Author: Mike

Silvia Osman, Associate Professor, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration | Romania

Silvia Osman is an Associate Professor at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Department of Sociology in Romania. Author of more than 20 books, Silvia Osman has also published many articles on literature, discourse and multicultural dialogue, paradigm shift in education, and mindsight within the framework of multimodal approaches to communication. She completed Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Program of the Romanian Diplomatic Institute. Ms. Osman has her Masters in European Integration from the UCDC, Faculty of Law and Administration Studies at Bucharest, and holds her PhD in Esthetics, Theory, Pedagogy and History of Theater.

 

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Event Title: SDGs Conference 2023	Date: Sept 20, 2023

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SPEECH

We are a global community and it is adequate to build momentum. It is said that it takes a whole village to raise a child. Therefore, raising an agenda and achieving it by 2030 takes a global community, a village. We started a series of SDGs Conference events with a roundtable discussion talking about human values, and timeless frameless norms, that take us closer to human rights. We have more strength in not only creatively rethinking frames but also thinking about the benefit of others. Thank you everyone for your life of service in implementing the goals. 

What do we need to build? The Sustainable Development Goals are very clear-cut forward, comprehensible, and offer a roadmap creating momentum. Actually, momentum is a property of a moving body that determines the time required to bring it to rest under the action of a constant force. So yes, our global actions are the constant force that when applied can bring momentum. 

We will not rest until all those things we are fighting for, from human rights or human values to the surface of our global world, are in place. Yes, we are the moving body that makes the momentum happen, and I am sure that you will agree with me and contribute to building it. Love is a verb; it is a deep human value essential to all our acts. So, it means using the bricks of our own imagination, the building blocks of the momentum we need to bring about. I call on everyone to roll up their slaves and put our values to work while we build a community, a global community of action, and establish a roadmap.

H.E. Mr. Stan O. Smith, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Bahamas to the UN | Bahamas

H.E. Mr. Stan O. Smith is the Permanent Representative of Bahamas to the United Nations. Before his latest appointment, Ambassador Smith served as personal assistant to Prime Minister Perry Gladstone Christie from 2018 to 2021. He was Ambassador-at-Large between 2015 and 2017, Head of the Legal Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as a contributor to its United Nations teams on human rights. During that time, he also provided general foreign policy development support. Before his diplomatic career, Ambassador Smith practiced law in Barbados between 2005 and 2015. Earning a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Canada, he is also a graduate of the University of the West Indies Law School.

 

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Event Title: SDGs Conference 2023	Date: Sept 20, 2023

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SPEECH

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Excellencies, Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Journalists and Writers Foundation with the John Jay College of Criminal Justice,

I mark this a privilege, an honor and thank the organizers for this opportunity to discuss “Building a New Momentum Towards the 2030 Deadline for the SDGs” under the general theme “Transforming Our World”. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the integral role that journalists and writers play in shaping public opinion, and informing the world in an increasingly, physically dangerous environment against journalists and writers. I express thanks for your commitment to covering the challenges and opportunities faced in seeking to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 

In January of this year, Foreign Policy published an article by Adam Tooze about the development profile of The Bahamas. The point of the article was that: the Climate Crisis has eliminated the resilience in The Bahamas’s economic model (Tourism; Financial Services and the Second Home Market) and we need innovations that can sustain socio-economic health against the volatility of the Climate Change landscape.

The annual cost of natural disasters to SIDS is $1Trillion. This is a perennial SIDS challenge to achieving the SDGs.

NOW, do we attempt to activate the politically unused regulations and policy reliefs of the international financial institutions? Do we continue to universalize the policies and individualize (bi-lateralize) the innovations dynamics?

OR, should we universalize the innovations dynamics and individualize policies? Do we address the SDGs, goal by goal? Do we invest in moonshot initiatives that create network effects more readily activating otherwise untapped capacities useful to, and meeting, the target of immediate community needs?

