United Nations announces funds to fight COVID-19 and “Build Back Better”
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JOINT STATEMENT
United Nations announces funds to fight COVID-19 and “Build Back Better”
Thimphu, 15 June 2020: On behalf of the United Nations (UN) in Bhutan, the Resident Coordinator, Gerald Daly, during his meeting with Foreign Minister Lyonpo (Dr) Tandi Dorji, committed USD 1.17 million to support the Royal Government of Bhutan in addressing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A part of the commitment comes from the Secretary General’s UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, with the aim to support responses to COVID-19 and part of it is from the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund, which will fund activities to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs.
The UN Resident Coordinator said the funds will not only protect people from the spread of the virus but will also help to prevent harm to the most vulnerable over the longer-term and ensure that Bhutan can “Build Back Better”.
The programme financed by the Secretary General’s UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund supports education continuity and those whose livelihoods in the tourism and agriculture sectors are at risk. The Joint SDG Fund will support the Royal Government to create strategies to increase and make effective use of investments to manage the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, respond to climate change threats, and advance Bhutan’s ambitious sustainable development agenda.
The donor countries for the Secretary-General’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund are Switzerland, The Netherlands, Norway and Denmark who also contributed to the Joint SDG Fund.
“Lyonpo (Dr) Tandi Dorji thanked the UN in Bhutan for an additional commitment of US$ 1.17 million to the Royal Government to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the world over. It is during times like these that the important role of the United Nations becomes more apparent and much needed. Only through the spirit of global partnership and cooperation, which defines the United Nations, will the world be able to overcome the challenges of COVID-19”.
For media inquiries, please contact:
TshetenWangyal: twangyal@mfa.gov.bt or Tshering Chuki, tshering.chuki@one.un.org
RC’s statement at the Launch of National Environment Strategy at the World Environment Day
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“We must always be One nation with One vision in our convictions and efforts. When we hand over our country to our children, we should not only hand over a secure and sovereign country but an environmentally rich country.”- His Majesty the King.
Salutations
Your Majesty Druk Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, Hon’ble Secretary for the National Environment Commission, Dasho Sonam P. Wangdi, Executive Secretary for UN ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Resident Representative of UNDP Bhutan, Azusa Kubota, colleagues.
Opening
Today, as we mark the World Environment Day, we also celebrate Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan, Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck’s birthday. Her Majesty is also the Royal Patron of the Environment and thank you also for your role as United Nations Environment Program Ozone Ambassador.
The theme for this year’s global campaign is called “Time For Nature.’ Its aim is to educate and engage audiences about the value that nature provides us and convey the urgency for global action towards the post-2020 biodiversity framework given the unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss.
It is a pleasure to see the National Environment Strategy 2020 being launched today with strong support from the UN family, including at the regional level UN ESCAP and UNEP and the UN Country Team-especially UNDP.
Today, I have three key messages:
Firstly this Environment Strategy is unique in many ways:
-It emphasizes means of implementation (partnerships, innovation, finance, etc.) that are also often overlooked in similar such documents. Given that the RGOB is now developing the country’s 21st century roadmap, this environment strategy establishes key challenges and solutions which will need to be taken into consideration by the 21st century roadmap
-It fully embraces the principles of sustainable development, in a way that is faithful to the Bhutanese approach to environment and development.
-It speaks to the 5-year plan and its 17 National Key result Areas, so is fully connected to the development plan of Bhutan, which is also unique in environmental policies, that tend to be quite separate.
Secondly I greatly appreciate the role that has been afforded to the CSO in implementation. I commend the NEC and the RGoB on working so practically with the CSO fraternity. In a number of environmental areas, such as waste Management the CSO’s deserve our deepest thanks. We know we can make greater progress in the environment when the CSO’s are playing their full partner role.
Thirdly, We have only climbed half the mountain: Although mindful that 5 different UN agencies, ESCAP, UNDP, UNEP, UNICEF and FAO contributed, it is in the implementation of the Strategy that the UN agencies really need to step up.
Dasho Sonam P. Wangdi, whenever you feel we are taking too long to deliver on our implementation commitments please give us a little nudge….while the UN may be here as guests of the Nation, we also know we have to deliver results so that we remain relevant and true partners both in terms of speech and action.
Allow me to also add that this strategy is important for the people of Bhutan and it deserves our best communication skills in spreading its important messages and knowledge. Our various UN offices will assist the NEC in spreading these important messages, as you deem appropriate.
Speaking in my personal capacity, I am grateful that this is the 3rd time I have had the opportunity to support the formulation/roll-out of this strategy…I sense the way your constitution speaks to the environment…’that every Bhutanese is a truesee…that it is to benefit not just present but also future generations’ challenges me at a personal level to do what I can to support such a noble constitution.
