Tuesday 20 December 2011

On the occasion of International Human Solidarity Day , President of the 66th Session , General Assembly of the United Nations

STATEMENT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SPOKESPERSON FOR
THE PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
United Nations, New York, 20 December 2011

On the occasion of International Human Solidarity Day


Today we are facing critical challenges in the environmental, economic, financial, social, and political spheres. Extreme weather is causing extreme hardship. The world economy is experiencing the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression. 

The effect of these challenges has been a slow-down in the development and progress we have worked so hard to attain. 

Common challenges require common responses. It is my wholehearted belief that solidarity, cooperation, and partnership between Member States, the UN system and civil society are the cornerstone of efforts to move forward. 

Solidarity is one of the founding principles of the United Nations. We have vowed in the UN Charter to come together to maintain international peace and security, and to work jointly and collectively on finding solutions to economic, social, cultural and humanitarian issues. 

International Human Solidarity Day reminds us that together we can prevail. That together we have the power to fulfil our standing commitments and respond to the enduring and emerging challenges before us.
In that respect, one of my key focus areas this session is sustainable development and global prosperity. This year is vital for the sustainable development agenda. The upcoming third United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio plus 20) is a distinct opportunity to reinvigorate the international community’s commitment to achieving its sustainable development goals, as well as reaching global consensus on the eradication of poverty and global inequality. It is our chance to ensure that the benefits of sustainable development are extended to people of all countries.

International solidarity will be the key to a successful outcome, made possible only through partnership between developing and developed countries premised on the principle of common but differentiated responsibility.  
In celebration of this Day, let us bolster the spirit of cooperation and solidarity; let us bring together all parts of society to build more inclusive, cohesive, and dynamic world for us and for generations to come.



* * *

No comments:

Post a Comment