The development community must address the mechanics about how to arrive at sustainable, resilient prosperity that eliminates ‘genies in bottles’ from the search for and the discovery of sustainable innovations. The questions we ask 8 years after the adoption of the SDGs tells us this: our politics; our finance experts and our country’s interests, are not connected to one another on common global challenges; not by connected language, not by experience, not by vision. 

Small Island Developing States are consumed by managing governance and lack implementation capacity; international financial institutions have nothing to lose that would incentivize commitment to reform; and development agencies lack scale. The Bahamas has made a pivot from this vacuum. 

The reality is that:

•           1% of CARICOM state budgets are invested in science and technology;  
•           the Global North produces 60% of scientific literature;
•           and 10 countries, not including The Bahamas, have absorbed 65% of World Bank loans. 

The Government is now investing in understanding the science and the technology needed to benefit from the untapped ocean value in the archipelago. It has recently created a carbon market registry and will next offer a $500 million bond against the seagrass sequestration capacity in the country’s 100,000 square miles of blue economy potential.

Not long ago, I was waiting in line for a diplomat of more than four decades of accomplishment to sign my copy of his book. He asked one of my CARICOM colleagues who was at the front of the book-signing line: How does such a small country win a Nobel Prize? At that moment I realized that a country with $500 billion dollar GDP only wanted a Nobel Prize and hasn’t gotten one. The small country with a Nobel prize really wanted $500 billion GDP, and the challenge is how to get it.

We have each been winning alone, and we have each been structurally failing alone in the deficiencies of our resilience models. In one instance, I became aware of a small state that received development assistance on 40 projects, and every project failed because of that state’s lack of capacity to deliver the projects.

Here’s an essential question a SIDS expert asked a donor country partner:

•     “Are SIDS states equipped for partnership engagement?”

Here was the reply:

•     “[Country] assistance is likely needed at earlier phases of initiatives.”

Multilateralism has overemphasized bilateral solutions built on funding ourselves out of challenges.  But we should be mindful that financing goals should not consume development ambitions into a solitary track. Funding is not the end of the development initiative. It is preparation for at least seven critical processes after 1st expertly, thoroughly, conceptualizing the initiative. We have, unfortunately, under-conceptualized the network benefits of framework thinking for the maximization of delivery outcomes.  The proposition here is that we should create a sustainability, resilience framework. 

We should physically integrate the private sector into the UN. The framework must be enabled to deal with the acceleration of negative development disruptions and the need of states to recover quickly and cost-effectively.  

This framework should give partnerships the implementation capacity for dealing with:

•       Managing the conceptualization process;
•       Executing the initiative;
•       Monitoring phases of the process;

       AND 

•       Managing delivery of outcomes.

This framework should widen our capability:

•       To realize the Innovation Creation Dynamics in individual and across similar initiatives; 
•       To realize the thematic essential in viable initiatives and essential for delivery outcomes; 
•       And to otherwise, realize unexplored Partnerships and Investment Pipelines.

I have adopted these terms for elements of my framework from discussions with the President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Gene [Leon], in discussions about improving development resilience. However, the genesis of this framework came from the fusion of two assignments I undertook in chairing a meeting on moving beyond GDP and in discussing Financing for Development with like-minded colleagues around the UN Campus.

I think small states like The Bahamas can get ahead of the innovation challenge posed in the Foreign Policy piece with the benefit of policy tools like the Bridgetown Initiative and the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index (the MVI) being applied to a resilience framework as I have sketched it in the below diagram.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Carlos Garcia, Secretary General of United Nations Association of El Salvador, Former Ambassador of El Salvador to the UN | El Salvador

Prior to his current post, Ambassador Garcia was the Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the United Nations and served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Director of Multilateral Affairs, and Chief of the Caribbean Affairs. Before being appointed to the Permanent Mission of El Salvador to the United Nations on July 1, 1996, Ambassador Garcia served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, San Salvador as Director of Multilateral Affairs, and Chief of the Caribbean Affairs. As of June 2019, he has been appointed as President & CEO of The Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development (OPAD) at the United Nations, United States of America, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean. In August 2019, Ambassador Garcia was selected to be 2019 Grand Marshall of the Salvadoran Parade in New Jersey that was held on September 15, 2019 in New Jersey.