Closing
As the world struggles through this COVID-19 battle, as always, I am deeply moved by how Bhutan has once again come together in solidarity. His Majesty the King’s leadership inspires and encourages every Bhutanese to come together, in solidarity, as one nation to combat COVID-19. I wish to commend the Royal Government of Bhutan in tirelessly focusing on both the immediate responses to this pandemic and also the longer-term recovery measures. The RGoB’s decision to continue working on the ‘21st Century Economic roadmap’ personifies Leadership in Action.
The UN in Bhutan is responding to the immediate needs of the people; the needs of the most vulnerable while strengthening economic resilience and building longer-term human capital in a comprehensive way so that we find new ways to ‘Build Back Better’.
Allow me to end by quoting the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres
“In planning the coronavirus pandemic recovery, there is “a profound opportunity” to steer the world on “a path that tackles climate change, protects the environment, reverses biodiversity loss and ensures the long-term health and security of humankind.”
UN Secretary-General’s Press Briefing (New York, 30 April 2020)
Leave a CommentTHE SECRETARY-GENERAL
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FULL TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS BRIEFING
New York, 30 April 2020
Dear journalists, good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be back with you, if only virtually, to be able to update you on what we have been doing.
COVID-19 continues its path of worsening destruction.
We mourn the lives lost – more than 200,000.
We despair that many more will follow, particularly in places least able to cope.
I am particularly worried about the lack of sufficient solidarity with developing countries — both in equipping them to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, which risks spreading like wildfire, and to address the dramatic economic and social impacts
As the virus rages, the United Nations has mobilized fully to save lives, stave off famine, ease the pain and plan for recovery.
Our voice has been clear, calling for solidarity, unity and hope.
We appealed for a global ceasefire so that the world can face together our common enemy: COVID-19.
We set out a U.S.$2 billion Global Humanitarian Response Plan for the most vulnerable populations, including refugees and internally displaced persons. Donors have generously pledged $1 billion. The plan must be fully funded.
With the World Health Organization, we participated in the launch of the ACT Accelerator – a global collaboration to speed up the development, production and equitable access to new COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. These must be available to everyone, everywhere, and they must be affordable as a quintessential global public good.
I call on donors to help kick-start this effort with generous contributions at Monday’s pledging summit in Brussels.
We placed the UN system network of supply chains at the disposal of developing countries – and millions of test kits, respirators and surgical masks have now reached more than 100 countries. Our solidarity flights have now delivered almost 1,200 metric tons of test kits and other essential medical supplies to 52 countries in Africa.
We appealed for compassion and mutual respect in response to COVID-related stigma and hate speech.
And since the beginning, mobilizing contributions from the entire UN family, a series of reports and policy briefs have provided analysis and advice for an effective, coordinated response by the international community.
Our first report documented the socio-economic consequences of COVID-19, and was followed by a framework to guide our country teams in their support of government action in response and recovery.
We highlighted the disproportionate impacts on women, including a horrifying rise in domestic violence. One hundred and forty-six governments have voiced their support for my call, and for the proposals I made.
We underscored the dangers facing children, including the approximately 1.6 billion children and young people who are out of school.
UN agencies raised the alert about the risk of rising food insecurity. An additional 130 million people could be suffering acute hunger by the end of the year.
We provided guidance on how to address the increasingly urgent human rights dimensions of COVID-19, and how to fight the spread of lies and misinformation.
Tomorrow, we will issue a report on the particular vulnerability of older persons, to be followed by our analysis of the consequences of COVID-19 for persons with disabilities and the impacts on mental health.
The United Nations is also fully engaged on the ground.
Our country teams are working in coordination with Governments to mobilize funding, to assist health ministries on preparedness and response to stay ahead of the curve, and to support economic and social measures, from food security and home schooling to cash transfers and many others.
Our peace operations continue to carry out their important protection mandates, and to support peace and political processes.
Our humanitarian agencies, despite access challenges, are making sure that humanitarian assistance does not stop. They are reaching more than 110 million people in 57 countries.
I also welcome the two resolutions adopted by the General Assembly, reflecting the determination of Member States to cooperate in addressing the pandemic and enhancing access to medicines and vaccines.
Today I would like to highlight three key dimensions of our efforts.
First, achieving a global cease-fire.
The cease-fire call has resonated widely, with endorsements from 114 Governments, diverse regional organizations, religious leaders and more than 200 civil society groups spanning all regions. Among all those, there were 16 armed groups.
But we know that mistrust remains high, and that it is difficult to move to implementation.
My special representatives and envoys are working tirelessly, with my own direct involvement when necessary, to turn expressed intentions into effective cease-fires.
In Syria, the Idlib cease-fire is holding but we are still hopeful for a country-wide end to hostilities.
In Libya, regrettably, we have seen an escalation despite all our efforts and those of many others in the international community. Yesterday’s declarations give us a glimpse of hope that a cessation of hostilities remains possible.
In Afghanistan, we are pushing hard for a humanitarian cease-fire between the Government and the Taliban.
