H.E. Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
Excellencies,
Ladies & Gentlemen,
I am pleased to represent Sri Lanka at this Ministerial Meeting and congratulate the Republic of Azerbaijan for the excellent arrangements made and for the hospitality extended to me and my delegation. I also make this an opportunity to assure our fullest support to the Republic of Uganda when it succeeds to the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The theme of this meeting, 'NAM: United and Steadfast in Confronting Emerging Challenges,' is very timely- as we gather here with a shared purpose – to reaffirm our collective commitment to the vision of the Non-Aligned Movement and address the pressing challenges that confront us in this rapidly changing world.
Excellencies, there is no doubt that we have not yet mitigated the multifaceted consequences of the pandemic, let alone other contemporary global crises. Therefore, solidarity and our reinvigorated commitment to multilateral cooperation are key in confronting the emerging challenges, such as the debt crisis, and the impact on human capital.
Excellencies, it is my respectful view that the NAM, to be effective and competent, has to evolve to meet the contemporary challenges. A strong NAM that represents the problems of our states is indispensable. We cannot however do this unless we pledge to reform. It is therefore my most respectful suggestion that we embark on a substantial reform programme if we are to continue as an effective force.
As the incumbent Chair of the High-Level Committee on South-South Cooperation, Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of fostering inclusive and sustainable development as a key response to emerging challenges. We advocate for greater South-South cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives to bridge the development gaps among our nations. However, this should not warrant an abdication of the responsibilities of developed countries and their long-standing pledges made to the developing countries, particularly in terms of the environment.
We firmly believe that these cooperative instruments should be guided by the principles of respect for national sovereignty, national ownership and independence, equality, non-conditionality, non-interference in domestic affairs and mutual benefit.
As we gather here, let us also reaffirm our commitment to overcoming the common challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. It is vital that the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change be carried out in full and the commitments of the developed countries be met, without once again leaving an unfair burden on the less developed countries. In this context, Sri Lanka has proposed to form the Climate Justice Forum for the vulnerable and developing countries with the common objective of ensuring greater climate justice. Sri Lanka intends to take up the issue of climate justice at the forthcoming UNEP Asia Pacific Ministerial Summit scheduled to take place in Colombo later this year.
Mr. Chair, today as our world witnesses unprecedented complexities, ranging from geopolitical tensions to climate change, from economic disparities to global health crises, Sri Lanka stands united with our fellow member states in the Non-Aligned Movement ready to meet these challenges with resilience and determination.
We firmly believe that the Non-Aligned Movement must remain a steadfast voice for peace, stability, and equitable development. We must strive to uphold the Bandung principles, which advocate multilateralism, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.
May I wind up by making a call to each and every member of this movement present here today to rise to the call of humanity and respond in a generous and substantial manner to ensuring that NAM will contribute in a meaningful manner so as to ensure that we as brothers and sisters of one human family can live on this planet, our only home, in peace, prosperity and dignity.
Thank you.
