YouSaid · the spoken record

Sekeris

lines on the record: 36
first: 2023-02-14
most recent: 2023-12-15
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-security-council

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 initiative of Ecuador’s presidency could therefore pave the way for the creation of an international coordination mechanism under United Nations auspices. In that connection, I would like to stress the efforts undertaken by the EU and my country over the past 30 years for the socioeconomic revitalization of the Western Balkans. We are ready to support more international initiatives aimed at the economic development of the region, focusing mostly on projects relevant to the promotion of new technologies, green development and addressing the impact of climate change. In conclusion, Greece stands ready to work on this issue as an elected member of the Council for the 2025–2026 term, should our candidacy at the upcoming elections be successful.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Specifically referring to the Western Balkans region, we support the implementation of the road map for a sustainable solution to arms control in the Western Balkans by 2024, and we commend the work by the South-Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. In addition, concerning the situation in Africa, it is of the utmost importance to support the African Union’s Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative with a view to ensuring the effective implementation of relevant arms-control instruments and regimes, especially those related to small arms and light weapons, in the African context. Secondly, the socioeconomic implications of the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition may have never been studied thoroughly enough until today.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Let me recall that the Convention sets the framework for the compliance of military practice with international humanitarian law. Greece, in supporting all multilateral efforts to promote arms control in the area of conventional weapons, would like to contribute two main suggestions focusing on the regional and socioeconomic aspects of the issue we are discussing here today. Having noticed how the changing nature of armed conflict affects the legal framework crafted over the past decade by the United Nations disarmament instruments, we believe that there is indeed a need to adapt that framework in order to address the challenges stemming from regional crises. The EU strategy against illicit firearms, small arms and light weapons and their ammunition of 2021 could be an instrument of value.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509Resumption1 (2023) · source
“At the outset, we would like to commend Ecuador for organizing this open debate, and we thank the briefers for their very interesting interventions. My country fully aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union (EU), and I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. Greece considers this issue to be one of the most important challenges to peace and security on the national, regional and global levels. The Secretary- General’s biennial report on small arms and light weapons (S/2023/823) should be the bedrock of all relevant discussions, including, of course, the one happening today in the Chamber. Moreover, Greece believes that the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and its Protocols, to which my country remains fully committed, should also guide our efforts.”
2023-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9509Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Peace and security are a prerequisite for sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We must work together to uphold our fundamental values and strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to fulfil its mandate in that regard. Multilateralism has been and should remain the most effective means for governing global relations. Respect for and adherence to international law are essential to maintaining international peace and security. We need to invest in conflict prevention and peacebuilding and put women and girls at the centre of security policies. It is important to promote the New Agenda for Peace, and the Peacebuilding Commission has a crucial role to play in that context.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The aim is to contribute to the reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality through training in the use of ultrasound and the creation of foetal-medicine units to improve care for pregnant women. It is now more urgent than ever to use official development financing strategically to mobilize additional resources and align investment with the Sustainable Development Goals. In that context, it is important to mention the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to mobilize investments in partner countries — up to €300 billion for the period 2021–2027 — in order to boost connectivity and economic transformation in digitalization, energy and transport and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Reinforcing social cohesion and facilitating access to basic social services and social protection reduces poverty and inequality and has the potential to promote new social contracts and social inclusion globally. In that regard, we cannot think of a higher priority than the protection of human life. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, more than a quarter of a million women die every year in the world as a result of a complication related to pregnancy or delivery. In that context, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Greece and a London-based foundation have partnered to implement a foetal medicine programme for the period 2022–2025, a signature development programme in the selected priority partner countries of Albania, Armenia, Ethiopia, Moldova and the Republic of North Macedonia, and in Kosovo.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“As we all know, inequality and poverty are important drivers of social exclusion, leading often to conflict, social unrest and political instability. The peaceful settlement of disputes is one of the main priorities of Greece’s candidacy for a seat on the Security Council for the period 2025–2026. There is no doubt that addressing the root causes of conflict and violence is key for achieving sustainable development. That, however, includes promoting social justice and political participation. It also involves strengthening institutions that uphold the rule of law and protect human rights. Increasing levels of inequality within and among countries also pose a threat to sustainable development by hindering long-term economic stability and green and inclusive growth, affecting health and education.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank the People’s Republic of China for convening this very important meeting. Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union and its member States, and I would like to make the following comments in my national capacity. Sustainable development is currently hampered by the international context of profound uncertainty and geopolitical divides. Peace and sustainable development are highly topical, inextricably linked issues, especially in the context of the current global environment, which is afflicted by violence, geopolitical conflicts and tensions, climate emergencies and rising humanitarian needs, while still facing the repercussions of the coronavirus disease pandemic.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In that regard, Greece supports a human-centred and gender-responsive approach to peace and security that focuses primarily on the protection of civilians in conflict settings, especially women and children — girls and boys. That is also reflected in the priorities of the Greek candidacy for an elected seat on the Security Council for 2025–2026, which include the promotion of the interlinked agendas on the protection of civilians; women and peace and security; and children and armed conflict. In that vein, I would like to reiterate my country’s determination to join hands with all like-minded stakeholders in order to accelerate the prevention of and response to any form of conflict-related sexual violence as the only way to build peaceful, resilient, inclusive and gender-equal societies.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In that vein, the international response to conflict- related sexual violence should be inclusive and survivor- centred, addressing the specific needs of different groups of survivors, focusing on their protection, relief and recovery and therefore ensuring their full and meaningful participation in peace and transitional justice processes. At the same time, accountability for perpetrators should be adequately addressed by facilitating their prosecution through appropriate judicial mechanisms and by ensuring unhindered judicial access and gender-responsive reparations for victims. Conflict-related sexual violence is a horrific crime with devastating consequences for civilians, their families and their communities at large, a threat to security and an impediment to the restoration of peace.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In many conflict environments, the parties to conflict, whether State or non-State actors, continue to deploy the strategic use of conflict-related sexual violence against civilians — mostly women and girls, but also men and boys, as well as against members of the LGBTQI+ communities. The alarming frequency of conflict-related sexual violence and the prevailing impunity for those crimes, which is the norm rather than the exception, indicate rather low levels of compliance by States with the United Nations normative framework. Against that backdrop, there is undeniably an urgent need for holistic and coherent international policy action.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Greece would like to warmly thank the United Kingdom for organizing today’s timely event and the speakers for their thorough interventions. We welcome in particular the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten. While fully aligning myself with the statements made by the representative of the European Union and on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, allow me to make some additional remarks in my national capacity. Despite systematic efforts by the United Nations system to strengthen the normative framework on conflict-related sexual violence, the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/413) clearly illustrates a gap between standards and commitments and the devastating reality on the ground.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Finally, I would like to reiterate my country’s principled positions in favour of protecting the rights and dignity of conflict-affected children and of preventing grave violations against these children, in close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders as a necessary precondition of a peaceful, inclusive and resilient world.”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Greece places particular emphasis on the protection of children in armed conflict, having already ratified the relevant Optional Protocol to the Convention of the Rights of the Child, and having endorsed the Paris Principles, the Safe Schools Declaration and the Vancouver Principles. Furthermore, Greece has been duly implementing its national action plans on the rights of the child and on the protection of children from sexual exploitation and abuse as well as its comprehensive national strategy on the protection of unaccompanied minors. Additionally, the promotion of the children and armed conflict agenda is one of the main priorities of my country’s candidacy as an elected member of the Security Council for the 2025–2026 term.”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Unfortunately, in 2022, children continued to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict, and the number of children affected by grave violations increased in comparison to 2021. Against this backdrop, as the Secretary-General stresses in his report, it is of utmost importance that children, even those allegedly associated with armed groups, be treated primarily as victims. Consequently, child protection should be effectively mainstreamed throughout the conflict cycle, from early warning to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. Moreover, the support provided by the donor community should be timely, gender- and age-sensitive, survivor-centred and inclusive, addressing the specific needs of children victims of grave violations, focusing on girls and on children with disabilities.”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It is a great pleasure for Greece to participate in today’s open debate on children and armed conflict. I would like to warmly thank the United Kingdom for organizing this timely meeting, which provides with us an excellent opportunity to reflect on the findings of the most recent annual report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/363). I would also like to warmly thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mrs. Gamba de Potgieter, as well as the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF for the very interesting briefings this morning. While fully aligning myself with the statement to be delivered later by the European Union, please al-low me to make some additional remarks in my national capacity.”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It is important to establish ambitious climate policies, as well as strengthen the fulfilment of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aligning their implementation, in order to achieve durable sustainable development and resilience to climate change. In the future, the ability of the international community to anticipate and adapt to security impacts of climate change may be equally important to our long-term efforts to reverse it. By integrating and combining actions and policies on climate, development and security, we can ensure the best possible outcome, delivered on multiple levels. Greece, as a candidate for a non-permanent seat at the Security Council for the years 2025 to 2026, stands ready to work with Council members on this issue.