YouSaid · the spoken record

Michael Chilufya Sata

lines on the record: 25
first: 2012-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“The effectiveness of that organ should be enhanced by adapting it to the prevailing global realities of international peace and security and the legitimacy realized through an all- inclusive process. In conclusion, allow me to express Zambia’s gratitude for the support received in the recent hosting of two important United Nations conferences, namely, the twentieth session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization and the fourth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. I therefore take this opportunity, on behalf of my Government and the Zambian people, to thank all those who participated and contributed to the success of those meetings. We look forward to the opportunity to host again in the near future.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is therefore imperative that the post-2015 agenda take into account the momentum that has been attained in the realization of the MDGs in order to ensure continuity and sustainability. My address to the Assembly would be incomplete if I did not underscore Zambia’s, and indeed Africa’s, desire to realize a more democratic and representative Security Council. As a continent, our voice could not be clearer. We continue to call for greater progress in those negotiations, whose conclusion is long overdue. I wish to reiterate our position, as defined in the Ezulwini Consensus. The United Nations boasts of an all-inclusive multilateral process, but that is obviously lacking when it comes to the Security Council.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Our Government believes that addressing issues of poverty is important for the achievement of sustainable and inclusive development in the future we want for Zambia. Our country attaches importance to improving the welfare of our people, especially women, children and young people, through wealth and employment creation, the provision of quality education and of quality health care, and industrialization, among other things. In particular, our Government wishes to emphasize the need to mainstream children’s issues, including access to quality education and quality health care services, provided at the right time. Social protection and upholding the rights of all children is critical and should transcend the global desire for a better future.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I wish to reiterate the need to have a single set of universally agreed sustainable development goals reflecting sustainable development priorities that are actionable and concise and whose implementation will resonate with the different development and economic levels of Member States. Furthermore, the goals will need to be prudently balanced and to effectively integrate the economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development. To that end, it is necessary to build global partnerships that are supported by commitments to regional and international cooperation, anchored with mutual accountability, enhanced local private sectors and public-private partnerships.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“However, in the absence of inclusive social development and without food security, that growth risks being undermined by social exclusion, particularly for the youth. For instance, while our Government recorded a growth in gross domestic product of 7.3 per cent in 2012, we recognize the fact that it is equally important to ensure that we put in place specific measures that will promote equality and social justice in the labour market. It is for this reason that we are strongly advocating for investment that creates real and sustainable employment prospects for our people, while at the same time making our economy more labour-absorbent. In turning to the post-2015 agenda, our Government believes that the importance of the intergovernmental processes on sustainable development goals is critical and cannot be overemphasized.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is not surprising, therefore, that we have made marginal progress in reducing the prevalence of hunger. In order to accelerate Zambia’s efforts to achieve MDG 1, our Government has taken an unprecedented and painful step in curtailing subsidies on fuel and maize. That has enabled us to release much-needed resources for programmes that are deliberately targeted at poverty alleviation. We have also transformed and repositioned social protection services to optimize efficiency. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank estimate that economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa can be expected to be higher than the global average — around 5.5 per cent in 2013 and 6.1 per cent next year.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The results therefore tell us that with more effort, gender inequality can be redressed. Zambia’s MDG report further indicates that we have made great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The challenges are still immense, and we have to ensure that those living with HIV and AIDS are receiving the best care and access to social protection services. All efforts must be made to reach zero infection and zero deaths by building on what has been achieved so far. International support is equally critical for a sustained and enhanced response. The Zambian economy is presently enjoying macroeconomic stability and has experienced appreciable economic growth over the recent past. However, our Government still has the huge task of ensuring that the basic needs of Zambians are met, as poverty levels and unemployment remain a challenge.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We are all champions of the MDGs. We have run the race, and we continue to run the race, albeit at different paces and on different terrains. What remains critical, therefore, is what we do between now and the deadline, as well as how we will move beyond 2015. Amid much anxiety, the 2013 progress report for my country was released in May. On a positive note, the report indicated the tremendous progress made by Zambia on MDGs 4 and 5, regarding reducing the under-five mortality rate by two thirds and the maternal mortality ratio by three quarters by 2015. I emphasize here that maternal mortality is rooted in gender inequality, which manifests itself as poor education for girls, early marriage, adolescent pregnancies and lack of access to sexual and reproductive health care.