Federated States of Micronesia, 1999

I would like to take this

opportunity to congratulate you, Mr. Gurirab, on your

assumption of the office of President of this body. My

Government hails the selection of a distinguished leader

from a new developing nation to lead the General Assembly

into the new millennium. We are also confident that you

will live up to the high standards of your esteemed

predecessor, Mr. Opertti.

It is with pride that I congratulate and extend a

welcome to our Pacific island neighbours — the Republic

of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the great Kingdom

of Tonga — on their admission into the United Nations

family. This represents a large contribution from our region

to the attainment of a key goal of the United Nations

system, that of universality.

I want to extend the sincere condolences of the people

of the Federated States of Micronesia for the earthquakes

in Turkey, Greece and, more recently, in Taiwan.

We are saddened by the violence in East Timor as its

people seek to exercise their right to self-determination.

We also feel deep sympathy for the innocent

families in Russia, exposed to merciless bomb attacks,

and for those people in all regions of the world who are

suffering today from violence, terrorism and violations of

human rights.

Condolences are also in order on the recent death of

His Majesty Hassan II of Morocco. His strong personal

contributions to the process of achieving peace in the

Middle East will be remembered.

As Chairman of the South Pacific Forum, I am

privileged to deliver the following remarks on behalf of

its 16 member countries.

The South Pacific Forum is a unique organization

centred on the Heads of Government of 16 Pacific nations

which share a very special part of the world: the vast

expanses of ocean and islands in the central and western

Pacific, both north and south of the Equator. Forum

member countries vary greatly in land area, ocean area,

population, resource endowment, economic development,

social structures, language and culture. However, we all

share a common bond as Forum members and have

established consensus positions, which transcend our

diversity, on a wide range of issues. We have also agreed

to work together in pursuit of regional stability and

towards the well-being of our people. Fourteen of these

Forum members are small island developing States. Much

work has been done to assist these smaller members in

their pursuit of sustainable development. Such initiatives

are reflected in proposals by the Forum’s Ministers of

economics, for extensive economic reforms. Recently,

Forum trade Ministers made ground-breaking

recommendations on trade initiatives which include the

establishment of a Pacific free trade area consistent with

the rules and standards of the World Trade Organization.

These recommendations will be considered by the Forum

heads of Government at their annual meeting in Palau

next month.

Past practice has been for the formal statement from

each annual meeting, known as the Forum Communiqué,

to be offered for inclusion as a document of the General

Assembly. As the meeting this year will take place after

the conclusion of the general debate, a request for

inclusion of the Forum Communiqué from the Palau

meeting will be made at a later date.

Last year, at their meeting in Pohnpei, Federated

States of Micronesia, all 16 Forum leaders reaffirmed

their endorsement of the Barbados Programme of Action

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for the Sustainable Development of Small Island

Developing States. The leaders saw the Programme of

Action as a comprehensive framework with great potential

for the region, and commended implementation efforts

already under way at the national and regional levels.

In this regard, Forum leaders strongly supported the

General Assembly initiative to hold, next week, the special

session to review progress under the Barbados Programme

of Action. Forum countries have maintained close

involvement with the preparatory process for the special

session, and appreciate the strong focus on the concerns of

small island developing States in the work of United

Nations bodies such as the Commission on Sustainable

Development. We look forward to outcomes from the

special session that will bring a new and stronger focus on

our needs in the pursuit of sustainable development, and

step up the pace of measures to implement the Barbados

Programme of Action.

The common need for accelerated and sustainable

economic development remains a major focus among the

Forum member countries; in fact, the Forum itself has for

some time been implementing what is known as the Forum

Economic Action Plan. The Plan attempts to address

regional concerns, which are echoed in the Barbados

Programme of Action. Forum members feel that the

advancement of this collective, regional Plan is a

constructive response to the mandate for regional action

expressed in the Barbados Programme.

In the context of overall economic development

planning and assistance and of social and ecological

concerns, Forum members continue to maintain a keen

interest in having the United Nations adopt a vulnerability

index. The existing criteria for determining eligibility for

concessional aid and trade treatment and for critical

classifications such as least developed country status are

purely macroeconomic, without any consideration of the

environmental and natural risks we face, as a region, on

a daily basis. Regional work has already begun under the

South Pacific Geoscience Commission on developing an

environmental vulnerability index. Only by encompassing

social and environmental factors within its assessments

will the international community be able to achieve equity

when addressing the special circumstances and needs of

small island developing countries. We appreciate the

continuing discussion of this matter by the Commission

on Sustainable Development, including at its most recent

session, and call for tangible action by the year 2000.