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Event Title: SDGs Conference 2023	Date: Sept 20, 2023

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SPEECH

The main topic that I would like to address is how to build new momentum towards the 2030 deadline for the SDGs. At the beginning or the outset, allow me to acknowledge the long-term impact of COVID-19 in social, economic, and political areas that poses important challenges for many countries around the world and contributes negatively to the deterioration of several indicators in healthcare systems or healthcare programs, particularly in developing countries. You may know or you may be asking what this is connected to the SDGs. This negative impact goes directly and negatively to SDG 3, which is good health and well-being.

Therefore, the negative impact of this pandemic continues to pose important challenges for many countries around the world. Therefore, you may find one clue to understanding the lack of commitment in that area but more than that, there is no doubt that this negative impact of COVID-19 has also impacted other diseases such as malaria, including increased epidemic risk and challenges for epidemic control. This is one important fact that we need to consider when we address this issue but more than that, new challenges are arising from unexpected factors that have been consolidated in the last five years, in my view, namely a global trend of contraction of globalization as a phenomenon in the emerging forces around regionalism. This is creating a real impact from a geopolitical strategy and point of view that needs to be considered as part of the new challenges in the implementation of SDGs. 

You may be asking why the geopolitical situation has an impact on the SDGs. It is clear and fully connected with SDG 17 dealing with the global partnership that goes beyond only public-private partnership but also in the inter-state or intergovernmental relationship that of course has created new challenges and issues that need to be considered when we address the issue of this disease. The reality on the ground shows us that the international community is moving back to strong regionalism under the leadership of three main pillars or three main legs, namely the United States of America, Russia, and China. Therefore, or consequently, a significant number of setbacks can be explained by a change in the priorities of national or international interests in countries like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asian countries. 

This is a very important topic that I will invite you to consider, since, moving back from a global or a globalism phenomenon, I am going back to a regionalism that implies not only a change in the mind of political leaders and countries but also affects national priorities. Even though we are moving back to regionalism, there will be an opportunity for the SDG Agenda to be on track for full implementation by 2030 but needs to be fully aligned with national priorities. Otherwise, it is going to be a waste of our time from a global perspective. The President of El Salvador, His Excellency, Mr. Nayib Bukele, presented the successful case of El Salvador with strengthening institutions and political commitment for the timely achievement of the SDGs.

Once El Salvador was at the top of the countries that were considered the most dangerous for high levels of criminality and also of course for assassination, murders, extortions, and several other crimes in the context of four years after a change in the paradigm of understanding a very fundamental topic within the United Nations. El Salvador currently has become the safest country in the whole American continent. Now, how can you explain this change coming from being the most dangerous country in the hemisphere to the safest one? This of course is fully connected to the SDG as well, SDG 16 focusing on justice and peace because it is fully connected with our national interest and priorities. That is the reason why El Salvador covering this particular aspect of their national interest simultaneously can connect with SDG 16 and at large with the SDGs as a whole.

What we are proposing for consideration as a new factor to be included in the measure that can be taken by different other governments to create this momentum towards 2030, will be to create a harmonic combination of national interests together with the SDGs. If a country is not able to connect the SDGs with its national interest, it will be a waste of time and a waste of money. 

It has to be fully connected with the national industry and of course, every country has its particularities. We cannot expect countries to just simply commit to the 17 Goals. If we see the 10 commandments, it needs to be seen as a roadmap and if we see the SDGs as a roadmap, then we have a chance to expand and to flow with the national interest. Therefore be in a better position for not only implementing but also fulfilling other areas of interest such as financing for development but also on the political participation of national institutions, civil society, and the private sector. In the end, nobody is going to invest in any country that is still suffering from criminality in the case of El Salvador. However, also, if your country is in a different position and different level, nobody is going to make their best contribution if they feel they are just simply following an agenda that has been created outside their interests.

