YouSaid · the spoken record

Lovin

lines on the record

23

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2015-07-30

most recent

2017-06-06

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3

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un-security-council

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1. “Cooperation over shared waters can have far-reaching positive impact and build trust far beyond the issue of managing a shared resource, which further reduces the risk of conflict. The waters that we share - whether rivers, lakes, seas or oceans - sustain life and support our common prosperity. However, they are coming under threat more and more. No country acting alone can respond. Instead, we must work together as partners across borders in order to secure our shared future and protect our planet for everyone.”

   2017-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7959 (2017) · source

2. “We have developed extensive systems for transboundary water governance, including an overreaching treaty framework. The European Union has lessons to share in that regard. So, too, has Sweden, where we have made efforts to gain experience in the area of water diplomacy for the benefit of all countries. The Stockholm International Water Institute and the UNESCO International Centre for Water Cooperation and Global Water Partnership, which is hosted by Sweden, hold extensive knowledge pertaining to transboundary water and actively engage in water management dialogues. Finally, we should enhance and deepen our efforts to work together around transboundary waters. Cooperation needs to be extended beyond managing a shared resource to the areas of increasing the quality of water and protecting the environment.”

   2017-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7959 (2017) · source

3. “Doing so can help prevent conflicts and deliver positive outcomes for all communities across borders. We have a number of tools at hand to support such efforts. First, international law relating to water, which sets out key principles around prevention and avoiding transboundary harm, can play a significant role in preventing conflict. The Aarhus Convention is an important instrument for ensuring the participation of the public and non-governmental organizations in environmental decision-making. In that regard, it is important that the rights of indigenous peoples be recognized, taken into account and included in decisions regarding water resources. Secondly, regional actors have a crucial role to play. As the Secretary-General underlined, Europe has a long history of managing shared waters.”

   2017-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7959 (2017) · source

4. “Such a home would ensure that the United Nations has the skills set needed to provide adequate risk assessments and deliver comprehensive risk-management strategies with regard to the impact of climate change. Together with increased capacity for more integrated, cross- pillar analysis, such work would also provide the early warning needed to support the Council's work to prevent conflicts from emerging. That need was underlined in March with the adoption of resolution 2349 (2017). Improving the management of water resources so as to ensure water security must be a top priority at global, regional and national levels. We simply cannot afford not to responsibly and sustainably manage our waters. Issues of shared waters can and must be turned into opportunities for cooperation.”

   2017-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7959 (2017) · source

5. “How shared water is managed between communities has a profound effect on all aspects of human life, as well as economic growth and sustainable development. Considering its importance, it is not surprising that shared waters can also be a source of tension that fuels conflict and threatens peace. The negative effects of climate change have the potential to increase such tensions. To quote the Secretary-General, "climate change is a threat in itself and a multiplier of many other threats - from poverty to displacement to conflict". In response, we need to support countries' efforts to make informed and efficient decisions when responding to the effects of climate change, including on transboundary waters. The United Nations needs an institutional home for the security risks related to climate change that are already affecting countries.”

   2017-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7959 (2017) · source

6. “We are currently facing unprecedented low groundwater levels in parts of our country, which is affecting countrywide water supply levels almost throughout the entire contry. It is imperative that we all respond to the challenge by raising the level of our global ambition to meet our global responsibility. Sweden is deeply and fully committed to the prevention agenda being pursued by the Secretary- General, which the Council discussed it in January (see S/PV.7857). Such commitment to a more holistic approach to prevention builds on an acknowledgment of the many varied and interlinked drivers of conflict. The issue of the management of transboundary waters is an important example. A large proportion of the world's population depends upon shared water resources for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses.”

   2017-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7959 (2017) · source

7. “He underlined for us the challenges and opportunities presented by transboundary waters. He also underscored the vital importance of preventive diplomacy as a tool for averting conflict and fostering cooperation through water management. Today's meeting coincides with another important meeting focused on water, specifically on our seas and oceans. Sweden is proud to co-host the Oceans Conference with Fiji, which started yesterday. We believe that the Conference can be a game changer and lead to a reversal in the decline of the oceans to the benefit of people, the planet and prosperity. The topic at hand is vital and urgent. The effects of climate change are real. They are being felt every day, not least by those who depend on rivers, lakes, seas and oceans to sustain their lives and livelihoods. Sweden is not excluded from such concerns.”