In last year’s general debate, the Forum expressed

renewed hopes for the United Nations process to combat

anthropogenic global warming, sea-level rise and other

adverse effects of global climate change. We took a

measure of pride that our group, which includes both

Annex I and developing countries, found common ground

at the political level to call for effective action, despite

the widely differing circumstances of member States. It

seemed that with the successful negotiation of the Kyoto

Protocol, the world’s nations had finally recognized the

need to begin taking action, on the basis of legally

binding commitments, to achieve specified targets and

timetables. Forum members were also relieved by the

recognition that small island developing States have

particular needs for assistance with adapting to the effects

of climate change. We welcomed the formulation of

specific tools, such as the Clean Development

Mechanism, which promise to be useful in enabling island

countries to do their part in combating combat climate

change, within the framework and parameters of our own

national circumstances.

There is of course no time to be lost. People

everywhere are experiencing the sometimes disastrous

effects of climate change. From record-setting droughts to

killer floods, hurricanes and typhoons, the effects of sea-

level rise are already taking a toll on small island States.

Unfortunately, even as scientific evidence of climate

change has become impossible to ignore, the parties to

the Convention have yet to go very far towards getting

the Kyoto process under way. The political will of the

Governments of the parties simply does not match the

technical dedication of delegates to pursuing solutions at

the numerous meetings that are taking place on this

subject.

15

After attending the Conference of the Parties to the

Convention last year in Buenos Aires, I came away with

the impression that without a real sense of urgency the

Convention might choke on its own complexity, to the

delight of the minority that opposes it. Unless all countries

align themselves with the Convention’s purposes and take

urgent collective action, we could find ourselves here at the

seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly, without

being any closer to meaningful implementation of the

Convention. By that time, leaders would be expressing

regret over a steadily growing list of climate-related

disasters and watching the pile of sandbags along the FDR

Drive outside as the tidal surges along the East River grow

stronger. By that time, of course, most island nations in the

Forum would have disappeared and we would have failed

utterly. Discussing emission reductions would be a hollow

gesture by then.

Even though our spirits are bolstered by the

encouragement of our annex I Forum partners Australia and

New Zealand, the 14 Forum small island States grow weary

of calling attention to our special vulnerability to climate

change and to our status on the front line of potential

worldwide catastrophe. I would sincerely hope that by now

a great majority of people, not only in the United Nations

system but from all across the globe, have a strong mental

picture of the helpless situation of low-lying islands and

coastlines in the face of rising seas. We are very grateful

for the considerable extent to which our pleas have been

taken into account, but while we may flatter ourselves that

we have served, in a way, as a voice of conscience for the

Framework Convention on Climate Change, we wish also

to make positive contributions to its implementation.

Thus, the emphasis of all Forum members now is to

assure that we do our part to participate in and to advance

the considerable amount of work that must be done. The

South Pacific Regional Environmental Programme

continues to serve our governments as a useful focal point

and to provide valuable expertise. Forum countries have

long been active in working to understand the potential of

the Clean Development Mechanism for the region. The

Republic of the Marshall Islands recently hosted an

important workshop on the Clean Development Mechanism

that was attended by more than 40 countries, and in June,

Australia and the Forum secretariat hosted a workshop in

Nadi.

We are severely hampered, however, by the shortage

of personnel and financial resources to maintain continuous

participation in the host of ongoing activities. The United

Nations and bilateral donors have been very generous in

supporting our attendance at conferences, but the time

demands on our short-staffed officials at home and abroad

can be overwhelming, considering other growing concerns

such as biodiversity, the oceans and coral reefs.

I know that this problem is by no means unique to

Forum island countries, nor even to small developing

countries as a group. But for us, as well as for many

others, we ask that these limitations should not be

disregarded by larger countries and organizations in the

management of the international agenda. Once again, we

express sincere appreciation for the support of donors that

have made our participation possible. In addition, we

would emphasize the importance of applying a

coordinated approach to scheduling in order to facilitate

the participation of small delegations that would not wish

to be marginalized by overlapping meetings on topics of

critical concern to us.

Finally, another topic of concern for the Forum at

the next annual meeting will be the continuing shipment

by industrialized Powers of plutonium and radioactive

wastes through our region. Forum nations have

consistently expressed their concerns on this issue,

especially about liability and compensation arrangements

in the event of an accident. From 16 to 17 September this

year, discussions took place in Suva between the legal

experts of the Forum countries and the representatives of

France, Japan and the United Kingdom concerning trans-

shipments of nuclear materials through the region. This

meeting was arranged by the Forum secretariat, in line

with the 1998 Forum Communiqué. We are encouraged

by this development and strongly urge the representatives

of the three shipping States to demonstrate their readiness

to explore innovative ways to address the concerns of

Forum members: there is more at stake than the well-

being and comfort of the larger populations in the North.