I believe that there is an opportunity for peace in Yemen. All parties have expressed support for my appeal, Saudi Arabia has declared a temporary unilateral cease-fire, and we are actively engaging with all the parties and key regional and global actors, aiming at a permanent cease-fire, a set of confidence building measures and the possibility of opening a political process. With the first two COVID-19 deaths registered in the country just yesterday, it is time for all to recognize that the Yemeni people have suffered too much.
All our efforts depend on strong political backing.
It is my hope the Security Council will be able to find unity and adopt decisions that can help to make cease-fires meaningful and real.
Second, we are addressing the immediate needs of people facing the most dire economic plight.
The International Labour Organization reported this week that the global workforce will be hit with the equivalent of the loss of more than 300 million jobs.
Millions of children are in danger of missing life-saving vaccines.
Remittances are in sharp decline, as are flows of foreign direct investment.
Poverty could rise by 500 million people – the first increase in three decades.
I continue to advocate a global relief package amounting to a double-digit percentage of the global economy – which means at least 10 per cent.
Most developed countries can do this with their own resources, and some are doing it. But developing countries need massive and urgent support.
The International Monetary Fund has already approved $12.3 billion in emergency financing to a first group of 36 developing countries of the more than 100 that requested it.
The World Bank has indicated that with new and existing resources, it can provide $160 billion of financing over the next 15 months.
The G20 has endorsed the suspension of debt service payments for the poorest countries.
I fully appreciate these steps, which can protect people, jobs and development gains.
But even this is not enough.
I have been consistently urging the issuance of new Special Drawing Rights to increase the financial firepower of the Fund.
The debt moratorium must be extended to all developing countries that are unable to service their debt, including several middle-income countries.
That initial debt moratorium must be followed by targeted debt relief, and by a comprehensive approach to structural issues in the international debt architecture, to prevent defaults leading to prolonged financial and economic crises.
Third, planning for a better recovery must start now — for we will recover.
Recovery from COVID-19 can help to steer the world onto a safer, healthier, more sustainable and inclusive path.
It will be critical to address the fragilities, inequalities and gaps in social protection that have been so painfully exposed, and place women and gender equality front and centre if we are to build resilience to future shocks.
And recovery needs to go hand-in-hand with climate action.
I am calling on Governments to ensure that spending to revitalize economies should accelerate the decarbonization of all aspects of our economy and privilege the creation of green jobs.
Taxpayers’ money should not be used to subsidize fossil fuels or bail out polluting, carbon-intensive industries. Now is the time to put a price on carbon and for polluters to pay for their pollution. Public funds should invest in the future, not the past. Financial institutions and investors must take climate risks fully into account.
I am also asking all countries, especially the big emitters, to present enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions and strategies to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This year’s international climate conference has rightly been postponed until 2021. But our ambition cannot be deferred—ambition on mitigation, adaptation and finance.
Our template remains the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Let me recall Jean Monnet’s famous words. This is not a time for blind optimism or paralyzing pessimism. Now is the time to be determined. Determined to defeat COVID-19 and to emerge from the crisis by building a better world for all.
Thank you. And I’m at your disposal for some questions.
Spokesman: Thank you very much, Sir.
And the first question will go to Michelle Nichols from Reuters. Michelle, if you can open up your mic.
Michelle? Michelle?
Correspondent: You can hear me?
Spokesman: Yes, go ahead. We can hear you.
Question: Okay. Oh, great. Hi. Thank you, Secretary‑General, for doing this briefing, and happy birthday.
A couple of questions for you. How concerned are you that a growing war of words between the United States and China… which President [Donald] Trump appeared to sort of reignite in an interview with Reuters last night. How concerned are you that this is harming international cooperation to combat COVID‑19?
And on North Korea, have any UN officials spoken to any North Korean officials about the health and whereabouts of Kim Jong‑un? What do you know? Thank you.
Secretary-General: Well, first of all, it is clear for me that the US and China are two extremely important elements in the international community, both from the economic dimension, from the political dimension, from the military dimension. These are two absolutely vital countries.
The contribution of China and the United States, both to fight COVID‑19 but to all other aspects in the development of international relations is, in my opinion, absolutely essential, and I hope that it will become possible in the future.
We have no information about the situation of Chairman Kim Jong‑un.
Spokesman: Thank you. Edie Lederer, Associated Press.
Question: Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary‑General, and we certainly hope you’re staying safe and well.
My question goes to several things that you have talked about. The humanitarian appeal that you launched has gotten about half of what it wants. The UN Humanitarian Chief, Mark Lowcock, says $90 billion is needed to offset the costs of the impact of COVID‑19 on the poorest countries.
We haven’t seen much from the Group of 20 major industrialised countries. Who is in the lead or who should be in the lead of the international response to this crisis? I know that you yourself have actually been taking the only leadership… global leadership position that, I think, many of us have seen.
