And the Sahawari people are similarly being prevented from exercising their right to self-determination. We urge the relevant parties and the international community to support them in their efforts.

Belize fully supports the aspirations of the Palestinians for an independent state, within its 1967 borders, with all attendant rights, including the recognition of East Jerusalem as its capital and the right of return.

The Cuban people are forced to carve out their sustainable development under the burden of the illegal, unilateral economic, commercial and financial embargo.

COVAX, the multilateral mechanism for vaccine distribution has been unable to truly respond to the needs of its subscribers.

Flexibility and responsiveness are criticalif our multilateral system is to have relevance at moments of crisis as well as to ensure equity and fairness in global responses.

Belize, like other SIDS, is on the frontline of a climate crisis for which we are not responsible. Belize incurs annual losses of close to 4 percent of GDP due to natural disasters. Therefore, we felt an obligation to put forward an ambitious revised Nationally Determined Contribution.

I wish to propose 4 areas for the reform and strengthening of the multilateral system:We call for a genuine commitment to address the systemic issueswhich undermine the achievement of our agreed development goals. The continued in-eli-gi-bility of SIDS from accessing concessional finance, leaves us in a vicious cycle of disaster or crisis recovery-borrowing leading to unsustainable levels of debt

Belize exists today because of the multilateral system. The support of UN Member States for Belize’s territorial integrity and respect for our right to self-determination was critical to the achievement of Belize’s independence. For us the multilateral system is indispensable.For this reason, Belize supports the Secretary General’s thoughtful and forward looking “Our Common Agenda,” which sets out a concise plan of action to accelerate the implementation of our agreed goals, including Agenda 2030.

Belize exists today because of the multilateral system. The support of UN Member States for Belize’s territorial integrity and respect for our right to self-determination was critical to the achievement of Belize’s independence. For us the multilateral system is indispensable

Mr President, the immediate global response was slow and inadequate to the scale and depth of the health crisis. Disruption of supplychains made access to the much-needed COVID-19 therapeutics, diagnostics and PPEs beyond the reach of many developing countries. Vaccine hoarding has reduced access to COVID-19 vaccines for developing countries, undermining COVAX and leading to deep and threatening inequalities.

The Common Framework and Debt Service Suspension Initiative failed to offer forbearance to most middle-income SIDS, including Belize, who were ineligible despite our debt unsustainability. At the same time, most of our countries had no recourse to concessionary financing to fund the immediate health response.

And now Mr. President, our capacity to survive is being tested by the unrelenting COVID-19 pandemic. COVID brought the Belizean economy to its knees.

For a small island andlow-lying coastal State like Belize, which three days ago celebrated forty years of political Independence, the world today is hostile and precarious. No one can deny that the planet is getting hotter.

We will work with all our partners to enhance thecapacity of member states to address issues related to arms control and disarmament,by preventing the diversion of conventional arms to the illicit market.

We reaffirm the importance of multilateral approaches to the issuesof peace and development, and the central role of the United Nationsin their treatment.

As the science and the research haveshown, wemustalso see the oceansasplayinga vital role as a climate mitigator. Wesupport the development of a legallybindinginternational instrument on the conservation and sustainable useof marine biological diversity

In their effortstocombat these changes,SIDShave been unableto access climate finance at the pace and scale necessary.

Jamaica maintains itscall for a revision of the graduation criteria, as the classification system utilized by international financial institutions is simply not appropriate. We concur with the UNSecretary Generalin his assessment, that graduation must be a reward, not a punishment.

We reiterate today, that consideration of our developmental level must be linked to our socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities. This rationale underpins the basis for a multi-dimensional vulnerability index for SIDSand for the ongoing work by the UN on this matter,as endorsed by the General Assemblylast year.

we will require adequate fiscal space and funding to achieve the SDGsand to be ableto respond and recover from the health, social and economic implications of the pandemic,in light of high debt-servicing requirements

The pandemic has demonstrated how quickly our development gains can be erodedand that much more needsto be done by the international community to secure a resilient future for the most vulnerable. We must retain hope in our ability to meet the targets for the SDGs, even with adjusted timelines

We believe thatcountries should be supported in theirefforts to build robust and resilient digital infrastructure. Public investments of this sort can serve as a force multiplier in narrowing the gaps that result in inequitable developmental outcomes. Universal, secure and affordable digital connectivity is needed to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. We,therefore advocatefor an increased digital alliance within the global community and support the UNSecretary General’s High-Level Panel on the Digital Cooperation Roadmap.

Jamaicais taking an inclusive approach to improvedigital literacy,through increased access to,and use of ICT,by 50% in public institutions, schools and key public areas in the country,over the next four years.We are engaging ourprivate sector to improvethe application of science, technology and innovation ineducational institutions,towardsnational development.