Putting this disregard for the sovereign interests of

Forum countries to one side for a moment, the Pacific

Ocean is a vital breadbasket for the entire planet: any

accident will have serious and adverse implications far

beyond our shores for generations to come.

Forum countries have derived some encouragement

from the decision by France, Japan and the United

Kingdom to consult with Forum members regarding

safety and compensation arrangements for the most recent

shipment of mixed oxide fuel from Europe to Japan. We

are further encouraged by the decision of the three

shipping States to provide information on the shipping

routes of the two ships carrying the fuel, consistent with

16

the rigorous safety and security obligations with which they

must comply under the international conventions governing

transport of nuclear materials, including the Convention on

the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials.

We, the Forum countries, earnestly hope to make

some inroads, not only in the immediate situation but, more

importantly, in the long run, into the ethical consciences of

the developed nations. Since time immemorial they have

regarded our region as a convenient area for any kind of

dangerous or undesirable activity that serves their interests

at home. With the welcome admission to this body of three

more of our number, we are now numerous enough in this

forum to assert forcefully that we wish no further invasion

to place our peoples at risk, irrespective of the reasons

others may have for choosing to disregard our concerns.

I have by no means touched on every topic of concern

that is to be discussed at the next Forum meeting.

Following that meeting, as I stated earlier, the complete

Communiqué will be submitted to this body, and I

commend it to all delegations.

The views I have expressed on behalf of the South

Pacific Forum are, of course, fully embraced by my

country, the Federated States of Micronesia. I would like

now to address other issues, speaking only for my own

small island developing State.

Since 1991, when the Federated States of Micronesia

was admitted to membership in this body, we have

experienced — from the viewpoint of a developing country

and particularly as a small island developing State — a

truly unique decade in multilateral relations. We emerged

on the international scene just in time to become a part of

the movement that radically changed previous notions about

development, namely the Rio process. The timing could not

have been better for us. Just as we took up the task of

formulating our own agenda for the future of our island

nation, the world as a whole came to recognize that the

issues of environment and development are not opposed

but, rather, are intertwined. We thus incorporated into our

development planning from the outset a mandate not just

for development, but for sustainable development.

We feel fortunate in this regard and in how the

principle of sustainability is fully integral to our activities,

for, while we are deeply appreciative of the concerns that

other nations have shown for the difficulties faced by small

island States like ourselves, and while we remain anxious

for the further implementation of the Barbados Programme

of Action, we realize that the action referred to must be,

first and foremost, our own. We ourselves must be very

serious not only in recognizing our special development

obstacles but in instituting and carrying out programmes

to overcome them in a sustainable way. And this must be

done, not as a temporary, short-term or even medium-

term proposition, but as a way of life for generations to

come.

No amount of outside assistance can provide

sustainable development. As small-island countries, we

must individually and collectively commit ourselves to

staying the course once we have seen it and possess the

means to navigate it. Without that commitment, our sails

will never fill and we will remain adrift on a journey that

can only come to a sad end.

As a new member of the international community,

we have been faced with the need to rapidly become

familiar with the dynamics of multilateral interaction

within the United Nations system while at the same time

trying to acquire a practical working knowledge of the

various simultaneous processes. But there is no

apprenticeship here at the United Nations.

From the outset, it has been our full responsibility to

participate, on a basis of equality, in the ongoing work of

numerous bodies directly integral to the United Nations or

related to it. It has been, and continues to be, a

demanding experience, but inasmuch as we have learned

about others, we are also learning more about ourselves

and moving towards greater maturity as a nation.

We have also developed a deep appreciation for the

often unheralded but vital work of translating global

problems into solutions that is pursued faithfully by the

thousands of administrative and diplomatic members of

the United Nations family. It is difficult to conceive of a

future in which the nations of our ever-shrinking planet

will not have a forum such as this — the United Nations.

Yet one cannot help but be uneasy on hearing

whispers of discouragement as the United Nations is

challenged by issues that seem to grow in number and

complexity. We sometimes hear that perhaps the

Organization has outlived its usefulness and has

inadequate capacity to deal with global crises in the areas

of security, social justice and the environment. Some are

said to feel that other, more sharply focused bodies would

be better suited to dealing with the anticipated crises of

the new millennium.

17

Without question, the effective responsiveness of this

Organization is constantly being challenged. But this is not

a sign of failure, nor of a lack of capacity. Neither does it

suggest that we need another instrument. It is, rather, an

indication of the growing interconnectedness of the global

community, and of the growing inclination among nations

to find and recognize their common interests and to work

together to advance global peace and harmony.