Secretary-General: Well, I believe the leadership has different aspects that are essential. There is a leadership in relation to the response to the pandemic itself. And there, I must confess, I was hopeful that the G20 would be able to agree with my proposal of a mechanism of coordination of the actions of a group of countries that represents 80 per cent of the global economy and 90 per cent of the number of cases at the time to be able to make sure that countries would be doing things in a coordinated way, would be doing things in a complementary way, instead of each country with a different strategy, which, of course, creates a risk for the pandemic not to disappear, because it can spread from one area to another and then come back.
And, so, it is unfortunate that it was not possible for the international community to find a mechanism of solid leadership in relation to the fight of the pandemic.
Now, in relation to the economic response, I think it’s important to underline that IMF and the World Bank are doing a very important job, but I think it’s also important to recognise that their resources are limited and that we need, as I mentioned, a double‑digit, which means more than 10 per cent, package to support the global economy.
Now, if you look at a country like the United States, the Congress already approved more than… about U.S.$2.5 trillion, which corresponds to a little bit more than 10 per cent of the US economy.
The problem is, we need to mobilise these resources for the developing countries. And, for that, we need to boost the capacity of the IMF and World Bank, and that’s why I’ve been appealing for the issuance of new Special Drawing Rights, which is the modern way to print money, and to allow… even without direct impact on taxpayers, to allow for support to the developing world to be much bigger.
And then I think it is absolutely essential that countries come together and that the big powers are able to overcome their difficulties in order to allow for the Security Council to be more active and more effective in relation to the aspects related to peace and security that are linked to COVID‑19 and, namely, to help push for ceasefires in a number of situations where we know that there are many spoilers; there are many forms of mistrust. It’s very difficult to overcome those difficulties, and we need unity and strength from the international community.
Spokesman: Thank you. Betul, Anadolu Agency.
Question: Thank you, Mr. Secretary‑General, for doing this. You expressed hope that the Security Council will be able to find unity to address COVID‑19. My question is, the Security Council hasn’t been able to find unity and hasn’t been able to adopt a resolution. Are you disappointed, in one of the most strong bodies of the United Nations, that it hasn’t been able to find
what you describe as the common enemy of humanity? Thank you.
Secretary-General: I think we need to be realistic. The Security Council is not an abstract thing. The Security Council is a group of countries, and we know that the relation between the major powers in the world today is very dysfunctional, and that makes it difficult for the Security Council to decide, as it makes it difficult, in many other areas, for international cooperation to work.
So, what we need is to make sure that we have the capacity of especially the biggest countries in this world to come together and to find ways to reach a consensus allowing for effective action, both fighting the pandemic and addressing the huge security and peace challenges that we are facing and, at the same time, helping to create the conditions for an effective recovery and for an effective support to the developing countries.
Spokesman: James Bays, Al Jazeera.
Question: Secretary‑General, thank you for doing this for us. Hello from the floor above you.
You’ve talked about the G20. We’ve had meetings of the G7. We’ve had the P5 talking about a meeting that they’ve been unable to arrange. We’ve had the Security Council, weeks trying to come up with a ceasefire resolution, as you’ve already discussed. Given the scale of this pandemic, has global leadership been adequate?
Secretary-General: It is obvious that there is a lack of leadership. It is obvious the international community is divided in a moment where it would be more important than ever to be united. There is, indeed, a problem of leadership or, if you want, a disconnect between leadership and power.
We see remarkable examples of leadership, but they are usually not associated with power. And where we see power, we sometimes do not see the necessary leadership. I hope this will be overcome sooner rather than later.
Spokesman: Toby, NHK.
Question: Hi, Mr. Secretary‑General, and thank you very much for speaking with us.My question is on climate change. Specifically, we’ve seen a drop… an improvement in emissions during… in many places around the world, during the period of the pandemic. And I’m wondering how specifically is COVID‑19 making the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and making improvements on climate change more difficult.
And my second question to you is, how does the UN, going forward, plan to address both climate change and COVID‑19? Is there a way to combine these efforts in the work of the UN? Thank you very much.
Secretary-General: Well, thank you very much. First of all, indeed, emissions are coming down, but that doesn’t mean that the solution for climate change is a pandemic. Obviously, when the pandemic will go, will disappear ‑‑ and we hope it will be sooner rather than later ‑‑ if nothing is done, emissions will go up as they were going up in the past.
So, what we need is to make sure, as you mentioned, that we combine the response to COVID‑19 with the climate change concerns. And there the key is in acting, and the UN will be totally committed to it, and I believe we will be mobilising many other actors, and I’m very happy to see many countries already expressing it clearly. I’m very happy to see international financial institutions saying it. I’m very happy to see different international organizations of different kinds saying it. I’m happy to see companies saying it. I’m happy to see banks saying it.
It’s clear that, when we do the recovery, this recovery must not be to replicate exactly what we had in relation to the gaps in social security systems, in relation to inequality, but also in related to climate change, which means we need to recover for a more green economy and a more green society.