Addressing thenegative consequences willrequire greater engagement of the public and private sectors in building foundations for long term development. Leaving no one behindtodaymeans leaving no one offline. That is why Jamaica has been working to ensure that the tools neededto adapt and thrive,are provided to our citizens

allowedthe digitally connected to thrive while severely exacerbating the inequalities faced by the digitally disconnected.This is particularly evident in our rural areas, along gender lines and generally among the poorest and most vulnerable

Today, we see some countries receiving a ‘digital dividend’ while others suffer the consequences of a ‘digital divide.’There is need to address urgently the latterin support of COVID-19 adaptationmeasures,response and recovery efforts. Accelerated digitalization, remote work and education, e-commerce and the virtual delivery of essential services, have

COVAX was conceived as an expression of multilateralism, bringing widespread aspirations of hope in the collective approach.To date, however, it has not met expectations,

Jamaica supportsa globally coordinatedapproachto the scaling up of production and equitable distribution of vaccines, with the United Nations at the core.

At the core of building resilience is restoringthe health and well-beingof our people. The pandemic has exacerbated challenges in this area,especiallyfor Small Island Developing States,like Jamaica,which already facelimited resources in the health sector.

Last year, we asked the Secretary-General to report back to us –the Member States –with recommendations to advance Our Common Agenda.He has done so. Now we have to act on these recommendations. All of us.The Social Contract between governments and people should be renewed. In our own societies. And at the global level.

Denmark is committed to a strong and efficient UN. That protects the rule-based international order, promotes a more progressive world, and fights injustice.

We areleaving the destiny of too many people to human smugglers. The current asylum and migration system does not address the challenges we face today.

Women and young people have a vital role to play. In peacebuilding and conflict prevention.Denmark remains committed to the agenda for Women, Peace and Security.

I would like to express my appreciation for the commitment of our international humanitarian partners. They are providing life-saving assistance. In Afghanistan. And in the many other places.

The current situation is disturbing. For the long-suffering people of Afghanistan. For the women and children. And for the international community.

Denmark will respond to the call of the Secretary-General. And massively scale up Danish grant-based climate finance to at least 500 million USD a year by 2023. And we are dedicating 60 percent to adaptation in poor and vulnerable countries. In addition, we are strengthening our efforts to mobilize public and private finance from other sources.

We must continue our path towards a green future. And we mustdo it faster.We need to keep the Paris Agreement goal alive. Limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. Climate change hits the world’s poorest and weakest communities hardest.

None of us can leave COVID behind until all of us can. Denmark is committed to vaccine solidarity and COVAX

The Republic of Serbia, by defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, at the same time defends international law, the UN Charter, the legally binding UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and the supreme authority of the Security Council when it comes to the preservation of international peace and security

The Monastery Visoki Dečaniwas recently listed, by Europa Nostra, as one of the 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe in 2021.The Advisory Panel of Europa Nostra noted that Dečani is theonly monument in Europeunder robust military protection for a continuous period of 20 years, although it constitutes a monument of ultimatehistorical and cultural importance for Europe and the world

Ofallthechallengesweface,themostworrisomeforSerbiaisthemaintenanceofpeaceandstabilityinthesouthernSerbianprovinceofKosovoandMetohija

We are strongly committed to the implementation of the sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We are committed to global efforts and will continue to work actively to meet our obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Serbia believes in solidarity between nations, multilateralism and helping others when in need

he innovative advances we had made allowed usto diversify our capabilities when the virus hit–through e-Government, online education and digital textbooks, and acentral software system which drove a successful vaccination rollout.

Despite the effects of the crisis, Serbia has managed to preserve financial and economic stability.

Thepandemic questioned some of the basic tenets of the open and cooperative international order. Global exchanges, international communication, and cross-border trade have all seen a vast decrease.

cannot but renew our adherence to the international multilateral system, and to the p rinciples and aims of the United Nations Charter, in order to ensure thedevelopment and strengthening of international governance, to guaranteethe realization of its lofty mission, in p reserving international p eace and security, and to serve all mankind

The continuation of the Corona p andemic, and its excessive p lundering of the gains achieved by states, to reach the sustainable develop ment goals, have shown the extent of intermeshing and interconnect between the various dimensions of sustainability, whereby the issue of climate change and the ecological systems associated with it, were not isolated from global imp act waves

we call up on the Taliban movement and all p arties, for the need to exercise utmost self-restraint, in order to p revent bloodshed, p rovide full p rotection to civilians,adhere to international obligations and laws, and to p reserve the security and stability of the country, as well as the gains of the friendly Afghani p eople

The p olitical, social, and economic fallouts from the outbreak of the p andemic, have p layed a role in the sp read of a state ofglobal self-retroversion, which terrorist and extremist groups has deliberately exp loited in areas afflicted by conflicts or suffer from security fragility,

We renew our call to the Libyan brothers on the necessity to attach p riority to the highinterests of the country, as well as to the p eaceful solutions based on the rejection of violence, and the need to adhere to the outputs of international conferences and relevant Security Council resolutions,

he continuing crisis in brotherly Yemen, and the growing and dangerous threats it posesto regional peace and stability, has been linked to the observed reality of how to deal with relevant Security Council resolutions and outputs.

he continuation of the Syrian crisis, which has entered its 11th year, with all the humanitarian pain it bears for the Syrian citizen inside and outside the country, has remained as witness to the fact, that absence of consensusand international will, from one side, and external interventions from another side, were the main reasonsforp rolonging this bloody conflict.