   2017-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7959 (2017) · source

8. “Let me first express my condolences and those of the Swedish Government and people on the loss of life following the vicious and cowardly attacks in Kabul and London. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the families of those who lost loved ones and those who are now recovering from their injuries. We share the shock and outrage of the British and Afghan peoples and I assure them that Sweden stands with them at this time. Moving on to the subject of today's discussion, I would like to thank Bolivia for putting the issue of preventive diplomacy and transboundary waters on the agenda. Water is one of the essential building blocks of human life. Without it, nothing can survive. I also thank the Secretary-General for his insightful and thought- provoking statement.”

   2017-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7959 (2017) · source

9. “If we, the international community, are serious about our commitment to the two-State solution, we have important work to do in the months ahead.”

   2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

10. “In order to save the prospects of a two-State solution and counter the growing hopelessness among youth, the international community must move from words to action. We must help the parties to move forward by creating new dynamics and momentum for a meaningful peace process to end the occupation. Sweden therefore fully supports the French initiative on an international peace conference, as a way for the parties and the world to recommit to the two- State solution. Sweden is encouraged by the increased Quartet activity,and looks forward to the publication of the announced Quartet report. The Security Council has a central role to play and must shoulder its responsibility to uphold its resolutions and the Charter of the United Nations.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

11. “Only then will the violence come to an end. Only then will peace and stability prevail. Only then will the citizens in Israel and Palestine be able to live their lives in dignity. The situation in Gaza remains critical. Recent rocket attacks from Gaza and the Israeli air strike in retaliation show the urgency of the situation. They are reminders of the risk of further violent escalation. In a couple of years, the lack of potable water will be irreversible. The isolation of Gaza must end therefore, and reconstruction must be fast-tracked. The European Union and Sweden have called upon all the parties to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza for humanitarian organizations and other international actors, including State representatives, in accordance with international humanitarian law.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

12. “We are seeing unprecedented numbers of demolitions of Palestinian homes and infrastructure. The settlements are illegal and an obstacle to peace. Settlement activity in East Jerusalem seriously jeopardizes the possibility of Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States. A fundamental change in the settlement policy is needed, particularly in East Jerusalem and Area C. Such a change would increase economic opportunities, empower Palestinian institutions and enhance stability and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Sweden stands firmly against terrorism. All acts of violence against civilians, including the horrific attack on the civilian bus in Jerusalem today, are despicable and must be condemned by all. Yet security measures alone will not end the violence. The underlying causes of the conflict must be addressed.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

13. “First, we are stepping up resilience funding through our new $200 million Syria Crisis Strategy. Secondly, we are increasing our humanitarian aid, amounting to over $300 million. Thirdly, Sweden has received over 120,000 refugees who have fled Syria, one of the highest numbers in Europe. Sweden recognizes that the neighbouring countries, especially Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, are under immense pressure. That is why our Syria crisis strategy includes support for those countries' actions as well. Next year will mark 50 years of the occupation of Palestine. All of us are aware of the urgency of the situation on the ground and the absence of a political solution. The two-State solution is fading away before our very eyes. We are seeing continued violence and the rapid continuation of settlement construction.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

14. “Five years of horrific warfare must be brought to an end. A political transition must be achieved. The Syrian people deserve to live in peace and democracy. For the talks to succeed, all the parties must fully implement the resolutions of the Security Council. While the cessation of hostilities seems to be broadly holding, I am gravely concerned by the slowing down in humanitarian access. In particular, I am appalled by reports that medicines and medical equipment are being removed from humanitarian convoys, costing innocent lives. That is completely unacceptable. Sweden supports the work of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, not least by funding Syrian women's participation. Moreover, Sweden is assisting the Syrian people in three ways.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

15. “I would like to align itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union later this afternoon, but I would like to take this opportunity to make a statement in my national capacity. Let me begin by encouraging the Yemeni parties to engage without delay in the United Nations-facilitated peace talks, which were scheduled to begin today in Kuwait. Those talks will hopefully bring us closer to a political solution in Yemen. Sweden welcomes the cessation of hostilities in place since 10 April, and we urge all parties to respect it. The massive humanitarian needs must be met. Sweden is among the largest humanitarian donors in Yemen, with contributions of over $50 million since the conflict began. Making the Syria talks in Geneva a success is an enormous challenge, but the world cannot afford to fail.”