We need to invest in the recovery, using the funds that will be applied to make sure that we move from a grey economy to a green economy, and that is why I’ve been saying it’s very important that the recovery is not done by bailing out pollution industries, that subsidies to fossil fuels be paid with taxpayers’ money, that it is essential that the public money that will be invested will be invested in renewable energies instead of enhancing the capacity in coal or other fossil fuel forms of producing electric energy and so on and so forth. And we could talk about transportation. We could talk about industry. We could talk about agriculture.
This is a fantastic chance we have to organise a recovery for a more sustainable and inclusive economy and society, and we will put the whole UN system, our UN agencies in the development, in the humanitarian side, our cooperation with international financial institutions, with other [inaudible] institutions, and our dialogue with Member States, we will put all of our capacity in order to make sense that we move in this direction.
And there will be an opportunity with the British and supported by Italy presidency of the COP (Conference of Parties). The COP has been postponed, but this is a moment in which we are acting together. We had just a meeting in… the Petersberg meeting just a few days ago. And we are acting together to push countries to prepare the so‑called Nationally Determined Contributions, which means their commitments in relation to the Paris Agreement that will be renewed now to make sure that they are renewed in line with the objective of reaching carbon neutrality in 2050.
Spokesman: Thank you. Ibtisam Azem. Ibtisam…
Correspondent: Can you hear me?
Spokesman: Perfectly.
Question: Thank you, Stéphane. Thank you, Secretary‑General, for the press briefing. My first question is a follow‑up on your… COVID‑19 and the Security Council answer. You said that you need… we need to… that the countries reach… need to reach consensus and work together.
So, if they’re not able to work together through the Security Council, how do we want them to work together? Do you have a specific point there whether to the General Assembly or not?
And then my question is on Syria and the cross‑border aid delivery. How important it is to re‑open Al Yarubiyah crossing from Iraq? And what is your comment to countries who claim it is unnecessary?
And the last one on Yemen, you praised… or you said that the Saudi‑led Coalition and their… declared a ceasefire, but since the Coalition air… declared a ceasefire, there are continuous air strikes, as well as shelling and fighting by all parties on the ground. Why are you praising… or why are you optimistic that you will reach an agreement there, considering what’s happening on the ground? And thank you again for the press briefing.
Secretary-General: Well, thank you very much. In relation to what I said when I expressed hope, I think hope is the last thing that ends. And I think we need to go on hoping and go on promoting the forms of dialogue that are necessary for understanding to be established and for countries to be able to come together. Of course, it’s not in my hands, but I’ll do everything I can to support that.
In relation to Syria, we have already presented to the Security Council our proposal with a number of different alternatives to allow for cross‑border operations. We still believe that cross‑border operations are needed, and we have presented the Security Council with a number of options to allow it to reach the whole territory, combined with the forms of cross-line that are also possible.
So, this is a matter of great interest to us related to the need to be able to have COVID‑19 humanitarian supplies reaching the entirety of the territory.
In relation to Yemen, what I believe is very important is that we have been engaging very actively with the parties to the conflict, and those discussions have been quite constructive. And we also have found, in all the regional and global actors, a lot of goodwill to support the effort for an agreement – an agreement for a permanent ceasefire and, hopefully, an agreement for the confidence‑building measures that are necessary related to the airport, the ports, and other aspects of access, the question of the public service payments and also about political dialogue for peace. And we hope that all the actors will understand that the suffering of the Yemeni people really now deserves the end of this conflict.
I went to Yemen many times in the past as High Commissioner for Refugees, and I always find the Yemenis extremely generous. I remember that they were granting prima facie refugee status, which means refugee status to everybody, to all Somalians coming to the shores of Yemen even when they were already in conflict inside the country.
So, this generosity that the Yemenis have always shown deserves peace, and we must do everything possible to overcome the mistrust, to overcome the difficulties, to overcome the problems, and to bring all the actors together for peace in Yemen. This is our objective, and we’ll do everything we can to reach this objective.
Spokesman: Thank you. Pam Falk, CBS News. Pam
Question: Thank you very much. Thank you… thank you, Steph. Thank you, Secretary‑General, for the briefing.
You mentioned the taxpayers’ money should not be used to subsidize fossil fuels, and you also asked countries, especially big emitters, to present enhanced NDCs, the Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris accord. You have… do you believe the United States should comply with this? Do you have a message for the US since the actual formal withdrawal doesn’t take place until November of this year? Thank you.
Secretary-General: Well, as matter of fact, the emissions in the west were decreasing already before the COVID‑19, and there has been an enormous movement of the US civil society, the US business community, in order to reduce emissions and to make the US comply also with the Paris Agreement. So, I’m always hopeful that the dynamics of the US society will prevail.
But I would like to give an example that I think is a remarkable example today and that shows how the two things can be put together, the COVID‑19 and the fight of climate change. And it is the Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea has been extremely successful in addressing COVID‑19. It was announced today that, for the first time, there was no new case in the Republic of Korea.
At the same time, the Republic of Korea has presented plans for a Green Deal in the recovery and, namely, in relation to no more coal‑fired power plants, reduction of coal‑fired power plants, reduction of emissions and a very ambitious Green Deal.
