Haiti
The security situation in Haiti is “terrible,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, recalling his recent visit to the fragile country. He called for urgent action at a time when humanitarian needs are “escalating”. And although “there is no political solution in sight”, the UN chief expressed hope and optimism.
“It is impossible to look at the crisis without seeing the long shadow of centuries of colonial exploitation, extortion, dictatorship, and other blatant injustices,” he said. “We have to helps relieve suffering to the Haitian people.”
Praising the critical efforts of CARICOM leaders to resolve the situation in Haiti, Mr. Guterres called for more support from the international community.
He emphasizes that sustainable security requires strong democratic institutionswhich underscores the need for rapid improvement in the security situation.
In this vein, he reiterated his call to the Security Council to allow a “strong international security force” to assist the Haitian National Police in combating and disbanding the gangs that are wreaking havoc throughout the country.
Spirit of CARICOM
The challenges seen in Haiti are demanding greater engagement and unity, he said. The cooperation of the Caribbean Community in economic and social development, the fight against illegal drugs and arms trafficking, the fight against non-communicable diseases and the promotion of gender parity showed him the “founding spirit of CARICOM“.
The climate action championship drawing attention to the plight of small island developing States is another manifestation of that spirit, he said.
However, the challenges facing the Caribbean are “enormous”, he added. This includes the post-COVID-19 period which has seen the collapse of the region’s tourism industry and export earnings.
Growing debt amid dried-up liquidity and growing climate emergencies calls for action, he said.
Ancient financial system
“The current crisis has revealed an international financial system that is outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair,” said the UN chief. To replace it, he pointed out a plan to redesign the global financial architecture, including the Bretton Woods system, which he put forward in preparation for the Future Summit.
He urged world leaders to invest in sustainable development and climate action, development of debt relief mechanismsand create new financial tools such as exchange debt for investment to adapt to the climate.
He also called for a change in the business model of multilateral development banks, a shift away from fossil fuel subsidies, and a fair concession financing method for countries. middle income.
A 1.5°C limit is still possible
Returning to the climate crisis, he said that limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 ° C can still be achieved, but requires a 45 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. He said his proposal for a climate solidarity pact would encourage major emitters to step up. emissions reduction and rich countries to support developing economies in their efforts. The Secretary-General reminded about an Acceleration Agenda aimed at this.
“I urge the Governments to hit fast ahead of their net-zero deadlines so that developed countries commit to achieving net-zero as much as possible by 2040 and developing economies as close to 2050,” he said.
Calling on governments to accelerate their net-zero commitments, he also invited developed countries to “finally meet their financial commitments in developing countries”, including the doubling of adaptation finance and replenishment of the Green Climate Fund.