We emp hasizethe imp ortance of continuing to exert efforts, in order to restartthe negotiations within a set time schedule, to reach a just and comp rehensive p eace, according to the terms of reference of the p eace p rocess, the resolutions of international legitimacy, and the Arab Peace Initiative, to end the Israeli occup ation and the establishment of an indep endent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its cap ital, along the borders p rior to 4 June 1967, and the return of the refugees

the most outstanding and urgent step , lies in finding thep ace for a fair and secure distribution of vaccines, to reach universal immunization levels

From this standpoint, theCovid-19 p andemic was tantamount to a mirror to the world, reflecting its weaknesses and revealing its flaws, manifested in several chronic aspects, among which is the increase in rates of hunger and p overty, p rolonged conflicts, uncontrolled p rogress of modern technology, and its ramifications on cyber security

Thisis in addition to the exacerbation of the food insecurity crisis due to the disruption in supply lines, which came as an exp ected outcomeof the severe economic downturn and stagnation, which the world has not witnessed in over 90 years, also the decrease in the services p rovided by educational sectors, p articularly in develop ing and least developed countries, in sucha way that it has become more threatening than ever before, tocause regression in the gains achieved, and writing off the recorded achievementsof the sustainable development goals.

While our commitment to be a true global citizen is unstoppable and cannot be hindered by outside forces, the very freedom we have fought so hard for is being challenged every single day. On our very own soil in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, we are observing a humanitarian crisis, and the responsibility resides only with the occupying power

We are overcoming Covid, and have a long term plan in place to strengthen our democracy, economy and society

I call on everyone here today who cares for democracy, for progress, for free and fair elections, to participate with passion in your political system

Our historic decision to join the European and Euro-Atlantic family is the core principle that guides our Foreign Policy. Especially since 2012, Georgia has made great strides in advancing democracy, human rights and the rule of law. All are fundamental values we share with European institutions.

We may be a small nation, but we have made outsized contributions to international security, fighting alongside our allies against terrorism and organized crime around the globe. We did so in Afghanistan where 32 brave soldiers gave their lives, and numerous others were injured, for the cause of peace and freedom

Adestabilized,chaotic Afghanistanwillagain becomea safe haven for internationalterrorists-the reason why the US came to Afghanistan in the first place.

If we neglect Afghanistan right now,according to the UNhalf the people of Afghanistanare already vulnerable,and by next year almost 90% of the people in Afghanistan will go below the poverty line. There is a hugehumanitarian crisis looming ahead. And this will have serious repercussionsnot justfor theneighboursof Afghanistanbut everywhere.

From this platform, Iwant them all to know,the country that suffered the most, apart from Afghanistan, was Pakistan, when we joined the US War on Terror after 9/11.

New Delhi has also embarked on what it ominously calls the “final solution” for the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

I call on the Secretary-General to convene a global dialogue on countering the rise of Islamophobia. Our parallel efforts, at the same time,should be to promote interfaith harmony, and they should continue

Iforesee,in thenot-too-distantfuture a time will come when the rich countries will be forced to build walls to keep out economic migrants from these poor countries.

This organized theft and illegal transfer of assets has profound consequences for the developing nations. It depletes their already meagre resources, accentuates the levels of poverty especially when laundered money puts pressure on the currency and leads to its devaluation.

we must adopt clear investment strategies which help alleviate poverty, promote job creation, build sustainable infrastructure, and of course bridge the digital divide.

wo, adequate financing must be made available to developing countries. This can be ensured through comprehensive debt restructuring; expanded ODA; redistribution of unutilized SDRs, and allotment of a greater proportion of SDRs to developing countries; and finally,provision of climate finance

One, vaccine equity: everyone, everywhere, must be vaccinated against Covid, and assoon as possible

Pakistan’s contribution to global emissions is negligible. Yet we are among the 10 most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate changein the world.

e know that our security depends on the rule of law instead of the law of the jungle. The rule of law will be in the centre of our efforts when elected to the Security Council for the term 2027-28.

ustria strongly supports the vision of the Secretary General for a UN 2.0. Our multilateral system conceived in the 20th century needs to be made fit for the 21st.