This is an example that should be followed everywhere, a very determined capacity to really eradicate the COVID‑19, putting in place the mechanisms that are necessary to do it and, at the same time, prepare a green recovery and a recovery aiming at society that is simultaneously inclusive and sustainable
I hope that this example of the Republic of Korea will be followed by many other countries in the world.
Spokesman: Alan, RIA Novosti?
Correspondent: Thank you, Mr. Secretary‑General. Do you hear me? Can you hear me?
Secretary-General: Yes.
Question: In your appeal, you’ve urged for a global ceasefire, but since that time, it seemed that, in Libya, the hostilities are ongoing. So, the situation is really getting worse. So, don’t you think that there’s… the time has come to appoint a new… I mean, to appoint a Special Envoy to this country? Can you uncover, please, who are the candidates for this position?
And if it’s possible, may I ask a second question, please? Could you please unveil, are there any scenarios being explored regarding the UNGA high‑level week, given the situation with COVID‑19? I mean, are there any chances that the high‑level week will be postponed? Thank you
Secretary-General: Yes, indeed, it is time. And it was already time, and we have had some difficulties in having someone that can have the consensus of everybody that is necessary. We hope that this will be possible in the near future. We are very actively engaged… I will not go… going to give names, but we are very actively engaging in consultations with some names, and I hope that this will allow us to solve this problem very quickly.
In relation to the General Assembly, it is still early. We are making a research of the different technical possibilities that exist. I will be in contact with the President of the General Assembly on this very soon. But, of course, for us, the role is to provide alternatives. Decisions must be made by Member States. And, of course, it is important to follow the policies or the rules that are established in relation to gatherings by the host country and, in this case, also by the state of New York.
So, I believe that, when the time comes ‑‑ and we are approaching that moment ‑‑ consultations will have to be made to see which of the different alternatives is the most realistic and the best, but this will be a decision by Member States in consultation with the host country.
Spokesman: Great. Thank you very much, and we have to leave it here unfortunately. But we hope to have the Secretary‑General back here with us very soon. Thank you.
Secretary-General: Thank you very much. All the best. And stay safe.
RC’s Opening Statement at the National Workshop on Capital Market Development in Bhutan- 18 December 2019
Leave a Comment“Our pursuit of balanced and equitable socio-economic development brought about immense prosperity for our people. For example, enlightened economic policies ensured that benefits from valuable national resources such as hydro power was neither captured by a narrow economic elite nor influential foreign investors. Instead it was judiciously developed by the state to strengthen our economy and benefit the nation and people at large.”- His Majesty the King.
Kuzuzangpola!
Opening
As Bhutan moves towards LDC graduation, it has become important to increase attention to the need to support a smooth transition.
This national workshop on Capital Market Development in Bhutan aims to engage with the government and key stakeholders to help facilitate the issuance of Bhutan’s first sovereign bonds. It will emphasize experiential learning and exchange of information with experts, institutional investors, and private sector investors.
Today I have three key messages:
- Leveraging the capital market for sustainable development
- Yang Dak Pai Dren Pa (or Right Mindfulness)
- Innovative Financing for development
Leveraging the capital market for sustainable development
The UN estimates that of the USD 3.9 trillion needed annually for developing countries to meet the SDGs, only USD 2.5 trillion is being invested every year. This means we need to bridge this USD 1.4 trillion annual gap, and I believe we can do so by leveraging the capital markets to complement what private-sector resources already do.
When it comes to leveraging the capital market for sustainable development, we must seek to promote capital markets that finance development that meets the need of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Based on past experiences, we need the primary failure of the capital markets in relation to sustainable development as one of misallocation of capital. In the words of the UN Secretary General, “the world has the resources to deliver, but they are not allocated where they are needed most.”
Studies have confirmed that capital markets were allocating capital in a way that undermines sustainable development. We are approaching the limits to which the amount of land surface can be converted to cropland, and that human processes convert more nitrogen than the combined effects of the Earth’s natural processes. It also confirmed that the marine fisheries, and global forests are being exploited at unsustainable rates of consumption.
Individually, these problems are deeply concerning indicators about the status and stability of our economic development. Collectively, they are profoundly worrying signs that our economy and capital markets are on an unsustainable footing.
What does humanity need from our shared economy? I believe, a resilient, sustainable economy that maximizes quality of life for all, so that people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives within environmental limits it key in sustainable development.
Capital markets are phenomenally important to society when used judiciously. Allocating capital to innovative research and development projects helps to ensure that our economy continually improves the efficiency and effectiveness with which it meets our current and future needs and desires. From this perspective markets provide a key element upon which we build our culture, values and ambitions.
Yang Dak Pai Dren Pa (or Right Mindfulness)
Leaving No One Behind depends on data. If you can’t count the vulnerable, the very essence of Leaving No One Behind is undermined.