This is a key point that needs to be considered. Finally, aligning national objectives with the SDGs and the role of financing for development takes me back to the idea that I mentioned in terms of how the geopolitical approach creates an interface or creates an impact on the implementation of SDGs. All issues of financing are connected to how a country perceives its areas of interest. Can we create a common agenda for all of us, perhaps, but not in my view, in the way in which the SDGs were negotiated? 

It was a different political context and we can see this unfortunately in a similar case, when the UN addressed many years ago how to change or revitalize the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, we know that it has been an impossible task. Now, the problem will be who is going to be allowed to form a new United Nations Organization. However, as a part of an important understanding and how the UN can contribute to the development of a common agenda needs to be again in full connection with the national interests.

H.E. Ms. Thilmeeza Hussain, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Maldives to the UN | Maldives

 

Her Excellency Ms. Thilmeeza Hussain is the Ambassador of the Maldives to the United Nations. Formerly, Ambassador Hussain was a key member of the Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) of the then main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), where she lobbied to maintain close relations with the government of the United States and other agencies to garner support in the restoration of democracy in the country. Additionally, Ambassador Hussain championed the climate change and sustainable development agenda, where she was the lead negotiator for the Maldives, at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) and Co-chaired the Sustainable Development Working Group for the 48-members of Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). Ambassador Hussain has a kinship for doing non-profit work for social good as she founded the Voice of Women in the Maldives and was an Advisory Council Member for Climate Wise Women, and Women’s Earth Climate Action Network to advocate for the cause.

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Event Title: SDGs Conference 2023	Date: Sept 20, 2023

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SPEECH

The Role of Global Partnerships in Building a New Momentum Towards the SDGs<.strong>

As we embark on the last decade to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 agenda, it is important to acknowledge the contribution of freedom of expression, press freedom, and access to information for the achievement of sustainable development goals. Journalists` role in advancing the 2030 agenda is crucial. They have the power of the pen and the lens standing on the front lines of truth, justice, and accountability. They are the voices of the marginalized and the oppressed and serve as the watchdogs of society. Journalists have the power to hold governments, businesses, and organizations accountable. The role of journalists in bridging the gap between information and action is indispensable in building a more sustainable and equitable world.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the state of affairs unfolding around us. The poison of conflict and warfare continues to infect our world. Poverty, hunger, discrimination, and inequality continue to haunt us with Hurricane Lee, wildfires in Hawaii claiming more than a hundred lives, and uncertain high tide patterns affecting low-line islands. Like the Maldives, planet Earth is sounding the alarm of climate disaster and climate emergency. We are facing greater risks than ever before and we need bigger players to do their part. Climate journalism plays a vital role in driving this change. Climate journalists have been diligently uncovering the disparities between commitments and actual actions. Your reporting empowers the public fostering their ability to call for transparency, accountability, and substantive climate efforts from their leaders.

Despite being a relatively young democracy, the Maldives has embraced democratic values, including the promotion of freedom, including the promotion of press freedom. The current government has made significant progress in preserving democracy, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring freedom for journalists. Since taking office, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has been committed to advancing press freedom despite historically low rankings for media freedom in Asia, the Maldives rose by 48 positions in the World Press Freedom Index in 2021 which was just three years after he took office. 

We must also acknowledge the progress toward SDGs has been uneven and in some areas disappointingly slow. We must build new momentum towards SDGs and this can be achieved through meaningful partnerships. Our partnerships must be inclusive, involving not only governments but also civil society, academia, youth, and the private sector. As the co-chair of the preparatory committee of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), set forth for the upcoming year, Maldives is committed to supporting these partnerships while formulating the next 10-year program of action for SIDS. We believe diverse perspectives and expertise are essential for innovative solutions.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to these goals. Let us foster partnerships that ignite a new momentum and let us leave a legacy of hope and progress for future generations.