Austria will continue to be a driving force for disarmament and arms control.

e cannot increase our security by increasing our potential to destroy. And, most of all, by hanging on to the myth of nuclear deterrence. We need to eliminate these horrendous weapons of mass destruction. Their prohibition is a first step.

Last week, Austria organised a conference to ensure meaningful human control over these weapons. Together with partner countries and civil society, we hope to establish a process leading to a ban of killer robots.

We have to make sure that our human centric approach applies online as well as offline. New technologies are no new frontier where human rights do not exist!

e need to define clear red lines that we as humankind are not willing to cross. This includes stepping back from creating killing machines - lethal autonomous weapons systems - systems where an algorithm decides in a split second who lives and who dies.

And there are other tectonic shifts that will fundamentally alter the way we live. New and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence or quantum computing are racing ahead, leaving many of us behind.

ompared to the Covid-19 pandemic, which burst into our lives like an explosion, it is like a slow burning, smouldering fire, creeping up on us. | am talking about climate change.

The pandemic has brought home to us the simple truth of how interconnected and interdependent we all are. We all learned the hard way that we cannot overcome a challenge like this on our own. Despite forcing us into social distancing, it brought us closer as a human family.

They are the ones which give individuals freedom and the capacity to live up to their potential: Rationalism, rule of law, equality, human rights and liberal democracy.

the values that the Free World fought and stood for in Afghanistan and for which we stand and fight for in so many other places around the world continue to be the right ones

Some gleefully describe Afghanistan as a failure of the West. As a proof of the inevitable decline of our democratic system of governance. As a breakdown of our values. And it is true that Afghanistan holds many bitter lessons. Lessons we need to take to heart.

here can be no blank checks for the Taliban! Fundamental rights and freedoms, in particular for women and girls, are simply non-negotiable! We have to do everything to prevent Afghanistan from turning into a black hole with the capacity to destabilise the whole region. And we have to drive home the message to the Taliban that the world’s eyes are on them. We don’t want Afghanistan to turn into an incubator or a safe haven for international terrorism and extremism.

e cannot turn our back on the people of Afghanistan! The consequences would be felt, above all, by the millions of women and girls, human rights defenders and minorities who face an uncertain future. We have to remain engaged and we have to offer the urgently needed humanitarian aid.

After 20 years of engagement, it seems that we are now back at square one. It seems that much of the social, political and economic progress is slipping through our fingers like sand.

We have to send them all the clear message that our fight for human rights, our engagement for fundamental freedoms know no lockdown.

Covid-19 added fuel to the fire of existing geopolitical tensions. A ring of crises and conflicts spans the globe

However, an enormous task still lies anead of us. We have to massively accelerate the international vaccine distribution. It is perfectly clear and we all know it: in this pandemic no one is safe until everyone is safe

And we will lose even more if we cannot ensure that everyone has access to the vaccine as soon as possible. This is our only exit ticket out of the pandemic! That is why COVAX is probably one of the most important initiatives of our time.

The virus destroyed our illusion that human progress is a one-way street.

n order to tackle the pressing global issues, the international community needs the UN to be fit for purpose. We welcome the Secretary General’s recent report “Our Common Agenda”. Engaging a broad array of stakeholders, including young people, civil society and think-tanks will provide fresh energy for change.

Complex global challenges can only be addressed by effective multilateral governance and rules-based international cooperation.

Iran’s continued escalation of nuclear activitiesfar beyond its commitments coupled withthe suspension of the implementation of transparency measures

In the Human Rights Council, the Czech Republic voted against the establishment of an ongoing Commission of Inquirywith a rather vaguely defined geographical scope. Israel, a democratic country with an independent legal system, has appropriate means to effectively confront and address human rights violations

The Czech Republic supports any meaningful initiativeleading to an end to this cycle of violence and remains firmly committed to the two-state solution.

Turing to Myanmar now, we strongly condemn the military coup in the country.We support the legitimately elected leaders and we call for respect of the results of the November 2020 parliamentary elections.

we deplore any state-sponsored malign activities committed in Europe in recent years as simply unacceptable, illegal and in direct violation of everything the UN stands for. The Czech Republic has experienced it first-hand.

The Czech Republic is a firmsupporter of the rules-based international orderwith the UN at its core, upholding international law and compliance with commitments rooted in the UN Charter. In this context let me reiterate the unwavering support of the Czech Republic to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independenceof Ukraineand Georgiawithin their internationally recognised borders.

The Czech Republic is concerned by the continuous massive repression in Belaruswhich has created a climate of fear in general public

Let me underscore one strand of hatred as especially despicable: the rising antisemitism and the Holocaust denial.