    2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source

16. “I can assure you, Sir, that the Nordic countries will remain a close ally of all SIDS in addressing the complex challenges they are confronted by. We look forward to working together with everyone towards resilient and safe SIDS.”

    2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source

17. “The implementation of applicable conventions and frameworks, including the Arms Trade Treaty and the SAMOA Pathway, will be essential in order to support and strengthen ongoing efforts. Finally, an inclusive approach is needed. And civil society, local authorities and the private sector must take part in the dialogue. The full and equal participation of women everywhere must be indisputable - no sustainable peace and development can be achieved if half of the population is excluded. In conclusion, I am under no illusion that we can find a comprehensive action plan today. But today's open debate serves as a reminder that halting and mitigating the adverse effects of global warming is not simply an environmental issue; it is a security issue. That must be borne in mind when approaching December's crucial climate meeting.”

    2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source

18. “Sixth, the illicit exploitation of natural resources, including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, constitutes yet another challenge. Capacity-building, including capacity to ratify the Food and Agriculture Organization Port State Measures Agreement, is essential to safeguarding food security as well as advancing a blue economy for long-term sustainable development. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea remains the centrepiece framework for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean and its resources. Seventh, SIDS obviously face numerous other security challenges. I should mention transnational crime, including trafficking in arms, human trafficking, piracy and illicit drug smuggling. Nordic countries have been partners to SIDS for decades through capacity building, including in developing legal frameworks.”

    2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source

19. “Fourth, in order to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, we need to integrate climate change mitigation policies, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy, along with energy security and longer-term development programmes. Nordic countries are top supporters of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, and we have several bilateral energy programmes with SIDS in place. Fifth, we need to support capacity-building and strengthen resilience to severe weather events, natural disasters and conflict due to environmental problems. A lot of work needs to be done to build resilient, quality infrastructure and to plan for an effective emergency response. The Sendai Framework should be a guiding document in that regard.”

    2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source

20. “A legally binding agreement at the climate conference in Paris in December is a crucial step towards a safer world. Second, we need to back up words with action. That is why the Nordic countries have made significant commitments to the new Green Climate Fund. We are also among the largest donors to other multilateral and bilateral climate actions. Third, we need to understand that sustainable development is not a choice but a necessity for security. This is a top priority for the Nordic Governments, as demonstrated by our prioritization of peace and security aspects of the post-2015 agenda and our emphasizing of the connection with other facets of development.”

    2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source

21. “It was evident from the Arria Formula meeting on climate change and security held last month that climate change would inevitably affect access to land, food and economic opportunities, which in turn can drive conflict and forced migration. The Security Council can, and should, play a role in that regard. Confronting the peace and security challenges of SIDS demands a global response. Allow me to outline eight points that we as Nordic countries believe need to be part of that response. First, it is without doubt that the effects of global warming are the single most important long-term security challenge affecting SIDS. Hence we need to do our utmost to halt and mitigate the effects of climate change. The Nordic countries will remain steadfast partners of SIDS in that fight.”

    2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source

22. “True security is found through fighting for the protection of the environment. The responsibility of the international community and of us as States Members of the United Nations is to lead that fight. That is why I decided to come here to be a part of this important debate. Small island developing States (SIDS) are undeniably among the hardest hit by climate change, and they face unique security challenges. Their very existence is threatened not by tanks, missiles or troops but rather by extreme weather events, marine pollution, rising sea levels and ocean acidification. That was clearly expressed in the landmark SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (Samoa) Pathway.”

    2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source

23. “I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and my own country, Sweden. I should like to start by thanking Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his briefing and by recognizing the important statements made today by the Prime Ministers of Jamaica and Samoa, and by the Minister of Finance of the Seychelles and other Ministers. I should also like to commend New Zealand for drawing the Security Council's attention to this important issue, and to thank Foreign Minister Mc Cully for presiding over today's open debate. For far too long, we have assessed security in a too- narrow sense. True security is found through fighting the widening gap between rich and poor countries. True security is found through fighting famine and social ills.”

    2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source