Mr. Chairman,
Thank you for allowing me to speak on behalf of the group of 77 and
China on the agenda items 87(a), 87(b), 87(c) and 87(d).
Mr. Chairman,
On agenda item 87(a) "Globalization and Inter-dependence",
we thank the Secretary-General for his report A/59/312 on the agenda
item "Globalization and Inter-dependence" under consideration
today.
Mr. Chairman,
It was hoped that the era of globalization would bring about sustained
and equitable growth of all nations, as a natural consequence of free
movement of capital, goods and services. The impact of the globalization
process has, however, been uneven. As the Secretary-General had observed
in the report he presented to the Millennium Summit more than three years
ago, the benefits of globalization are not shared equitably whereas its
costs are being borne disproportionately by the poor. Little progress
has been made in reducing disparities in income and wealth between nations.
The challenge before the international community is to maximize the benefits
of globalization while minimizing its negative impacts.
The persistence of inequitable sharing of the benefits of globalization
and the ever-widening gap between developed and developing countries,
as well as the deteriorating socio-economic situation in developing countries
with their adverse effect on the poor highlights the need for institutional
and policy changes at all levels.
We need to examine the challenges faced by the developing countries.
One of the challenges is the growing imbalances in the global economy
and the asymmetries in the global trade. Foreign direct investment which
brings with it not only access to financial resources but also technology
has decreased drastically in the recent years. A large number of developing
countries which are experiencing low growth rates have been engaging
in policy reforms. These reforms can only be sustained through increased
external assistance. It is imperative to create an enabling international
economic environment through concerted action on trade, debt and development
assistance for the greater integration of developing countries into the
world economy.
It is also important to address the issue of voice and participation
of developing countries in the international economic decision-making
and norm-setting processes with a sense of urgency as recognized at UNCTAND
XI. It is particularly important to developing countries that all countries
take into account the need for appropriate balance between national policy
and international discipline and commitments.
Mr. Chairman,
The Group of 77 and China
would like to emphasize that the outcomes of the major United Nations
conferences and summits have already created a significant shared vision
towards globalization and we need to build upon it with collective
political resolve. In this context, the Group of 77 and China believes
that putting the Millennium Development goals and other development
targets at the centre of economic institutions and policies is a critical
way to "confront the centrifugal forces" unleashed
by globalization.
Globalization with a human face would be an effective tool for the developing
countries in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Mr. Chairman,
On agenda item 87(b) "International Migration and Development",
the Group of 77 and China would like to welcome the report of the Secretary-General
A/59/325 on "international migration and development" which
provides a summary of the recent activities carried out within the United
Nations system, as well as cooperation between the United Nations and
relevant intergovernmental organization on this issue.
Mr. Chairman,
The widening economic and social gap between and among many countries,
especially between developed and developing countries, the marginalization
of some countries in the global economy, due in part to the uneven impact
of the benefits of globalization and liberalization, and the absence
of peace and security have contributed to large flows of people between
and among countries.
While migration has been a permanent part of national and international
developments throughout history, international migration has been a growing
complex phenomenon, and today has become a key issue of international
interest and concern. Countries of origin, transit and destination are
attaching increasing importance to this phenomenon and its contribution
to development.
The International Conference on Population and Development has identified
international migration as one of the major issues that require attention
due to its deep-rooted effects on population trends, development, and
the very livelihood of millions of people around the world.
It is recognized that international migration has significant potential
for improving development in developing countries. In this context, remittance
flows represent the second largest source of external funding for developing
countries-second only to foreign aid.
Individual and private earnings remittances by migrant workers contribute
significantly to development and poverty reduction in a large number
of developing countries; therefore it is important that Member States
and private organizations take measures to reduce the cost of remittance
transfers. Governments should also seek ways to set up programs and develop
incentives to promote and provide opportunities for possible productive
investment of those remittances. While migration can fill labor market
gaps in countries of destination, it also leads to the loss of highly
skilled migrant workers from countries of origin. International migration
should be well managed, in order to have positive and beneficial outcomes.
