At this sixty-fifth session of
the General Assembly, it is right that we re-examine
the role of the United Nations in global governance, as
we strive to help it adapt as fast as our times are
changing, so that it serves all its Members equally.
In my understanding, global governance
recognizes the inevitable and welcome
interconnectedness of nations, the unique
circumstances and contributions of each and the
principle of mutual respect. I say “welcome” because,
as we have seen, major threats of a global scale — like
the financial crisis, climate change, terrorism, poverty
and other challenges to world peace — need the
concerted efforts of all nations if they are to be
addressed effectively.
The just-concluded High-level Plenary Meeting
on the Millennium Development Goals has provided us
another opportunity to assess the role of the United
Nations, measure the progress we have made and
consider the hurdles that remain in meeting the various
Goals we set for ourselves. It is evident that the United
Nations is uniquely placed to play a crucial role in
mobilizing and galvanizing all nations for the common
good, driving forward our collective initiatives and
coordinating actions that foster the social and
economic development of all.
Still, the United Nations is the sum total of
Member States, and it can only be as good as the
constituent Members want it to be. If there were a
common understanding and shared values among all
Member States, the Organization would deliver more
efficiently on its mandate. But it has become clear that
the United Nations has evolved into a two-tier
organization, reflecting a world that seems to be
divided into two major categories: one considered to
have inherent, laudable values, rights and liberties, and
another that needs to be taught and coached on those
values.
My country and many in the developing world
seem to fall into that second category. Not only
marginalized and disenfranchised, we are also
considered chronic violators of our own human rights.
The implication is that the United Nations holds a
certain standard for some countries, and another for
others, especially on international issues concerning
which every single Member should be treated equally
under the law.
In my view, a debate between those two
categories is urgently needed within the United Nations
membership so as to regain the noble founding ideals
of the Organization. No entity is better placed than our
common United Nations to bring equality and respect,
despite disparities in economic status.
The same situation pertains in the realm of
international justice and the rule of law. Rwanda
subscribes to the principle that everyone and every
State is accountable to laws and that the rule of law
should govern us all. But these laws must truly be
equally enforced and independently adjudicated.
Reaffirming the role of the United Nations in
global governance presupposes strengthening and
reforming it to make it more effective and efficient in
its response to global challenges. The impetus to
reform our global governance structures, however, is
the desire to ensure that they are equipped to deal with
those challenges and secure a brighter future for all the
citizens of the world.
When there are no avenues for appealing
international rulings, when there is an accountability
deficit in key global institutions and when ordinary
citizens feel that the United Nations cannot deal
adequately with the issues affecting their daily lives,
the United Nations cannot be seen as credible, relevant
and democratic. We should make sure the Organization
does not become a tool for the powerful to protect their
interests and enhance their influence or use it in
subjugating others.
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Rwanda believes in multilateralism and
understands that global challenges can be effectively
resolved only through international cooperation. The
United Nations must continue to be at the centre of that
agenda and play its role without bias or prejudice.
As we in Rwanda continue to rebuild our country,
we have become acutely aware of the need for lasting
peace and security in our region and have worked hard
to achieve it. We know that stability is the key
prerequisite for our development and the improved
lives of our citizens and our neighbours, and we have
unreservedly committed ourselves to attaining it. We
will continue to work in partnership with our
neighbours, international and regional organizations
and the African Union to ensure that peace and security
prevail and that Africa fully realizes its potential.
Lastly, let me say that each of our countries,
separately and collectively, has a duty to the people of
the entire world, especially the most vulnerable.