We are fortunate the government are open and aware about the challenges around data. We are also fortunate The National Statistics Bureau has produced an important draft National Statistics strategy – when this is approved, the international community needs to actively support the ministries and NSB in its implementation.
We know that Leaving no one behind requires the use of disaggregated data, to allow an in-depth look at trends across different population groups. This disaggregation includes breaking data down by gender and age at the Dzongkhag and Gewog levels. Data based on national averages often misses the opportunities to identify specific challenges that must be addressed if we are to fully implement the 2030 Agenda.
This disaggregation to Gewog level will grow ever more important as government financial disbursements happen at the Dzongkhag and Gewog levels. Bearing this in mind, I decided to be guided by what is called the Gandhi Talisman which goes like this:
Whenever you are in doubt about your work, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and weakest woman or man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you are considering is going to be of any use to them.
Likewise, key challenges for capital markets firms can be addressed by a structured enterprise data management initiative. Data management has been pushed to the forefront today making accuracy of data important for effective decision making.
Innovative Financing for development
To focus more on sustainability, I think we need to continue to think about innovative financing solutions. Innovation is key to scaling up and broadening the opportunities to leverage the capital markets for development. I encourage you to think about innovation that will enable us to secure profit but also engage in developing countries.
Looking forward, we must judiciously search for game-changing opportunities to leverage the capital market for sustainable development. This is a timely and important work.
The UN is supporting the government in identifying the best practices in innovative financing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the 12th Five Year Plan.
Innovative finance comprises of initiatives to raise new funding or to optimize the use of traditional funding for development. Innovative finance is not about replacing or realigning international assistance, but to identify solutions that mobilize new financing for development, more sustainably and more predictability.
It is also about generating a new relationship on development with the private sector and non-state actors. Innovative finance is at the heart of LDC graduation and to take a recent quote of the Prime Minister, to ‘convert donors to trading partners’. I trust we will do this transition deliberately and strengthen the country’s inherent strengths when it comes to self- reliance.
Closing
Allow me to take the opportunity to thank ESCAP for their innovative support to innovative financing. By spearheading this innovation you are tangibly showing how a 21st century UN agency is responding to the needs of a 21st century economy.
Please allow me to close with a quote from the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres:
“Building the road is the first step towards prosperity. The United Nations system stands ready to travel this road with you in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to fulfil our promise to leave no one behind.”
Thank you and Tashi Delek!
RC’s statement for the Launch of HDR Report- 10 December 2019
Leave a Comment“Individual or even national success is a ship that cannot carry everyone together to the same place at the same time. Rich nations must stop to be mindful of the poorer ones left behind. Successful people must stop to remember those who didn’t make it. No nation today can stand alone in achievement. Time is slowly telling us that there can be no lasting individual success without success as a community and there cannot be lasting national progress and success if it does not fit into a future of global peace, harmony and equality. The world must progress together or fail together.”- His Majesty the King.
Opening
Last weekend I was speaking to a Bhutanese friend and I mentioned that I would be speaking today on issues connected with Inequality, Narrowing the gap, Egalitarianism, inclusion and Human Rights and his advice was that some of these words are very high and whatever I say needs to be very practical.
Another friend mentioned that she is growing tired of ‘Semdha Nosam Thingo and suggested that Yang Dak Pai Dren Pa (or Right Mindfulness) is more appropriate.
Bearing this in mind, I decided to be guided by what is called the Gandhi Talisman’s which goes like:
Whenever you are in doubt about your work, apply following test. Recall the face of the poorest and weakest woman or man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you are considering is going to be of any use to them.
Today I have three key messages that I would like to convey on behalf of the 26 UN agencies that work in Bhutan.
- Leaving No One Behind depends on data: if u can’t count the vulnerable, they don’t count.
- Knowledge products produced by the Government and UN here in Bhutan provide great insights on vulnerability and the best actions to help vulnerable people
- Sem Dha No Sam Thingo is good but Yang Dak Pai Dren Pa (Right Mindfulness) may bring better results.
Leaving No One Behind depends on data: if u can’t count the vulnerable, they don’t count.
- We are fortunate the government are open and aware about the challenges around data.
- We are also fortunate The National Statistics Bureau has produced an important draft National Statistics strategy – when this is approved, the international community need to actively support the ministries and NSB in its implementation.
- We know that Leaving no one behind requires the use of disaggregated data, to allow an in-depth look at trends across different population groups. This disaggregation includes breaking data down by gender and age at the Dzongkhag and Gewog levels. Data based on national averages often misses the opportunities to identify specific challenges that must be addressed if we are to fully implement the 2030 Agenda.
- Finally, this disaggregation to Gewog level will grow ever more important as government financial disbursements happen at the Dzongkhag and Gewog levels.
Knowledge products produced by the Government and UN here in Bhutan provide great insights on vulnerability and the best actions to help vulnerable people
- Over recent years, important studies on vulnerability have been conducted by GNHC, NCWC, NSB, various ministries including ministry of Education and Health, Parliament of Bhutan and UN agencies.