To better analyze this phenomenon, focus must be centered on the ways
of maximizing the potential development impact of international migratory
flows on countries of origin and destination.
Mr. Chairman,
At the Millennium Summit, world leaders agreed to take measures to ensure
respect for and protection of the human rights of migrants, migrant workers
and their families, to eliminate the increasing acts of racism and xenophobia
in many societies, and to promote greater harmony and tolerance in all
societies.
With this approach we have to keep in mind that the issue of migration
and development needs to be addressed on the basis of common responsibility
of all nations.
Mr. Chairman,
Let me add that the Group of 77 and China appreciates the efforts taking
place within the United Nations system to address this important issue,
and in this regard, we welcome with appreciation the convening of the
High Level Dialogue on international migration and development that will
take place during the General Assembly at its sixty first session in
2006. We believe that this will be an important opportunity to promote
an understanding of the phenomenon, address all the issues concerning
international migration and development and share experiences and exchange
information concerning migration flows.
The international community needs an overall global approach to this
complex issue. Addressing migration effectively at the global level requires
coherent, comprehensive and consistent policies to effectively manage
it. The G77 hopes that there will be political will to strengthen international
cooperation on issues related to migration and to ensure that international
migration is effectively managed for the benefit of all.
Mr. Chairman,
On agenda item 87(c) "Preventing and Combating corrupt practices
and transfer of funds of illicit origin and returning such assets to
the countries of origin", we welcome the report of the Secretary-General,
A/59/203.
The G77 and China strongly believes that corruption is a serious barrier
to the effective resource mobilization and allocation, and diverts resources
away from activities that are vital for hunger and poverty eradication
and economic development. Corrupt practices endanger the stability and
security of societies, undermine the values of democracy and civil ethics
and jeopardize sustainable and political development, in particular when
an inadequate national and international response leads to impunity.
The prevention of corrupt practices is an important aspect to achieve
the UN Millennium Development Goals. Equally important for economic development
is the transfer of assets of illicit origin and the return of such assets
to the countries of origin. All national legislations and international
legal instruments need to be adequately regulated for prevention of corrupt
practices and the repatriation of assets to the countries of origin.
The G77 strongly believes that the private sector, at both the national
and international levels, including small and large companies and transnational
corporations, also has an important role in preventing and combating
corrupt practices. To this effect, we call on the private sector at all
levels to remain fully engaged in the fight against corruption, and emphasize
the need to take concrete actions within the United nations system and
through the participation of all relevant stakeholders to ensure corporate
responsibility and accountability, as well as to fight corruption more
effectively.
Mr. Chairman,
On agenda item 87(d) "Culture and development",
I would like to thank the Secretary-General for providing a concise
and informative note for discussion on the issue of culture and development.
Mr. Chairman,
The interlinkages between culture and development are multi-faceted.
While the full extent of these interlinkages is yet to be explored, there
is a growing consensus that strategies to achieve development goals have
to be embedded in the cultural traditions of each society. This culture
sensitive approach is likely to yield much better results than an approach
that is based on one size fits all. The World Summit on Sustainable Development
endorsed that the genuinely sustainable development must reconcile social,
economic and human demands.
To pursue a culture sensitive approach to development, there is a need
to better understand cultural diversity and how it impacts on the process
of development. The pursuit of development also requires enhanced international
cooperation, which in turn requires greater harmony among different cultures
Mr. Chairman,
We recognize that cultural heritage, beyond its aesthetic and economic
value, has a profound meaning relating back to the memory of peoples,
their multiple identities, and to its potential for creativity, cultural
diversity and dialogue. It is a matter of concern that a large number
of countries were and are being deprived of their cultural heritage either
through plunder or illicit trade in such artifacts. There is also a need
for protecting the heritage that is under threat, which mostly emanates
from environmental factors.
Mr. Chairman,
The Group strongly believes that cultural diversity and dialogue have
to play a significant role in the realization of MDGs. The Group will
play its due role in promoting this dialogue, which we hope will build
new bridges for achieving the long cherished goals of peace and prosperity.
Thank you Mr. Chairman.
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