Guyanese President, Dr Irfaan Ali
By Ismail Abdulaziz
Dr Irfaan Ali of Guyana has said that international cooperation, through multilateralism, was pivotal in responding to existing global challenges.
The Guyanese president stated this during the 44th Annual Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group 77 and China, in Georgetown.
The efficacy of this mechanism cannot be underemphasised at this time.
He pointed to the importance of working together to rebuild economies, strengthen public health systems and develop and distribute the COVID-19 vaccines.
Ali called for enhanced international support for institutions, such as the World Health Organisation, which are best equipped to foster a collective response in this regard.
The President said that in an effort to rebound stronger and more resilient from the COVID-19, it is necessary to internalise the lessons of the pandemic to chart a more inclusive and sustainable development path.
This he emphasised required addressing issues such as development gaps, high indebtedness and advocating for greater access to development financing.
This group continues to call upon all states to prioritise the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We must not waver in our commitment to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
Ali said that Guyana has made climate action a national priority and remained committed to working with others to overcome the world climate crisis.
He spoke on the virtual meeting held on Oct. 29, under the theme: Maintaining a Low Carbon Development Path towards the 2030 Agenda in the era of COVID-19 which brought together more than 170 participants.
As a group we must also strive to uphold the Paris Agreement and work with all stakeholders, including bilateral partners, to take urgent action to realise the agreements ambitions.
Ali also pointed to Guyanas action as Chair of the Group to develop a legally binding instrument on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
He said this issue was also of extreme importance as a result of the threat it poses to the economies of many developing countries.
The President also spoke on the issue underpinning the Groups ability to confront the many challenges in the preservation of democracy.
Democracy is essential within states and in relations between states. Democracy, therefore, must become more embedded in multilateral institutions.
The President assured members of the group that Guyana will conclude the Chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China with more commitment to the common interest of the developing world.
He called on the Group to reflect and assess the ways in which they have fallen short of the ideals set out in the Charter of the United Nations.
Only then would we be able to forge a path forward that will eventuate with the necessary reforms needed to advance the goals of a more just, peaceful and equitable world.
Source: NAN News