Furthermore, the Czech Republic firmly supports international criminal justiceand, in particular, the International Criminal Court. We would also like to express our support for the start of negotiations on the convention on crimes against humanity

Similarly, striving to improve the rights of women and girls must be at the heart of our response to the pandemic.

We echothe Secretary General’s Call to Action for Human Rights and we agree that an adequate fundingof the UN human rights pillar from the UN regular budget must be secured

technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, remain an enablerof human progress rather than a tool for surveillance, oppression and control.

The geopolitics of technology continues to pose an ever-greater challenge to the established norms.

Deliberate spreading of disinformationhas a direct impact on health and safety of our citizens and their trust in institutions. Using disinformation as a means of aggression against other states is utterly unacceptable

We are appalled by the increase of cyber-attacks against critical infrastructuredelivering essential services to our citizens, including hospitals, water treatment facilities, power plants, and even ourdemocratic institutions. Such acts can cause grave suffering to civilians, including the loss of lives.

The increasing importance of cyberspaceto our everyday lives and our economic resilience cannot be overstated these days. Preserving a globally accessible, free, and secure cyberspace is essential. However,the pandemic has also exposed deep digital divides

Unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated negative trends in the protection of human rightsworldwide. More than ever, we need to ensure respect for civic participation, the independent media and civil society

The impacts of climate change on peace and securityare becoming increasingly apparent. A systematic integration of these risks into the UN Security Council’s work is necessary

As regards the global climate action, the COP 26 in Glasgow will be crucial and our nationally determined contributions need to be ambitious. We also need all major emitters on board.

he 2030 Agendafor Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreementon Climate Change constitute the centrepiece of our joint efforts. The nexus of humanitarian, development and peace activities has proved efficient.

The World Health Organisationhas a special role in strengthening health systems and preparedness for pandemics. It has a unique mandate in the field of global public health. It must be able to work effectively, efficiently and independently of any political or other influence.

Africadeserves peace, prosperity and stability!

he Czech Republic strongly condemns the use of violence and intimidationagainst protesters, journalists and human rights defenders. We are particularly concerned by actions of the Taliban directed against women and girls.

he UNremains a key actoron the ground. The Taliban must ensure an unhindered and safe access to the entire territoryofthe country for all humanitarian and UN staff, including all female staff.

The turbulent situation in Afghanistanposes a major challenge. It is now important to join forces to avert a humanitarian catastrophe; to continue our fight against terrorism and organized crime; and to prevent forced displacement and illegal migration.

Thethreat of international terrorismhas unfortunately not diminished. Terrorist and violent extremist groups have demonstrated their ability to adjust to the new circumstances, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The answer to the challenges we face-the pandemic,climate change andinternational crises -lies in effective multilateralism, based oninclusive and open dialogue

Within the UN, the Security Council must be able to continue to fulfil its role in safeguarding international peace and security. We support the need for a consensualreform of the Security Council, tostrengthen regional representation and ensurea fairer geographical distribution of seats through an increase in the number of elected members.Our goal is to make the Council more representative, democratic, efficient, transparent and accountable

Italy is committedto continuingto work to promote the universal valuesof peaceand development, and the protection and promotion of human rights.These are not only atthe core of the UN's action, but they are also the basisof the Italian Constitution, the European Union andthe transatlantic bond.

Another aspect of the Libyan crisis is migration. Its correct management requires a joint response from the international community. We must fight effectively against human trafficking, ensure regular international mobility and protect people's lives.

In particular, we support, multilaterally, bilaterally and within the European Union, the transition process in Libya for a sustainable and inclusive solution to the crisis

international interventions remain an essential tool in supportingpeace and security.Italy reaffirmswith convictionitscommitmentwithin the United Nations.We are the largest contributor to theBlue Helmets among Western countries and the seventh largest contributor to the budget of UN peacekeeping operations.

We have decided to use resources previously earmarked for training Afghan security and defence forces for humanitarian purposes

Italy is at the forefront in the responseto the humanitarian crisis, for the benefit of the most fragile groups in Afghanistan and of those Afghans who have left -or will leave -the country. Weare also ready to intervene in support of neighbouring countries affected by refugee outflows

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is certainlythe most pressing and shared concern, not least because of the approaching winter season.According to the World Food Programme, one inthree people in the country is exposed to food insecurity.

AsG20Presidency, we have made available the G20 platform, which is broad and inclusive by nature. Wehavepromoted a meeting of MinistersofForeignAffairs, in preparation for the extraordinary summit, which will focus on issues of humanitarian aid, security and human rights

The composition of the new Afghangovernmentdoes not meet the expectations of the international communityfor a government that is inclusive and representative of the country's diverse ethnic, social and religious components

The international community must standunited in demanding that all Afghan citizens can live in dignity, peace and security; that the protection of vulnerable groups is ensured;that women preservetheir fundamental rights, first of all the right to education.