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Our country is also honoured to have played a significant role in peacebuilding initiatives within the subregion and the continent at large and continues to participate in them. Zambia will therefore remain committed to the ideals for which she has stood and is prepared to contribute to global efforts aimed at uplifting humanity. To address the aspirations of our peoples, in particular those of the most vulnerable nations, we as a global community meeting in this Assembly set ourselves the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) — eight clear targets that resonate with our populations’ aspirations. In less than two years, we will have reached the deadline for the attainment of the MDGs, and Governments will have an opportunity to take stock of the achievements made in efforts to attain the development targets set at the turn of the century.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In May, together with the rest of the continent, we celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, the forerunner to the African Union. The African Union is a symbol of the collective hopes and aspirations of our resilient continent. As expected, that occasion formed the basis for mutual reflection on the future direction of a young and versatile Africa. Furthermore, next year, our country will commemorate 50 years of its independence. We approach that milestone proud that Zambia continues to enjoy political stability and has embraced democratic principles that have formed the basis for social and economic transformation for improving the lives of the Zambian people.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“At the outset, I wish to congratulate His Excellency Mr. John. Ashe on his election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session. I am confident that his wisdom and skill will be brought to bear as he steers the Assembly through a year of progressive dialogue and challenging negotiations. The theme of this year’s session, “The post-2015 development agenda: setting the stage”, is timely, as it presents an opportunity for us to discuss the future of global development. To that end, I wish to assure the President of our delegation’s support as he discharges the function of President at this session. The African continent has this year also reached a significant milestone.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Just as many international conventions have been subject to innovative translations in the recent past, we must plan to be as flexible in creating a new United Nations, sooner rather than later. To ignore this need for transformation would be tantamount to killing the Organization.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In addition, I wish to reiterate that despite the slow process of the reform of the Security Council, Africa should not relent or become frustrated. We should stand up and be counted. As enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, Africa must be given two permanent seats with a veto immediately exercisable and two non-permanent seats to correct the historical injustice that the continent has suffered and also adhere to the geopolitical realities of modern times. Furthermore, the Council should improve its working methods. I wish to appeal to all nations to renew their commitment and to strive for new common ground where individual national interests take a back seat.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Farther afield, but no less important, is the situation in Syria, which has seen the indiscriminate killing of many innocent people. There is a need for concerted efforts to utilize peaceful means, such as mediation and negotiation, to put a halt to the killings and to restore peace to the country. Humanity has again been embarrassed by the unnecessary carnage. Despite the trouble spots, Zambia remains convinced that the United Nations has since 1945 performed quite well. However, circumstances have since changed greatly, and we need only look at the sovereign representation in this Hall to prove that. It is therefore imperative that ongoing efforts to reform the United Nations be approached with renewed vigour. We are concerned that a seemingly difficult deadlock has been created in the reform process of the United Nations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I trust that the Secretary-General’s panel will take that into consideration. The theme for this year’s session of the General Assembly, “Bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means”, is undeniably significant in the wake of the turmoil that continues to threaten international peace and security with the persistent conflict situations on the African continent in places such as the Sudan, South Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Somalia. I therefore wish to report that our Government has in certain instances supported measures to help mitigate the humanitarian situation. I urge the international community to redouble its efforts in bringing peace to those troubled regions.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In that instance, we failed the test for global solidarity. Today, Zambia is encouraged that three committed global citizens have been appointed as co-Chairs of the Secretary-General’s high-level panel to advise on the post-2015 global development agenda. We therefore would like to congratulate His Excellency President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia and His Excellency Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom. We wish them every success as they take on that onerous task. We must support the high-level panel to help recoup the lost opportunities of the recent past. As I indicated earlier, we are still a long way from attaining the Millenium Development Goals. Discarding them entirely would be to the detriment of the poorer nations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Over the years, we have learned to appreciate the transboundary nature of matters such as our common environment. I would like to express appreciation to the Government of Brazil, the Chair of the Conference and all who made tremendous efforts to bring about the final outcome document of that historic conference. We are concerned, however, that as States Members of the United Nations we missed the opportunity to develop a formidable international process for promoting sustainable development. The failure to commit any funds to the means of implementation, and indeed the little progress in outlining the sustainable development goals, has underscored the lack of ambition in addressing our deteriorating environment, worsening inequality and a growing global population that shares the Earth’s limited resources.