Foreign Minister Condor calls on United Nations to become involved in implementing people-centric agendas and programmes

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Sam Condor addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Monday afternoon

ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 (CUOPM) – A call for the United Nations to become more involved with regional organisations in implementing people-centric agendas and programmes has come from St. Kitts and Nevis’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Sam Condor.

Addressing the United Nations 65th Session Monday afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister Condor said notwithstanding the absence of absolute synergies in all areas of multinational cooperative endeavors, there can be little doubt that a solid foundation has been established that envisions new and exciting horizons.

“The realization of these however, requires that as we contemplate bold initiatives comparable to the challenges faced, the United Nations must itself be prepared to further deepen its engagement with member states. The United Nations should therefore be empowered to play a more pragmatic role in strengthening relations and expanding collaboration among member states, within Regional Integration Systems and International Financial Institutions,” said Deputy Prime Minister Condor.

He said the St. Kitts and Nevis delegation believes that this is one way to help provide new opportunities, and to facilitate greater access to resources needed, for implementing national policies, and meeting international obligations.

“Mr. President, the United Nations, created out of the ruins of war, has over the past six and a half decades, been providentially guided by an unfaltering spirit of partnership and prevailing common sense. Despite countless challenges, that spirit is alive and well today. We must therefore work, even harder, to fulfill the dream of its architects and to live out their vision,” said Foreign Minister Condor who added: “The United Nations then, must remain that vital nexus, fostering the necessary partnerships, for the greater good. Partnerships that would build a better future for us all.”

“We have seen this partnership in action on the MDGs. We saw it as we worked to address the global financial crisis which threatened large economies and almost crippled the economies of Small Island States; and we witnessed it when governments and peoples across the globe, came to the assistance of our brothers and sisters in disaster-stricken Haiti; the magnitude of whose tragedy we had not experienced before in this hemisphere,” said The Federation’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in his first address to the United Nations General Assembly since his appointment following the January 25, 2010 General Elections.

Mr. Condor is of the view that it is imperative that member states endeavor to revitalize the United Nations system and make it more representative of global socio-cultural, economic and political realities. This, he suggested should allow developing countries, including smaller economies, a stronger voice and a more visible presence on the global stage.

“It is within the context of repositioning the United Nations that we began, earlier this month, a process of review. I shall not duplicate the thoughts already expressed by other delegations. What should be recognized, however, is that the issues we have been discussing are all inter-related. Mr. President, the United Nations has a track record of cooperation with the private and civic sectors. I want to suggest that it is through this kind of engagement; and with improved partnerships, that the United Nations has an opportunity to bring international business communities and civil society together, with member states, in a more structured way. This Mr. President enables the practical exchange of ideas, the sharing of expertise and best practices, and the promotion of development and prosperity around the world,” said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He said St. Kitts and Nevis welcomes such a dialogue and partnership and recognizes the extent and reach of the United Nations in helping to build capacity, in the face of challenges such as the brain drain, which robs developing countries of their invaluable human resources.

“Through this advocacy then, the UN can assist also to safeguard gains in social and economic development. St. Kitts and Nevis encourages member states to embrace this idea of a multipronged partnership as a way to bolster development processes, and strengthen global governance and accountability,” said Minister Condor.