In the past year, important issues affectingpeace and security have resurfaced.The main one is Afghanistan, wherewe facethe risk of a social and civil catastrophe.We must prevent the country from becomingonce again a threat for international security.I refer in particular to the presence of groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and Daeshon Afghan territory

e hope that the “Roundtable on Climate” promoted last Monday by Secretary-General Guterres and Prime Minister Johnson will give further impetus to the negotiations that will takeus to the G20 Summit in Rome and to the COP26 in Glasgow

The fight againstclimate change requires multilateral engagement and pragmatic cooperation among all major global players -both rich and emerging economies.We must act in an effective, coordinated and simultaneousmanner, whilst alwaysrespectingnational specificities.We intend to reacha global agreement to stop the use of coal as soon as possible, and, consistently with this objective, block the financing of newprojectsof this kind.We want to eliminate subsidiesfor fossil fuels and promote the use ofrenewable sources

As Presidency of the G20 and COP26 co-chair together with the United Kingdom, Italy intends toreachambitious goals on the three pillars of the Paris agreement:mitigation, adaptation and finance

Italy intends to continue to ensure its support forthe African continent, which is increasingly central forsecurity andeconomic growthglobally.We must increase investment, to enableAfrica’s youthto participate fully in its social, economic and political development

Italy hasalsotaken specific action on food security. Together with the FAO, we have created the “Food Coalition”to combat malnutrition caused by the Covid-19 pandemic andwe havehostedin Romethe Pre-Summit on Food Systems.

We supported the decision by the International Monetary Fund to issue new Special Drawing Rights for a total of $650 billion.Of these resources, $33 billion are destined toAfrican countries,and we are working to further increase this share.We have accelerated the refinancing of 'IDA-20', the World Bank's fund for the poorest countries.The Italian Presidency intends to facilitate comprehensive and sustainable debt restructuring in countries with excessive debt levels

Economic divergencerisks erasing years of progress in the fight against poverty,making it even more difficult to achieve sustainable developmentgoals.

he pandemic has had a negative social and economic effect on everyone, but the consequences for lower-income countries have been particularly severe

We need to increase the availability of vaccines for poor countries and overcome logisticalhurdles to distribute themwhere they are most needed.Furthermore, we mustpreserveat the global levelthe free circulation of vaccinesand of the raw materials needed to produce them.Italy givesitsfull political and financial support to the COVAX Facility.We intend to triple our donations from 15 to 45 milliondosesby the end of 2021

We need to relaunchmultilateralism, and make it effective to meet the challenges of our times.

Over the past three decades, the U.N. General Assembly has consistently voted against unilateral coercive measures through economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba but to no avail.

It is our view that the conflict must be ended through negotiations that are based on the respect of sovereign equality and the recognition of the rights and legitimate concerns of all Parties involved.

our call for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people and complete withdrawal from their occupied territories, as well as theindependence of the Saharawi people. We also renew our call for the lifting of the unilateral economic embargo against the people of Cuba.

n today’s globalized world, it is indefensible and incomprehensible that decisions which bind us all are left in the hands of few Member States. Reform of the Security Council, which takes into account the aspirations of Africa, as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration cannot be postponed any longer. Transparency, inclusivity and democracy must inform the work ofthe entire United Nations System.

errorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors, the existence of nuclear weapons, and armed conflict top the list of global security issues

We regrettably note that some Member States have relegated to the back burner critical issues of development, giving priority instead to security issues. To move in unison, the international community should strive to advance theglobal development, human rights and security agendas simultaneously.

We should recall that the lastreform of the United Nations was in 1963, over five decades ago. We are convinced that this is the opportune time to raise critical issues regarding the reform of this world body to enable it to meet the challenges and threats of the twenty-first century —a daunting task indeed.

Lesotho would therefore like to echo other Member States in calling for an inclusive UN system which encompasses equal representation of all regions in all the major organs of this august body.

Lesotho acknowledges progress achieved in other parts of the world to fight against racism, however, it remains a major concern that the plague persists in all parts of the world and a vast number of human beings continue to be victims to this date.

Trafficking in Persons continues to be a chronic challenge affecting the globe. Member States are facing challenges on how to translate the international efforts to combating all forms of trafficking-in-persons into reality.

It remains a responsibility for all Member States, to pursue a common goal of ensuring the effectiveness and enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. It is however, disturbing that in conflict-stricken regions, particularly inarmed conflict, civilians still endure inhumane treatment that is in violation of laws and regulations established to protect humankind.Lesotho condemns all forms of attacks to the civilian populations and urge parties involved in any form of conflict, to cease aggressions and engage in talks genuinely aimed at achieving a long-lasting solution and promoting human rights for all.

Lesotho remains steadfast in calling on the international community to increase funding for sound health services, increased investment in physical infrastructure, scientific and technological development, research and agricultural extension services in least developed countries.

