Statement delivered by Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations at the 56th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on “Item 111: Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization”

Thank you, Mr. President, 

I thank you Secretary-General for your comprehensive report  which provides a sobering reminder of the global challenges  but also what is possible. 

Guyana recognizes the pivotal role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges, including the promotion of sustainable development, the maintenance of international peace and security, and the protection of human rights. Regrettably, on all these fronts there are tremendous setbacks and in some cases regression. 

Hunger and poverty have deepened, conflicts continue to proliferate, international law and international humanitarian law violations continue with impunity with women and children bearing the brunt, and climate change continues unabated with devastating impacts. Guyana therefore applauds the achievements of the organization, and pay tribute to you Secretary-General, and the staff  who continue to serve in these challenging circumstances, including in Gaza, where a historic number of them were killed while serving humanity.

Mr. President,

Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda  and we continue to intensify our efforts to achieve the goals. However, to make real global progress and reverse the downward spiral, we, all the Member States of the United Nations must uphold the principles of the UN Charter, including the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We must increase our efforts to end conflicts and address the ballooning humanitarian crises. There must be more investment in development and a recognition that development is directly linked to conflict prevention,  peace and security.

The report rightly emphasizes the urgent need for strengthened multilateralism and  international cooperation. The truth is multilateralism has not failed with respect to commitments, especially to developing countries. The deficit is in implementation. It is time for those commitments to be fulfilled, including development finance and climate finance. The Pact for the Future was intended to ‘turbo charge’ SDG implementation and to secure the future we want. We must ensure that it does. 

In closing, Guyana supports the Secretary-General's belief that we can achieve much if hope is matched with action. We therefore stand ready to work with all member states to advance the noble objectives of the United Nations for a better world.  Mr. Secretary General you have our full support. 

Thank you.