Sao Tome and Principe

Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly, Mr. Secretary-General, António Guterres, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, Honourable Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great honour that I address this noble Assembly, representing São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island state which, like so many others, is confronted with the complex challenges of our times.

On behalf of the people of São Tomé and Príncipe, I would first like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your brilliant election to the presidency of the 79th session of the General Assembly.

Allow me also to warmly congratulate Secretary-General António Guterres for the excellent work he is doing in promoting international dialogue and cooperation for peace and development.

Excellencies,

It is easy for me, as for everyone present in this house, to say that what stands out among international issues is the uncertainty and insecurity that mark both the present and the future.

As a small island state, my country is on the front line of the consequences of climate change, and the climate crisis represents the greatest existential threat to our populations. Although we are responsible for only a tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, we are among those who suffer most from their effects. Rising sea levels, more frequent and more intense storms, coastal erosion and the loss of biodiversity threaten not only our livelihoods, but also our very existence.

It is therefore imperative that the international community strengthen its commitments to the Paris Agreement and ensure that the voices of the most affected nations, like ours, are heard and incorporated into concrete action. We call for global action that is not only ambitious, but also urgent.

COP29 on climate change, which will take place in November in Baku, Azerbaijan, will be a crucial opportunity to reaffirm the collective commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. However, commitments are not enough. We need concrete and immediate action to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis. We call on the largest emitters to fulfil their historic and moral obligations by drastically reducing their emissions and honouring the climate financing promised to developing countries, which are paying the price for a crisis they did not cause.

We also call for an expansion of financing mechanisms for adaptation, because we must strengthen our resilience. We are already investing in innovative adaptation solutions, such as the sustainable use of our marine resources and the deployment of renewable energy. However, our efforts must be intensified, which requires the support of the international community.

Excellencies,

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continue to be a beacon for our progress. For us, sustainable development is not a choice, but a necessity. Our vision for the future is founded on the Sustainable Development Goals, and it is in this spirit that we strive to strike a balance between economic growth, environmental protection and social justice. However, the deadline for achieving them is fast approaching and, for many of us, there is still a long way to go. Development support must be renewed and new models of partnership between nations must be explored. We reaffirm our commitment to the SDGs, but without an international environment that fosters fair trade, accessible financing and peace, our efforts will be limited.

We ask for the support of the international community to accelerate our transition to a green economy and so that, together, we can be examples of how sustainable development can transform societies and ensure the prosperity of future generations.

Furthermore, we cannot fail to mention the importance of strengthening multilateral institutions and ensuring that all states, regardless of their size or economic power, have a say in decisions made on a global scale. Multilateralism is our best instrument for meeting the collective challenges that transcend borders.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Global peace and security face growing threats, ranging from armed conflicts to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The African continent continues to be the theatre of protracted conflicts that cause profound and unacceptable suffering. These conflicts demonstrate the need for greater diplomatic intervention and African solutions to African problems.

São Tomé and Príncipe calls on the international community to intensify its mediation efforts and its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts in Africa, while respecting the sovereignty of nations. There can be no development without peace, and peace is only possible with justice.

Excellencies,

I would also like to take this opportunity to echo an appeal that has resonated in this Assembly for decades: the need to end the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on the Republic of Cuba. This blockade is unjust, outdated and contrary to the principles of peaceful coexistence and solidarity among nations. The Cuban people have shown resilience, but it is time for the international community, particularly the United Nations, to step up its efforts to redress this injustice, in the name of peace and human dignity.

Excellencies,

The United Nations is celebrating its 79th anniversary this year. This length of existence confers on the UN a special status. Indeed, this observation cannot simply be dismissed.

This represents nearly eight decades of hard work and experience, unmatched by any other organization, in pursuit of achieving and maintaining peace and delivering other global public goods.

On this occasion, we must salute the unwavering commitment of the Secretary-General, whose work on all fronts touches us deeply.

Faced with our persistent dilemmas, it is imperative to bring new substance of hope to the global stage. This is an essential goal and role of the United Nations, but this mission is also ours.

The current state of the world is not inevitable.

If we hollow out the United Nations and if every state becomes imbued with the spirit of every man for himself, the result will be that global problems such as wars, economic crises, environmental crises and other ills will remain unaddressed.

The world has changed since the creation of this Organization. The international system, like its institutions, must evolve to reflect the realities and needs of the present. We are in favour of a reform of the United Nations Security Council so that it is more representative and more effective in its mission of maintaining international peace and security. The multipolar world in which we live today demands a more inclusive and more dynamic UN. In saying this, I stress the need to consider Africa as part of the whole. We cannot continue with a Security Council that reflects the power structures of 1945, a period when most of today's African states were still under colonial domination and therefore had no voice in international affairs.

This underrepresentation of the continent is also evident in other global governance structures, such as international financial institutions, and it is urgent that this be addressed.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The future we want must be built on the foundations of cooperation, solidarity and mutual understanding. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the interdependence of nations and the need to provide common responses to global challenges. We must continue to strengthen multilateralism, to promote the sharing of knowledge, resources and innovative solutions.

São Tomé and Príncipe reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles governing this Organization. We are convinced that, through dialogue and cooperation, we will be able to meet the greatest challenges of our time — from climate change to poverty, as well as the promotion of human rights and equity.

Excellencies,

In conclusion, we would like to reaffirm that our presence here is a testament to our faith in the United Nations and its ideals. Despite our limited resources, we bring to the global table our tireless commitment to contribute to a more just, safer and more sustainable world. São Tomé and Príncipe stands ready to do its part and to continue working hand in hand with all the nations present to build a better future for all.

Thank you for your attention!