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We should cooperate towards upgrading the knowledge base, which will lead us to improved risk assessments and more effective field-level policies, with a view to better comprehending, integrating, anticipating and managing the impacts of climate change on international security. At the same time, we need to improve our awareness of climate-related security risks by enhancing our understanding of the links between climate change effects and security. Climate security concerns have to be integrated into early-warning and conflict prevention systems, with a view to strengthening foresight capability to anticipate new security and geopolitical challenges for a more effective prevention of crises.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“As rising sea levels and maritime degradation threaten the livelihoods of coastal communities, we consider also essential the assessment of climate change impacts on maritime security. In that context, maritime security and climate change are going to be among the areas of action of the ninth Our Ocean Conference that Greece will host in 2024. We have adequate scientific data that suggest climate change increases the frequency and impact of extreme weather events, disrupting the lives of millions of people, with food insecurity, water scarcity, epidemics and health risks, to name just the most common consequences. Moreover, it may aggravate conflict drivers and dynamics, as well as dimensions of fragility. Climate change is also affecting all aspects of cultural and natural heritage.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Let me start by stating that Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and its member States. I would like to add a few thoughts in my national capacity. We are pleased to see the Council consistently engaging on the issue of climate change and its impacts on peace and security, and we would like to commend the United Arab Emirates for organizing this open debate and inviting briefers who eloquently framed our discussion. A few months ago, at an equally important open debate in this Chamber, we touched upon the major issue of sea level rise and its potential impacts on peace and security (see S/PV.9260), which is directly linked to the application and implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Journalists and media workers play a crucial role in the flow of information, opinions and ideas and are indispensable to building inclusive and tolerant societies, promoting at the same time understanding and cooperation. Yet, we are witnessing today an alarming increase in disinformation, polarizing discourse and fierce attacks on factual reporting, both online and offline, leading ultimately to the erosion of trust and paving the way for more confusion, which is the number one fuel for crisis. Greece, as co-Chair, along with France and Lithuania, of the Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists, comprising 27 Member States, stands firm in its unwavering dedication to the principles of a free, independent and pluralistic press and to ensuring the safety and protection of journalists and media workers worldwide.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Preventing and addressing sexual violence in conflict, ensuring accountability for the perpetrators and relief and recovery for survivors, and enhancing the participation and leadership of women as agents of change in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and mediation efforts are essential in building durable trust through bolstering inclusivity. Last but certainly not least, today we are celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. The role of the freedom of journalists in establishing credible facts to guide us in our collective efforts for peace and prosperity cannot be exaggerated. A free press exposes the truth. It plays an essential role in identifying and promoting accountability for human rights violations and abuses and holds those in positions of authority to account.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Illegal activities at sea, such as piracy, terrorist acts, arms trafficking and human trafficking, constitute major maritime security threats. Their interconnection requires an integrated approach, including through the implementation of the law of the sea and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as the sole legal and institutional framework governing the world’s oceans and seas. Turning to inclusivity, it is essential to support and enhance United Nations efforts to place women and girls at the centre of security policy, building on the framework of the women and peace and security agenda. The equal representation of women in decision-making, including in peace processes, remains a decisive factor in our ability to make progress in our collective efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace and development.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We should place our efforts on upholding the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as the obligation of all Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force against other Members. Indeed, in our efforts to build trust, it is essential to go back to the basics and reinvigorate the membership’s commitment to those core principles, especially in an era of continual attacks on the foundations of our multilateral system, of which we are all aware, including through the misinterpretation of international law. A particular aspect of normative frameworks, and indeed a case in point, concerns maritime security. Safe seas and oceans are fundamental for blue growth, energy security, supply operations and the achievement of sustainable development.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“My country, which has welcomed since the very beginning the Secretary- General’s ambitious report Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) as a major step towards further enhancing the effectiveness of the United Nations and highlighted as a priority the New Agenda for Peace, will spare no effort to that end. In that respect, in today’s debate I would like to elaborate on three dimensions: the normative frameworks, inclusivity and trust through credible facts. With regard to normative frameworks, trust is about predictability and the international community has a great normative tool — international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“At the outset, allow me to congratulate Switzerland on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month and for organizing this timely debate. I would also like to align myself with the statement delivered earlier by the European Union and would like to add the following in my national capacity. Futureproofing trust for sustaining peace is a very important topic that begs to be considered in a comprehensive and thorough manner. Trust and Peace go, after all, hand in hand, as we know all too well from our collective efforts to achieve peace, stability and prosperity the world over. In view of the elaboration of the New Agenda for Peace, which will shape new responses and strengthen the prevention of old and new threats to international peace and security, trust should be placed at the core of that project.