Statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York in the Second Committee Plenary during the adoption of the Resolution on Natural Plant Fibres and Sustainable Development, 21 November 2019, Conference Room 2, UNHQs, New York
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution A/C.2/74/L.2/Rev- 1 on “Natural Plant Fibres and Sustainable Development” in the Second Committee under the agenda item 24 “Agriculture development, food security and nutrition”.
The diverse range of natural plant fibres provides an important source of income for farmers, and thus play an important role in eradicating poverty. We believe that the promotion of these fibres, particularly the lesser known ones, such as Jute, Abaca, Coir, Kenaf, Sisal, Hemp and Ramie, would contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. The current Government of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been adopting bold policies aiming at transforming the agriculture sector, promoting rural development, empowering the marginalized people and protecting smallholder farmers and small- scale producers. In continuation to that, Bangladesh took the lead to highlight the potential economic, social and environmental benefits of the natural plant fibres such as Jute which is fondly called the Golden Fibre in Bangladesh.
We were happy to see the interest the resolution could generate amongst the delegations. It was also encouraging to have received tremendous support from the member states across the regions in our effort to focus on the natural plant fibres in a UN resolution as a development issue for the first time ever. We hope that this resolution will pave the way for fostering scientific research, development and cooperation at national, regional and global levels to ensure, in addition to its traditional use, the high end, value-added and innovative use of all lesser known natural plant fibres.
Excellencies and distinguished delegates,
27 years back, I started my journey as the second committee delegate. Today is the last day of my sojourn in New York, and it is a happy coincidence that I am ending with the Second Committee plenary adopting our resolution. Certainly, I am leaving with a sense of accomplishment that this important issue will now be discussed in the Second Committee biennially. While I say Goodbye to you, I would like to sincerely thank you for your constructive approach, thoughtful deliberations and flexibility throughout the negotiation process which not only enabled consensus but also had enriched this resolution. I also like to express my deep appreciation for the colleagues from FAO, UNDESA, Second Committee Bureau and the Second Committee Secretariat for their cooperation. At the end, I urge all to promote natural plant fibres to save our Mother Earth.
Thank you and goodbye.