DILI, 27 september 2021 (TATOLI)– Multilateral cooperation must be protected and preserved and, where needed, be reformed or modified to cover the hitherto unregulated terrain, as the world is facing a historical inflection point.
The statement was highlighted by The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Julião da Silva, in the Ministerial Meeting of the Alliance for Multilateralism, in the margins of the 76th Session of the UNGA, which has been posted at the MNEC official site.
“Now is the moment for a more robust, more networked and inclusive multilateral system.” Da Silva said
It faces interconnected threats that could threaten global stability, such as a global health pandemic, climate change, biodiversity loss, and deepening inequalities, and economic insecurity. Unfortunately, at these unprecedented global challenges, international cooperation is under pressure due to the rising of nationalism and protectionism.
COVID-19 is the greatest test of multilateralism. A virus knows no borders, and all countries are affected. Therefore, the fight against this global health pandemic requires more and enhanced international cooperation and worldwide solidarity: “In this context, Timor-Leste calls for strengthening a cooperative, transparent, science-based and coordinated global response, including ensuring access to vaccines to all, especially to low-income countries who are seriously under-vaccinated with only 1.1% of their populations having received a vaccine. “
Climate change and preserving biodiversity are key priorities for Timor-Leste as no countries are immune from the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss.
“In this sense, Timor-Leste looks forward to working together with the international community to achieve an ambitious international agreement, taking into consideration the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, aiming to protect our planet for the current and future generations,” Da Silva added.
Additionally, Timor-Leste urges the realization of commitment made to mobilize 100 billion climate finance per year to enable the implementation of adaptation and mitigation efforts and addressing loss and damage.
Likewise, Timor-Leste firmly believes that all people should enjoy their human rights and live with dignity without discrimination.
“Gender equality and parity are fundamental objectives for Timor-Leste and we have reached significant achievements with regards to women’s political participation, where nearly 40% of our Parliamentarians are women. Timor-Leste believes that women’s active participation and decision-making in public life are crucial to their empowerment and equality. To this end, Timor-Leste encourages multilateral action and partnership to advance gender equality,”
At the same place, da Silva declares that to Address the common agenda, Timor-Leste reiterates its commitment to work with the International community.
“Timor-Leste reiterates our commitment to work with the international community to address our common agendas,” he said
The UN General Assembly is the main policy-making organ of the United Nations. This policy brief provides a short overview of some key issues to be discussed during the General Debate and several High-Level events during the opening of UNGA 76.
This session coincides with the current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres set for another five years term at the helms of affairs of the world body. Over 100 global leaders are attending the deliberations.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sa
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