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Lastly, implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area will effectively facilitate intra-African trade for micro-, small and medium-sized businesses, expand access to markets and create new opportunities for enhanced livelihoods for Africans. Sustainable development without peace and security is simply unattainable. It is crucial to invest in conflict prevention and peacebuilding and to put women and girls at the centre of security policy. It is equally essential to promote the New Agenda for Peace. High-quality and effective social dialogue at all levels of governance is a prerequisite for ensuring more participatory and inclusive policy outcomes.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“First, there must be a focus on human development, notably in basic services such as health and education. The development of human capital is a factor that contributes to a country’s resilience to external shocks. Secondly, there should be a tailored approach to blended finance and investment promotion, taking into account the specific needs and vulnerabilities of African countries. Thirdly, it is essential to ensure effective delivery systems for public services, which are vital to enforcing long-term solutions and ensuring that the State is perceived as a legitimate and active presence even in the most remote areas. Furthermore, women and young people should be fully integrated into all aspects of decision-making to ensure inclusivity and diversity.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Despite the challenges, we remain optimistic and believe that the African continent will look very different in the future. Interconnected and multidimensional megatrends will reshape the continent, and with it the needs of development cooperation. Africa’s dynamic young population, abundance of resources and diversity have the potential to transform the continent into an immense driver of global peace and prosperity. The African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want serves as a useful blueprint to that end. In that vein, it will be critical to support nationally owned and led efforts to build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions. Africa must further develop its own institutions, policies and strategies to prevent conflict. The following are some key areas that in our opinion require urgent consideration.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I would like to join others in expressing my appreciation to Mozambique for organizing this open debate. We align ourselves with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union, and I would like to add a few points in my national capacity. This debate is taking place amid persistent challenges, including geopolitical tensions and conflicts, recovery from a pandemic, inflation and acute food insecurity. The climate crisis is creating additional setbacks for African countries, many of them highly vulnerable in environmental terms. Silencing the guns requires looking beyond peace and security issues and focusing on the structural transformation of the socioeconomic arena, ensuring that all Africans benefit from integrated and inclusive economies.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In the future, the ability of the international community to anticipate and adapt to the security impacts of sea level rise, as well as climate change in general, may be equally important to our long-term efforts to reverse it. We need to improve our awareness of climate-related security risks by enhancing our understanding of the links between the impacts of sea level rise and security. By integrating and combining actions and policies on climate, security and development, we will ensure the best possible outcome, delivered at multiple levels.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“As a contracting party to all major international environmental conventions, treaties and protocols, Greece actively participates in the ongoing multilateral negotiations and meetings supporting all efforts to strengthen and improve environmental protection at all levels for the benefit of the present and future generations. In addressing the impacts of sea level rise on peace and security within the framework of international law, the Security Council would be a driving force and an instrumental factor in creating synergies among States, United Nations bodies and regional international organizations. That may be the case when the Security Council is dealing with humanitarian risks or when addressing the impacts of sea level rise and climate vulnerability with regard to the protection of human rights, highlighting gender issues.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The International Court of Justice very recently declared that it: “observes that boundaries between States, including maritime boundaries, are aimed at providing permanency and stability”. For that reason, maritime boundary agreements are subject to the rule excluding boundary agreements from a fundamental change of circumstances and, hence, sea level rise does not affect maritime boundaries. Climate change increases the frequency and the impact of extreme weather events, such as floods, land erosion and water salination affecting low-lying territories and lands, thereby disrupting the lives of millions of people, with food insecurity, water scarcity, epidemics and health risks among its most common consequences.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“With respect to peace and security issues dealing with sea level rise, UNCLOS provides the answers to questions raised within its proper context. Predictability, stability and certainty, which are inherent to the Convention and guide its application, involve the preservation of the baselines and the outer limits of maritime zones, as well as maritime entitlements deriving therefrom, in accordance with UNCLOS. Furthermore, the Convention imposes no obligation for reviewing or recalculating the baselines or the outer limits of maritime zones established in accordance with its provisions. Greece underlines the importance of safeguarding the stability of maritime boundaries, confirmed by State practice and international jurisprudence.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It is an honour to take part in this open debate on a matter of great importance, and I would like to commend Malta’s presidency of the Security Council for this initiative. Greece aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union on this topic. We would like to add a few thoughts in our national capacity. The issue of sea level rise is directly linked to the application and implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The universal and unified character of UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. As the constitution of the oceans, the Convention, which reflects customary international law, sets the legal basis for settling and regulating any relevant issue that may arise.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source