with pernicious designs, have acquired the capability to threaten States and to carry out dastardly deeds calculated to intimidate, and continue to pose serious threats to international peace and security. The United Nations must therefore respond with alacrity to those threats in a manner that is acceptable to all Member States. That is achievable if the Security Council is reformed to genuinely reflect the diversity that today characterizes and embodies the United Nations. For small States such as Trinidad and Tobago, the maintenance of international peace and security is of paramount importance. We are keenly aware that our prospects for achieving sustainable development are inextricably linked to the safety and security of our people.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Conflicts and tensions adversely affect countries and regions well beyond their immediate place of origin, whether through forced migration, disruption of basic public services such as health, education and sanitation or through rendering impossible the normal conduct of business activity. Trinidad and Tobago is a strong advocate for the reform of the Security Council to better enable that body to respond to the various security and other challenges that currently confront the international community. This is especially so having regard to the fact that, in the contemporary world, warfare is no longer the exclusive preserve of nation States.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The adoption of this landmark agreement is testament to the triumph, and indeed the power and possibilities, of multilateralism, especially as it emphasizes a people’s agenda, with the promise of leaving no one behind. This ambitious and inclusive Agenda must not be lost in lofty rhetoric. 15-29822 23/29 A/70/PV.26 02/10/2015 The United Nations has as its main purposes to maintain international peace and security, to promote and protect human rights and to effectively address pressing international economic and social issues, such as development, through international cooperation. Although in the aftermath of the Second World War the United Nations has succeeded in preventing another global war, peace still remains elusive in some parts of the world.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“But, as we assess the performance and impact of the United Nations, we must also look ahead to the next phase in the life of this unique Organization, given the many challenges that confront human civilization in general and the international community in particular. Consequently, Trinidad and Tobago considers the theme of this session — “The United Nations at 70: the road ahead for peace, security and human rights” — to be both most fitting and timely. A few days ago in this very Hall, Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the overarching framework that will guide global development for the next 15 years. Trinidad and Tobago echoes the words of the Secretary-General that the 2030 Agenda encompasses a universal, transformative and integrated agenda that heralds a historic turning point for our world.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“It is a signal honour for me to address this body and to extend to the President on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago congratulations on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventieth session. We also express our appreciation to his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Sam Kutesa of Uganda, for the many productive initiatives that he pursued to good effect during his tenure. The President has assumed the mantle of leadership of this body at a critical juncture in the life of the Organization. Now is an opportune moment to reaffirm its founders’ guiding vision as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and to rededicate ourselves to be faithful in our joint pursuit of the goals of peace, security, development and human rights.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)