Allow me to join earlier speakers in offering my
congratulations to Mr. Sam Kutesa on his election as
President of the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth
session. My thanks also go to our outgoing President,
Mr. John Ashe, for his excellent work over the past
year, especially his contribution to the discussions on
the post-2015 development agenda. I offer my profound
appreciation to the many United Nations officials,
peacekeepers and volunteers in the field who often
work in the most difficult conditions and put their lives
at risk.
It is also fitting to offer our thanks and gratitude
to the Secretary-General and his team for tirelessly
promoting the cause of this world body, especially with
respect to urgent matters affecting the livelihoods and
security of our peoples. I also deeply appreciate his
personal support at the fifth summit of the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United
Nations held in Brunei Darussalam last year.
Today is a special occasion for me personally and
for Brunei Darussalam as a nation. It marks the thirtieth
anniversary of our membership in the Organization.
Looking back, the world then was ideologically divided.
Now we are linked by globalization and interdependence,
searching for a united approach to addressing the many
challenges faced by the human race. As we confront old
and new problems, I believe the United Nations is best
placed to address them collectively. That is its strength,
a fact that is evident today as we strive to realize the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
We are fast approaching the deadline of the MDGs,
and we in Brunei Darussalam are pleased to see that
there is concerted global commitment and consensus
with respect to eradicating extreme poverty and
further promoting peace and sustainable development.
Brunei Damssalam actively contributes to regional
and international efforts in the areas of training and
capacity-building through the Initiative for ASEAN
Integration and through collaboration with the United
States in an English enrichment programme for
ASEAN. Similar undertakings have also been carried
out through the Commonwealth Fund for Technical
Cooperation.
The work of the United Nations and its relevant
stakeholders in leading the way forward beyond 2015
is indeed laudable. I am encouraged by the fact that we
have accomplished a great deal in the current initiative.
We have also learned many valuable lessons that will
help carry us through our journey in the coming decades.
It is reassuring to know that extensive discussions
and wide-ranging consultations have been conducted
to shape a universal framework for delivering and
implementing a transformative post-2015 development
agenda. I therefore welcome the new development
agenda and its emphasis on the importance of a human
development process that is inclusive, people-centred
and sustainable.
Those elements are also integral to Brunei
Darussalam’s National Vision 2035, which is dedicated
to improving the welfare of our people and ensuring
a high quality of life. I am also pleased that there is
unanimous agreement on the importance of protecting
the environment. In that regard, I greatly value the
convening of the United Nations climate summit to
galvanize support for addressing the impact of climate
change and in ensuring a dynamic and sustainable post-
2015 development agenda.
However, the full realization of our noble
expressions for the near future and the decades to come
faces many obstacles. The international and regional
situation continues to be threatened by instability,
injustices, social and economic inequalities and
increasingly frequent occurrences of natural disasters.
While there is relative peace and stability in the world,
developments over the past year have reminded us
of how complex security issues can cause turmoil
and instability that threaten progress in long-term
development. We are gravely concerned with security
developments in many parts of the world. Further
escalation of conflicts can weaken the international
community’s resolve and ability to work together to
achieve our worldwide initiatives.
For its part, Brunei Darussalam has participated
in United Nations peacekeeping, specifically in the
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and other
international peace monitoring missions, such as our
work in the southern Philippines. We remain committed
to such endeavours.
The overall outlook is further complicated by
challenges that are global in nature, ranging from the
impact of climate change, extremism and terrorism
to the serious repercussions of pandemic diseases.
Brunei Darussalam stands united with the international
community in combating terrorism in all its forms
and in rejecting extremism. We support all regional
and international efforts to counter terrorism, and we
will continue to participate in global initiatives such as
interfaith dialogues and dialogues among civilizations
designed to promote understanding, tolerance and
respect among world communities.
I call on every nation to take concerted action in
working to ensure that the rapid pace of globalization
and interconnectedness brings wide-ranging benefits
to all our peoples and communities. In securing the
positive aspects of globalization, as a community
of nations we must work closely together. We must
renew our approach to governance and strengthen
our cooperation, especially in resolving new issues
that require collective global action and unity of
purpose. I would like to emphasize the importance of
a comprehensive approach, especially when it comes
to ensuring peace and security. Our peoples’ quality
of life can be further enhanced only through inclusive
economic development and equitable social progress.
At the same time, all our efforts to develop our
economies should not work to the detriment of our
natural environment. These are areas that demand
renewed commitment, partnership and creativity on
the part of our global community. I would also like
to underscore the importance of strengthening our
capabilities in disaster management. The frequent
recurrence and growing intensity of natural disasters in
recent years have caused great destruction and hardship
to many communities around the world. Last year,
Brunei Darussalam hosted a humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief exercise for military personnel from
across the Asia-Pacific region, the first such event of
its kind under the auspices of the ASEAN Defence
Ministers Meeting Plus process. During the exercise, I
was very inspired as I witnessed the close cooperation
and unity shown by the diverse range of participants
from different nations, cultures and backgrounds, all
striving together to practise saving lives.
Such regional efforts are just a modest step. More
important, the fundamental principles of mutual respect
and trust, putting aside differences, upholding the rule
of law and justice and promoting cooperation should
serve as the basis for resolving conflicts, so that we
can all enjoy continued peace and stability. In the same
spirit, I also hope that we can overcome our differences
and move forward in further opening up global trade.
All our efforts to achieve the MDGs will be in
vain if, at the same time, we disregard our commitment
to pursuing peaceful means of settling disputes, as
enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The
escalation of disputes and threats to international peace
and security has resulted in appalling human tragedies
such as the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-
17 and the current dire situation in Gaza. Although the
prospects of all-out war seem remote today, instances
of worsening situations, skirmishes and brinkmanship
have shown us all too well how threats of conflict
and violence remain an obstacle to our long-term
aspirations for a better world. For Palestine, freedom
and justice are long overdue. The cycle of suffering
experienced by our Palestinian brothers and sisters is a
stark example of how little our development goals mean
if there is no peace or stability. The Palestinian people
must be granted their basic right to live in dignity and
enjoy economic development. We are encouraged by
the observance of the current ceasefire by the parties
involved, and I greatly appreciate the efforts of other
countries that have made that possible.
Looking to the future, I remain hopeful. I still
firmly believe that we need this Organization in
order to ensure that generations to come will enjoy a
secure and prosperous future. The world has changed
fundamentally since the adoption of the MDGs, and
I am confident that the United Nations will continue
to be a source of hope. It is important that all States
do everything they can to contribute positively to our
Organization.