Lesotho intends to unconditionally lower her net greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2030 and to further push for an additional 25% greenhouse gas emission reduction, provided that external support including capacity building is made available to us to cover the full cost of implementing the adaptation and mitigation actions.

ndeed, this greatest challenge of our time which has a pronounced severe negative impact on African least developed countries manifested through droughts, excessive rainfall, desertification, hurricanes, land degradation and soforth thus diminishing our capability to eradicate poverty and improve livelihoods.

As we are heading towards the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Development Countries in Doha, Qatar next year, we only remain hopeful for the consensusadoption of an ambitious new Programme of Action that should properly focus on the Least Developed Countries(LDCs)and above allthat will be geared towards ensuring that the severely struggling are not left behind in achieving the SDGs.

The situation now has been exacerbated by the devastating impacts of the pandemic on sustainable development, with the most vulnerable countries, particularly the landlocked least developed countries such as Lesotho being the hardest hit. These countries therefore require sustainable and inclusive recovery strategies to accelerate progress towards the full implementation of the 2030 agenda.

Now with nearly nine years remaining, the prospects of the world reaching these forward-looking goals remain on the distant horizon. What is even more worrisome is the Secretary General’s Report, covering the period ended in July this year, which reveals that by the beginning of the pandemic the world was already not on track to meet the sustainable development goals and their targets.

n this auspicious occasion, my delegation expresses sincere appreciation for all initiatives recently taken through COVAX to address the needs of developing countries, especially in the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.

The World Health Organization recently promulgated an unpleasant warning that unless nations act urgently to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the world could log another 100 million infections by 2021

We recall COVID-19 Omnibus Resolution entitled: “Comprehensive and Coordinated Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic”, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly last year in September 2020, underscored the need to tackle health inequities and inequalities within and among countries through political commitment, policies and international cooperation.

This Session of the General Assembly comes at a critical time and momentous conjuncture in human history; indeed, this is the time when circumstances compel us to reiterate our plea to the international community to adopt an expanded and comprehensive response to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Let us restore hope and belief in the UN, by restoring hope and belief in ourselves and in international solidarity. Let us rebuild trust in one another by bridging the inequality gaps within and between nations, reducing marginalisation, eradicating racism, xenophobia and all other forms of discrimination, and instilling tolerance among our peoples

We must more than ever renew our commitment to multilateralism and reinforce the functions of United Nations. Let us be guided by the UN Charter as we move together to rebuild a greener world, leaving no one, particularly the most vulnerable, behind.

In the light of the upcoming COP26, Seychelles calls on the international community, particularly the larger emitters and economies of the G20, to increase their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to a level that meets, if not surpasses the requirements of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report and averts the global catastrophe that threatens all of us

We are morally obligated to those who have lost their lives to the calamitous climate and biodiversity crises. We are accountable to those who face constant existential threats. And we owe it to future generations to find lasting solutions to protect this planet

Furthermore, SIDS continue to be disproportionatelyaffected by what can be best termed as environmental injustice as a result of climate change. We are the least responsible for it, yet we pay the heaviest tribute

Lack of effective and appropriate global support for SIDS will have systemic consequences on our progress on practically all Sustainable Development Goals

he application of the Vulnerability Index, therefore, remains for us, the only coherent andviable approach and strategy to resolving our current predicament.

It is imperative that we work together to build consensus and cohesion in respect of the plight of those facing threats of an existential nature, most notably SIDS.Our vulnerabilities are well known and they need not be expounded on here. What needs to bestressed, however, is that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to debt relief and concessionary financial flows is

Our efforts should also tackle economic imbalances and inequalities. In this regard, Seychelles urges the international community to assist the world’s most vulnerable economies in enhancing their resilience to future shocks

COVAX, striving as it is against all odds, can fulfilits mandate only if pledges and commitments made by the richest nations are honoured and not used as short-term leverage in one form and another

There is a virus far more terrible, far more harrowing than COVID19.It is the virus of inequality! And while the pandemic rages on and the debate continues unabated, and travel advisories of all shades and hues are being issued, humanity is the first casualty

Central to global recovery is the availability and distribution of vaccines. Central to the health and well-being of every human being is solidarity. Statements, good intentions and pledges are woefully inadequate.