- For example, we know from the Vulnerability Baseline Assessment that there are 14 recognized vulnerable groups which speak to the challenges of NKRA 3 on inequality and poverty. When it comes to the 14 vulnerable groups, perhaps people who beg, draying workers and orphans would benefit from more targeted support.
- 10 years of democracy in Bhutan, invites us to compliment the formation of the women’s caucus but perhaps when it comes to listening to young people we might start a more deliberate process engagement with them which could eventually lead to a Youth Caucus or even a resuscitation of the Youth Parliament.
- The recommendation regarding who votes in Thromde elections, deserves a re-look.
- The KAP study and the just released national policy on persons with disability helps us to practically value people with disabilities and their contribution to the economy.
- Finally on this 2nd message, inequality is dynamic and we need to engage with insight to the emerging inequalities that some would say are still on the horizon.
- Some speak of an inequality between public and private persons.
- Some also speak of the need to distribute the economic benefit of tourists to lesser known districts.
- Re-locating some Government offices out of Thimphu appears to have merit.
- By taking practical action in these and related areas we are fulfilling the constitution and especially article 9 which deals with Gross National Happiness.
Yang Dak Pai Dren Pa (Right Mindfulness) can help may bring better results
- It’s clear from the Human Development Report 2019 there are rapid changes happening in the fundamentals of inequality around the World and Bhutan can astutely choose to read the ‘writing on the wall’ from these other countries and proactively take the right actions. Technology, Gender inequality and social media are just some of the areas where we can anticipate huge changes around the world.
- For example, when it comes to social media, one of the big weaknesses is the rise of ‘hate speech’ and we know that one of the best medicines is a strong press and news media.
- Another key element in this support to the vulnerable is to recognize the great work that is being done by the CSO’s here in Bhutan. CSOs (and I would have to add NCWC on this point) have a comparative advantage when it comes to anticipating and responding to the needs of the most vulnerable.
- As modernization continues with its inevitable and often massive societal shifts I believe open discussion, a strong press and a strong CSO sector will give us the flexibility to respond to the vulnerabilities that emerge in Bhutan over the coming period of history.
- Allow me to be more specific, I personally hope that the press and CSO community have a strong voice in the preparations of the 2040 Vision.
- I know the inherent professionalism of the press and CSO community will be grounded in Yang Dak Pai Dren Pa.
Closing
Please allow me to end with a quote from the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.
“Let us be clear: we are far from where we need to be. We are off track. Deadly conflicts, the climate crisis, gender-based violence and persistent inequalities are undermining efforts to achieve the goals.”
“And we see the impact of inequality more and more, not only among countries but within each country, and we see the disquiet in so many societies because people feel frustrated that they are left behind.”
Thank You and Tashi Delek.
RC’s Statement for UN day (Pangrizampa)- 24 October
Leave a Comment“…it would be important to reflect on and understand the timeless values and intuitive attributes of our ancestors that enabled them to achieve phenomenal success. Firstly, it is the values emanating from Tha Damtse, the sublime trust and bond among the unique concept of the Tsa Wa Sum. Secondly, it is Dremba, the innate sensibility of the Bhutanese, which has contributed immensely to our achievements as a nation. Thirdly, it is the concept of Tendrel, which transcends our common understanding of auspiciousness to also include interdependence and collective efforts to meet our collective goals and aspirations.”- His Majesty the King.
RC’s Statement for UN day (UN House)- 24 October
Leave a Comment“Today, GNH has come to mean so many things to so many people but to me it signifies simply – Development with Values. Thus, for my nation today GNH is the bridge between the fundamental values of kindness, equality and humanity and the necessary pursuit of economic growth. GNH acts as our National Conscience guiding us towards making wise decisions for a better future.”- His Majesty the King.
WHO Representative’s statement at the Media Workshop on 12th FYP and health related SDGs
Leave a CommentMedia have huge potential to influence health-related behaviors and perceptions, especially in countries like Bhutan where people have huge trust on information that appears in the public sphere. The general public often uses this information to make decisions and participate in issues that affects their lives. This way journalists play a huge public role, and must therefore, show responsibility in how they package and share information.
RC’s opening statement at the Immigration & Border Management Capacity Build Programme
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“Our pursuit of balanced and equitable socio-economic development brought about immense prosperity for our people. For example, enlightened economic policies ensured that benefits from valuable national resources such as hydropower was neither captured by a narrow economic elite nor influential foreign investors. Instead it was judiciously developed by the state to strengthen our economy and benefit the nation and people at large.”- His Majesty the King.
RC’s Opening Statement at the National Environment Strategy Workshop
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(First workshop of the Task Force of the National Environment Commission of Bhutan for the revision of the National Environment Strategy)
“When we look at the future, we see the world in a state of ominous uncertainty. Human activities have led to imbalance in nature and ecological shifts that cause growing problems like climate change and natural calamities.”– His Majesty the King.
RC Talking points for National Environment Strategy on 6 June