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“After all, it is the youth of 2012 who have made Zambia the African football champion. Our Government has recognized that without the rule of law, social justice and an independent judicial system Zambia will not be able to attain sustainable social and economic development. As an initial step in that regard, our Government is currently undertaking a constitutional review process that is intended to ensure the primacy of the individual citizen and his liberties. We further wish to speed up the process of domesticating the international conventions that seek to bridge the gaps for minorities. Special emphasis will also be placed on improving the treatment of people with mental and physical challenges. Zambia participated in the process leading to the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In addition, for the first time, Zambia has entrusted the governance of our legislative and judicial institutions to our women. The Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice, the chair of the anti-corruption commission and the commissioner of the drug enforcement commission are all women. I remain convinced that they will improve our record and surpass the nation’s expectations. Our national programmes are also focused on creating employment for our youth. Despite our vast natural resources, unemployment continues to be the most pressing problem for the younger generation. We are therefore looking to improve partnership with the various United Nations agencies and the rest of the international community to harness best practices from across the world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Since my Government assumed power, in September 2011, our country has seen reasonable improvements in our economy, with an inflation rate that is down to 6.6 per cent and a gross domestic product growth rate of about 6 per cent, in spite of slow global economic trends. That has been attributed to enhancement of the investment policy framework and to improvement of the infrastructure and to human capital development. Despite those efforts, however, 60.5 per cent of the Zambian people continue to live in poverty. My Government attaches similar importance to promoting good governance. As such, we have put in place a robust anti-corruption programme with improved and increased resources, which should set a new stage for our development.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“From 22 to 24 July, our capital, Lusaka, hosted the sixth annual Stop Cervical Cancer in Africa Conference, made up by the Forum of African First Ladies against Breast and Cervical Cancer and the African Parliamentarians and Health Ministers against Cancer. Just last year, former United States President George W. Bush travelled to Lusaka to launch the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon campaign against breast and cervical cancer. He has since facilitated some generous contributions for the facilities now in place to fight the diseases. I would like to express the Zambian people’s deep appreciation for all those efforts. However, the challenges in the health sector and elsewhere do not end there, and by no means have we stood by with folded arms.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Zambia has made steady progress in achieving some of them.That is most visible in the education sector, which has seen an increase in the net enrolment of children in primary schools, while the health sector has seen reductions in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Notwithstanding our progress in tackling communicable diseases, Zambia is also attempting to address non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer. While still considering matters related to the health sector, allow me to mention that my Government recently reviewed statistics that indicate that Zambia now has the second-highest rate of cervical cancer in the world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Shortly before I took office, there was much publicity about our positive macroeconomic indicators, but those results did not trickle down to the average citizen. In the quest to develop at the micro level, the focus of my new Government is on enhancing agricultural productivity and access to markets for peasants and small-scale farmers, providing improved health services as close to the families as possible, improving the quality of education and facilitating access to decent housing and accommodation. As we draw closer to the 2015 deadline for meeting the Millennium Development Goals, the international community needs to maximize its efforts towards achieving all eight goals.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“About a year ago, I ended my decade-long career as an opposition politician when the people of Zambia overwhelmingly chose to change their political leadership through a democratic and peaceful electoral transition that ushered me into office as the fifth President of the Republic. I am indebted to the people of Zambia for once again undertaking that process in a peaceful manner. It is my desire to utilize my experience at both ends of the leadership spectrum to make a worthwhile contribution to our democracy. I trust that Zambia will be able to share its lessons, as well as to learn from those with longer and even better democratic experiences. As the Assembly is aware, we still face considerable challenges with respect to meeting the basic needs of the majority of the Zambian people.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I am greatly honoured to deliver my inaugural address to the General Assembly. Allow me to begin by congratulating the President on his election to oversee the sixty-seventh session of the Assembly, and to wish him every success in his position. His great country, Serbia, has historically enjoyed close ties with Zambia. We are therefore delighted to see him in that important seat. I would also like to thank His Excellency Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for the steady manner in which he has continued to steer our global Organization. In Zambia we are particularly appreciative that, despite his busy schedule, the Secretary-General made time to visit our country earlier this year to undertake some important programmes.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)