In recalling our commitments to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related treaties, let us remind ourselves that the most vulnerable people –those living in dire conditions and facing seemingly insurmountable crises –require special attention and help

As we enterthe second year of the UN decade of action, it is imperative that we, as a community of nations, take deliberate, collaborative and decisive actions to guarantee a future that leaves no one behind

FoodSecurityisindeedasharedpriorityacrossallSIDS,andremainsapriorityundertheSAMOAPathway,aswellastheKiribatiVisionfor20YearsPlan

WeneedtorecommitourselvestoourobligationsundertheParisAgreement,byputtingtheneedsofourpeoplesfirst,andremainguidedbywhatisbestforourpeople.Globalissuesofbiodiversityandclimatechangearecloselylinked,andwecannotad-dressonewithouttheother.Kiribatiiscommittedtoraisingambitionsforthepost-2020globalbiodiversityandclimatechangetargetsandIcalluponleaderstojoinKiribatitoenhancecollectiveeffortsonthisimportantglobalissue.

Inrecognitionofourcommitmentsonbiodiversityandsustainablefisheries,Kiribatiwasappointedthe2019CommonwealthBlueCharterchampionforsustainablecoastalfish-eries.

Ofvitalimportanceissecuringthelimitsofourmaritimeboundariesagainstthethreatsofsea-levelriseandclimatechange.Kiribatibelievesthatoncedelimitationofourmaritimeboundaryiscom-pletedandsubmittedtotheUNSecretary-GeneralinaccordancewithUNCLOS,maritimeboundarieswouldremainpermanentandshallnotbeaffectedbyclimatechangeandsea-levelrise

IacknowledgethesupportreceivedfromtheUnitedNationsanditsagenciesandfromourdevelopmentpartnersduringthispandemicwhichhavebeentrulyinstrumentalinprovidingvitalnecessitiesintermsofmedication,foodandhealthequipmenttonamebutafew.

TheGovernmentprioritizestheimprovementofourdigitalconnectivity,asdigitaltradeholdsgreatpotentialforinclusivegrowthandso-cio-economicdevelopment

ToensurethatsustainabledevelopmentinKiribati,isinclusive,transformative,anden-duresto“leavenoonebehind”,myGovernmentisworkingtirelesslytoreduceinequalitiesandmobilizetargetedsupporttomarginalizedcommunities.

Therefore,asweembarkonthis76thSessionofourGeneralAssembly,Imustindulgeyou,Mr.President,torecallourcommitmentsunderourUNCharter,tobuildasafe,peacefulandsecurehomeforourpeoples,todayandinthefuture.

Muchfocusleadinguptothe76thUNGAhasbeengeneratedonacceleratingprogressonUN2030sustainabledevelopmentagenda.Yetintheonsetofunprecedentedchallenges,arenewedfocusonachievingtheSDGshasbeencenteredaroundrecoveryandbuildingresilience,asreflectedinourthemethisyear.

U.S.-EU Trade and Te chnology Council InauguralJoint State me ntSe pte mbe r 29, 2021Pitts burgh, Pe nns ylvania

Climate and Cle an Te ch: Give n the gre at importance of te chnology to addre s s e nvironme ntal challe nge s and conne cte d market opportunitie s , the Climate and Clean Tech working group is tasked to identify opportunities to support transatlantic trade and investment in low-and zero-carbon technologies, products and services, including collaboration in third countries , research and innovation and to engage in dialogue on the policies and framework conditions needed to promote wide deployment of these technologies and to jointly explore the methodologies, tools, and technologies for calculating embedded GHG emissions in global trade including methodologies for calculating the net environmental impact of digitally enabled solutions

12In January of this year, Kazakhstan ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, abolishing the death penalty.In June, the Government approved a Comprehensive Plan for Human Rights Protection,laying down a long-term institutional framework

The 2030 Agenda will remain unattainable until all countries have the financial capacity to invest in a sustainable and inclusive future.

There is a way forward. We have already charted our course;the 2030 agendais our roadmap.

Anotherchallenge is maritime securityand piracy. We need an integratedglobal responseto make the oceans safe. Some 90 %of piracy incidents take place in the Gulf of Guinea. Norway is seekingto advance this issue in the Security Council, in close cooperation with the countries in the region

UN peace operations play a key rolethroughout the world. Norway is astrongsupporter of the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative.This includes financial support to enhance the capacity of UN peace operationsto carry out their mandate. Especially their mandate to facilitate political processes, protect civilians and implement the women, peace, and security agenda.

The adoption of the resolution extending the mandate for delivering cross-border humanitarian aid into Syria was encouraging. It offers hope of finding a political solution to the long-lasting conflict.

Durable peace is crucial tolong-term security. In our work inthe Security Council,we promote dialogue, partnerships, and preventive diplomacy. To remain relevant, the Council must respond to threats to international peace and security. It must not shy away from challengingsituations.

We need to protect and promote the framework for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation–first and foremost, the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Great power rivalry can threatenstrategic stability. Dialogue and cooperation are essential. The extension of the New START Treaty is a welcome step forward.The international norm against the use of weapons of mass destruction must be upheld. The increased threat from chemical weapons must be countered

We will judge the Taliban by their actions, not but by their words. The composition of the interim government is discouraging.