UNITED NATIONS - Suriname on Tuesday appealed to the international community for a just new world order and warning that aggression and military force “should be replaced with peaceful resolutions and dialogue”
President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday (CMC Photo)Delivering her maiden address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Suriname President, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons said that the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country reiterates its strong commitment to multilateralism as one of humanity’s most important achievements “which needs our protection in this time of change.
“As a matter of urgency, I call on every member state to keep the peace, protect the planet and all human rights. Suriname has shown the world that living sustainably together is possible. We are better together,” she told the 80th session of the UNGA, noting that it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the independence of her country and its membership to the international body.
She acknowledged that the United Nations played, in some instances, an important role in ending colonial rule, advancing human rights, and providing hope and a future to the most vulnerable in our global community.
“Equally our organization provided a forum for discussions aimed at adopting a framework for the sustainable development agenda. A journey, that spans over 80 years and which has not been without challenges. We have come a long way but have an even longer road to travel.”
She said that the United Nations had provided a voice to the global community and worked to establish a balanced world order, conducive to development of peace and prosperity for all.
“In some instances, the peaceful resolution of conflicts was achieved, preventing misery and saving human lives,” she said, adding “on the other hand, we must admit, that the UN sometimes, regrettably has been unsuccessful in avoiding conflicts, wars and violations of human rights”.
President Geerlings-Simons, the first woman head of Suriname, said that in Europe and elsewhere, war has returned, displacing millions, killing many and threatening global security.
The first CARICOM leader to address this year’s session of the UNGA, said that in several other countries and regions for instance in the Middle – East “we have witnessed unspeakable terror at the hands of terrorist organizations.
“At this moment there are increased occurrences of grave violations of human rights and more specifically the rights of children for example in Gaza,” adding that within the Caribbean region “we have not been spared of rising tensions
“It is with heightened concern that we noted the Secretary General’s recent briefing of the Security Council Meeting, on the situation in Haiti, mentioning that “the Haitians are enduring a perfect storm of suffering”.
“Suriname strongly reiterates its position that conflicts should primarily be resolved through dialogue. We remind the international community that Latin America and the Caribbean are proclaimed as a Zone of Peace.”
She said that as the member states reflect and ponder on the role and effectiveness of the UN for the next 80 years, it is important to think of what “we have to change, what needs to be done differently.
“The United Nations will only be successful if all nations are committed to the implementation of those matters, we agree upon and the resolutions we adopt. As member states, we must come to the realization that the world in which we established the United Nations 80 years ago, no longer exists.
“Today, partially because of the work done by our organization, some poor countries have developed substantially, economically and otherwise. They have become powers who can’t be ignored any longer.”
President Geerlings-Simons said the task ahead, therefore, is to go back to the table and renew vows, recommit to the principles and objectives of the Charter.
“This implies that all nations should adhere to the rules and regulations agreed upon in order to attain a peaceful world order, in which all people from all regions, should have opportunities for a dignified life.
“Furthermore, the UN should adjust to the world we currently live in. This means that for example, the Security Council should be expanded to include all nations who exert major influence in the world,” she said, warning that “exclusion of these players will only increase the risk of conflict and obstruct the beneficial cooperation, necessary for humanity to develop and prosper”
President Geerlings-Simons said it is of great importance that all economically and otherwise strong countries, maintain a healthy competition that promotes the scientific advancement needed for sustainable development.
“On the other hand, these countries need to work together to guarantee the global peace, so crucial for the existence and growth of developing states. In this context, Suriname endorses the inclusion of, amongst others, Brazil, India, and a representation of the African Continent, for equal membership of the Council.
“Equally we support the CARICOM position for a nonpermanent rotating seat for the Small Island Developing States and Low-lying coastal countries. I would like to remind member states that my country has presented its candidacy as a non-permanent member of the Council for the period 2043-2044.”
She said the United Nations must be a genuine unity of nations if in moving forward, it “wants to play a positive role for a prosperous future for humanity.
“Suriname stands firmly for global peace, for the rule of law, and for the equal value of every human life. Let us work together to create the necessary environment which will bring lasting peace to our region and elsewhere.
“Considering this, Suriname once again, calls for the lifting of the longstanding embargo against Cuba and its people,” she told the international community.
President Geerlings-Simons said her country with its rich history, and extraordinary cultural diversity, including Indigenous, Maroon, Javanese, Hindustani, Creole, Chinese, European and more, live together in a mosaic of cultures and faiths.
“We consider this a great asset. Suriname does not have diversity, Suriname is diversity, and we keep working together to protect and grow our national unity for our own wellbeing and as an example of harmony in an often divided world.
“My country also carries immense natural wealth, and it is our vision to create an economy that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive.”
Regarding the issue of climate change, President Geerlings-Simons said despite the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement 10 years ago, “the climate crisis is worse than we feared. “Our countries, have least contributed to climate change, but are hit the hardest by its effects, directly impacting the livelihoods and economic growth of our peoples
“Suriname calls for the urgent attention of the international community to address the detrimental impact of climate change facing the small island developing states and countries with low lying coastal areas.
“Our forest stands strong. More than 90 per cent of our land is covered by rainforest. Your eyes have never seen so much green. Suriname is one of the three carbon-negative countries on earth.”
She said that since 1992, the forest in Suriname forest has absorbed nearly 290 million tons of carbon, and each year “we capture more than we emit, and we want to keep it that way. “The protection and conservation of our forest has been a priority. We have been logging sustainably for decades and did so with the Sustainable Tropical Rainforest Management System developed in Suriname. An ecological approach to forestry.
“Also, the Indigenous and Tribal communities protect the forest by their continued stewardship. We are proud of the way we did it, but pride alone does not pay the bills and does not develop the Indigenous and Tribal communities.”
She said that the time has come for the world’s largest emitters to share in this responsibility, not only with words, but with action, justice and finance.
“Suriname strongly calls for global action: predictable climate finance for high-forested, low-deforestation countries; fair recognition of real carbon removals; and direct support for the communities who live in and protect these forests,” she said, adding “Suriname…therefore endorses the initiative of the COP 30 Presidency to launch the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) and calls upon the international community to contribute to its success”.
