GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT, IN CLOSING STATEMENT TO SPECIAL SESSION, SAYS TIME RUNNING OUT ON PLANS TO ASSIST SMALL ISLAND STATES

Press Release
GA/SM/103

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT, IN CLOSING STATEMENT TO SPECIAL SESSION, SAYS TIME RUNNING OUT ON PLANS TO ASSIST SMALL ISLAND STATES

Following is the text of the statement of the President of the General Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab (Namibia), delivered 28 September at the conclusion of the twenty-second special session of the Assembly held to review implementation of the Programme of Action adopted at the Conference for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, held in Barbados in 1994:

Words have been spoken, some of them fiery and passionate, from many eminent world leaders and heads of delegation. Yet another call to duty starts from here, and the direction is straightforward.

We have adopted two documents, indeed very important documents -– a resolution and a decision –- unanimously. The consensus is clear and focused on implementation. But it is also recognized that without funds, resources and sustained goodwill of rich nations and multilateral financial institutions, the way forward is uncertain.

Time is running out. We must do the right thing. We must move away from here to act. That action requires implementation of the resolution and decision adopted here. The Rio Agenda 21 and Barbados Programme of Action have set out the priority areas and strategies for implementation. These development plans remain both urgent and relevant today as when they were articulated in 1992 and 1994, respectively.

This special session was, thus, in part, a reminder to the international community to live up to the promises made and to complete the assistance programmes that have been undertaken. The record of what we have achieved here will be open to the court of public opinion for scrutiny and final judgement.

It is also an occasion for rededication; to take further steps towards ensuring that the business of the small island developing States is truly the business of the whole of humanity. In Africa, we say that a shepherd’s work is not done until he has accounted for the last few missing cows, even the very last one. This is where the United Nations and its agencies come in. Even when the dark clouds gather, the United Nations knows the way, and the will of these embattled States to succeed must always draw inspiration from the unity and solidarity of the 188 Member States represented here. As an old friend of mine insists, “We must keep hope alive”.

- 2 - Press Release GA/SM/103 29 September 1999

We listened to States, we also listened to representatives of the observer groups and, lastly, we listened to the representatives of the non-governmental organizations. And together, we are sending a message to our brothers and sisters in the small island developing States that we are with you.

Lastly, to those of you who will depart New York back to your respective homes, I wish you all Godspeed and success in your endeavours.

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