Somali government endorsed the Sustainable Development Goals that will now succeed the Millennium Development Goals which conclude at the end of the 70th UN General Assembly next week.
The Somali Minister for Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion, Dr. Abdusalam H. Omer stated that the Government of Somalia was proud to have participated in the inclusive and transparent process of negotiations of the Sustainable Development Goals throughout this year. He also added that it is crucial that the nations of the world complete what they started ambitiously as individual States to create a better, secure and more prosperous world for all human beings.
The Foreign Minister of Somalia acknowledged that it is impossible for all UN member States to get what they wanted during the negotiations process but that he strongly believed the Sustainable Development Goals provided a strong framework to overcome the greatest challenges the world faces today. However, he warned that without collective action and commitment, these changes would not be possible.
“The challenges of today are ones that require common action through partnership in order to ensure security, progress and prosperity for mankind” said the Minister.
Dr. Abusalam H. Omer made clear that partnerships in all their forms were fundamental to the fulfilment of the promises contained in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Transcript: Read the Speech Somali FM Gave to the United Nations
“There cannot be finger pointing fifteen years from now because we have failed to work together simply because billions of people’s lives depend on the effective outcome of our commitment and corporation,” warned the Minister.
Minister Abdusalam H. Omer said that his nation has now exited civil war and is now on the road to recovery. He reiterated the importance of not leaving behind any country, especially those that are in conflict and post-conflict state, like Somalia. He further underlined that development as a whole, as it is envisaged in the Sustainable Development Goals, requires inclusive politics, Justice and Good Governance.
“The way out of violence and political misunderstanding is commitment to Justice, Humanity and Good Governance,” stated the foreign Minister. “All these universal goals are a prerequisite for a stable and the conducive environment for the implementation of the sustainable development goals.”
The Somali Foreign Minister made clear his country is ready to work with all partners, old and new, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Somalia. He envisaged that as Somalia continues its journey towards peace and development it will be able to contribute to the stability, progress and prosperity of the world.
“The Somali people have a rich story to share and much to contribute to the global community. Many in the world have come to know our previous chapter during conflict as survivors,” concluded the Foreign Minister. “Today, we come into this current chapter to be known as builders as we work towards a stable and peaceful society and region in the horn of Africa and the world.”
Alongside his speech at the General Assembly, Minister Abdusalam attended a high level panel meeting on the future of financing humanitarian action organised by the Government of Norway and he held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Minister of Qatar. He also attended a reception hosted by the chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.
The President of Somalia is also expected to arrive in New York today for meetings with Heads of State including President Obama of the United States.
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