[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-76px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
27 January 2023<\/b><\/p>\n
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I thank the Government of Turkmenistan for its consistent efforts to promote the culture of peace in the world.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This new International Year has a firm cornerstone: dialogue for peace.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It is built on our shared conviction that real peace cannot be maintained or restored without constructive exchanges of views held in good faith.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
History has taught us that such open and sincere interactions can indeed foster understanding between nations.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And they can bring change in the perceptions, priorities and ambitions.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
As the English scientist Jane Goodall said, \u201cChange happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Yes, we should all change our thinking from a logic of power and rivalry, a logic of possible short-term gains to a logic of long-term dividends from peace and cooperation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Turning to dialogue instead of threats has never been as urgent as today.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, we are now facing the highest number of violent conflicts since 1945.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
To transform this state of our world, we must prevent as many conflicts as possible.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In developing a culture of peace, inclusivity is imperative, and the participation of women, the young, and civil society is crucial.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Using dialogue to bridge gaps in international trust and cooperation would be the greatest achievement in diplomacy.<\/p>\n
And I look forward to seeing Member States increasingly turn to dialogue so as to promote and advance sustainable peace, solidarity, and harmony.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The International Year we are launching today will give many opportunities to prove our commitment to peace.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And I wish you every success with the words of the man who first tamed lightning, Benjamin Franklin: Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better person.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
27 January 2023 Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen I thank the Government of Turkmenistan for its consistent efforts to promote the culture of peace in the world. This new […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
10 November 2022<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\r\n Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/p>\r\n Afghanistan is in crisis. It is in many crises.<\/p>\r\n It has been 15 months since the Taliban consolidated control over the country.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Its economy is in ruins. The humanitarian situation is disastrous.<\/span><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/span>Two-thirds of the population is hungry.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/span>Girls and women are banned from learning, having a job or getting proper medical care.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n The country is awash with heroin and opium.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Organized crime and terrorist organizations are thriving once again.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Afghanistan is facing complex and interlinked challenges that the Taliban have shown they cannot \u2013 or would not \u2013 solve.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\r\n It is time to support the Afghan people with concrete solutions that place their needs front and center.<\/p>\r\n It is true that some problems will require some time to resolve.<\/p>\r\n But there are actions the Assembly can take to change the paradigm now.<\/p>\r\n I would like you to consider one solution through solidarity.<\/p>\r\n The ±¬ÁÏÍø humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan \u2013 which requires $4.4 billion US dollars \u2013 is only half funded.<\/p>\r\n With winter weather just weeks away, I encourage Member States to provide urgent support to help reduce the $2.3 billion dollar shortfall.<\/p>\r\n Let\u2019s remind ourselves of the old saying from Afghanistan: \u201cA real friend is one who takes the hand of his friend in times of distress and helplessness.\u201d<\/p>\r\n Excellencies,<\/p>\r\n Afghanistan has a rich history of scientific achievement.<\/p>\r\n I encourage the country\u2019s reengagement with the international science community.<\/p>\r\n And\u00a0to allow women who used to be respected members of the country\u2019s science community to resume their research and their studies.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/span>Afghanistan is now the only state in the world that would deny girls their full right to education.<\/p>\r\n The prospect of girls\u2019 education has been left to uncertainty amid seemingly random edicts from the Taliban.<\/p>\r\n This time last year, Fawzia Koofi, the first woman Deputy Speaker of the Afghan Parliament, recalled her dream of one day addressing the ±¬ÁÏÍø as the President of Afghanistan.<\/p>\r\n She said:\u00a0\u201cWith me, millions of girls and women in Afghanistan had this dream that now they think will never come true.\u201d<\/p>\r\n Dreams of becoming President have been replaced by the reality of child marriage. Arrests if women and girls leave their home without a male chaperone.<\/p>\r\n I reiterate my call for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of all Afghans, especially women and girls.<\/p>\r\n Similarly, I urge the Taliban to ensure the safety of all Afghans, regardless of gender, ethnic background, religious belief or political affiliation.<\/p>\r\n To protect journalists and civil society members.<\/p>\r\n To allow unhindered humanitarian aid, and to cooperate with humanitarian workers.<\/p>\r\n We expect the Taliban to make good on the commitments they made to the international community.\u00a0To show honesty through\u00a0concrete action.<\/p>\r\n Excellencies,<\/p>\r\n The dramatic changes of 2021 have taken a massive toll on Afghanistan\u2019s economy and profoundly widened many security risks.<\/p>\r\n