Mr. President,
I thank you for your comprehensive briefing on your priorities for the resumed part of the 77th session. We join others in congratulating you for successful completion of the main session of the 77th UNGA.
The world today confronts diverse and unprecedented challenges like Ukraine war, the existential climate crisis, protracted economic stagnation, fiscal austerity measures, financial markets volatility, escalating food and energy prices and the Pandemic. We are rapidly falling behind to achieve our shared promises of the 2030 Agenda. We are at the verge of experiencing the worst economic recession of our time.
Against this backdrop, we have full confidence in your vision of ‘Solutions through Solidarity, Sustainability and Science” to steer us forward in this difficult journey.
Let me highlight a few specific points in this regard:
First, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has plunged the world into a grave uncertainty of our time. Escalating food insecurity, energy and economic crisis are affecting us all. Countries that are already in vulnerable situation are now facing even more challenges to achieve the SDGs.
We believe, mutual dialogue is the best way to resolve crises and disputes. Therefore, in order to gain the trust and confidence of the people of all countries and all segments, the United Nations must lead from the forefront to fulfill the expectations of all of us.
Second, amid looming global economic uncertainties, many developing countries, especially the LDCs, find themselves in an ever-shrinking fiscal space. We need a more just and inclusive global financial system that recognizes the vulnerabilities of these countries and provides them with access to adequate and affordable financing. The glaring ‘financial divide’ must be bridged urgently.
In this regard, we reiterate the importance of the reforms of international financial architecture. It must be aligned with global development goals to accelerate a post-pandemic, post-conflict recovery. We want to see, as a matter of priority, the early implementation of Secretary General’s call for “SDG Stimulus plan” for the most distressed and vulnerable countries.
Third, the impact of climate change is one of the greatest threats for the humankind. We are encouraged by the achievement of COP-27 including “Sharm Al Sheikh Implementation Plan”. We welcome the decision to form a new fund to address “Loss and Damage” in the most vulnerable developing countries like Bangladesh. We call for early operationalization of the Fund and its adequate resourcing.
We look forward to build on our achievements in Sharm Al Sheikh to reach higher ambition in COP-28. We wish to work with your office for creating necessary impetus towards higher NDCs (Nationally Determined Contribution) commensurate with 1.5-degree target, enhanced financing, technology transfer, and addressing loss and damage issue. We should also use the current constraints on energy supply to transform our ways of producing and using energy.
Fourth, science, frontier technology and innovation will drive future growth and play a catalytic role in humanity’s collective response to sustainable development challenges. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone, everywhere gets fair and equal access to these technologies. The burgeoning digital divide must be bridged as a matter of priority.
In this regard, we call for capacity building and technology transfer from developed countries to developing countries in order to full implementation of the 2030 Agenda. We count on your support to place this issue high on the UN agenda.
Fifth, The LDCs, LLDCs, SIDs, and African countries are suffering seriously and disproportionately for so long and current geopolitical realities has exacerbated the situation. For these countries, a reinvigorated international support is required more than ever before. We, therefore, feel that the deliberations and strategic priorities of the UN should put the needs of these vulnerable countries at the front and center.
We look forward to making the upcoming LDC5 Conference a success. We count on the continued support of all the Member States for the implementation of the Doha Progarmme of Action for the LDCs.
Sixth, Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas who fled atrocities in Myanmar in 2017. For the 7th consecutive year, this Assembly has adopted a resolution that calls for their voluntary, safe and sustainable return. Yet not a single Rohingya could be sent back. We would request you, Mr. President, to utilize your good offices to ensure the implementation of the resolution and in finding a durable solution to this crisis.
Finally, you are aware, Mr. President, of our pioneering role to advance the culture of peace agenda for over two decades now. In the resumed part of the current session, we will table the plenary resolution on culture of peace for the 23rd year in a row. We look forward to working closely with your office to organize this year’s High-level forum on culture of peace.
I would rest it here. I thank you all.