In order to maintain and improve the responsiveness

of the United Nations in a world of increasing demands and

challenges, it is necessary that we continually evolve and

adapt effectively in our pursuit of the ideals of the Charter

of this Organization. Only in this way can we keep the

Organization on a positive course and faithfully translate

the mandates of the Charter into terms of continuing

relevance. This is the attitude with which we must approach

reform. It is not a consequence of inadequacy, which the

word “reform” may suggest, but, rather, it is a positive and

evolutionary process.

This is easily said, but, as we all know, it is very

difficult to put into practice. Even so, we must not allow

that high degree of difficulty to plunge us into frustration

and defeat. The great achievements of those who have

come before us in the last 54 years must be honoured by

our unshakable determination to take the United Nations

seriously into the next millennium as the single most

effective multilateral instrument for the betterment of

humankind.

If the United Nations is to maintain and even improve

its capacity to deal with major issues and improve the lot

of disadvantaged peoples, I respectfully suggest that there

is a need for broader incorporation of developing countries

in the decision-making process. More and more, it seems,

a relatively small group of developed countries are seen on

the front lines here and in other related international bodies.

There is a perception that, despite the formal application of

the rules, the substantive participation of developing

countries in dealing with world problems is in reality

waning rather than increasing. This does not bode well for

the future of international relations. As the trend towards

globalization continues to strengthen, this body as a whole

will need to be more involved in making important

decisions — not a permanent 5, not a G-7, but a “G-188”.

Probably the single most urgently needed reform is the

enlargement of the Security Council. Naturally, such an

important step must not be taken in haste, but by this time

we should be closer to finding an acceptable formulation.

The plain fact is that the openness of the most powerful

nations to accept rational and realistic change in the

Security Council is a key indicator of the future of global

multilateral relations in general, and of this Organization

in particular. The impact of success with this issue would

be felt in positive ways throughout the United Nations

Organization, and it would stimulate renewed confidence

in the Charter. That result alone is badly needed and

should itself inspire greater effort to overcome the

difficulties ahead.

It would be unrealistic to ignore the inevitability of

the fact that larger, more powerful nations will most often

take the lead in the United Nations. In fact, they should

do so as a matter of responsibility; they possess the

resources and the capacity. However, leadership should

not become domination, and it should not leave the

developing world marginalized. I therefore emphasize the

need for a restructured Security Council. I also visualize

a General Assembly that remains in the forefront of

global decision-making, for real outcomes on real issues.

Being from a Pacific island nation, I naturally have

particular concerns about our region. Without demeaning

in any way the considerable attention that we do receive,

I must say that the Pacific islands region often takes a

back seat in the councils of the greater Powers, which are

prone to include only the Pacific rim countries among

their primary concerns. This can be understood, given our

small populations and land masses, which only underscore

our remoteness in the vast Pacific Ocean.

But it should not be forgotten that we Pacific

islanders are custodians of some of the world's greatest

untapped wealth. In the coming millennium, our region is

certain to play a greater role than ever before in meeting

the needs of the rest of the world for food and mineral

resources. If these resources are to be conserved in the

proper way and harvested in a sustainable manner, the

peoples of the Pacific islands must be dealt with fairly,

and on a basis of partnership with the developed world.

And the time to start is now.

The growing global involvement with and reliance

upon the tremendous resource base in our region must

rest on a foundation of regional security. Nowhere is

there a better example of the need for comprehensive

security in the modern sense, extending beyond military

considerations and also including economic, social and

environmental security.

This leads me to the present need for proper

stewardship of the oceans and seas throughout the world.

18

This subject was recently discussed in depth by the

Commission on Sustainable Development, and it is on our

agenda at this session. I want to emphasize that the

Federated States of Micronesia solidly supports the

positions expressed by the Alliance of Small Island States

on this subject. We believe that oceans and seas present a

special, even crucial, case for international cooperation and

coordination, and that the General Assembly is the

appropriate body to provide this oversight. Indeed, it was

mandated to do so by Agenda 21.

Furthermore, the United Nations Convention on the

Law of the Sea provides the framework for action in this

area. We thus have existing structures; there is no need to

create new institutions. We believe that the size of the task

will require continuing effort on an annual basis, so that an

ongoing working-group format within the context of

preparations for each annual General Assembly will be

more rewarding than a large, one-time conference. Above

all, the process must seek the widest possible input,

drawing upon expertise at the regional level, and providing

assistance to ensure the participation of developing

countries, especially small island States.

In these brief moments it is not possible to express all

our views on all the matters we deem important. Of

necessity, therefore, I must leave much to the work of our

representatives in the Committees here and in other United

Nations organs throughout the year.

I wish, however, to plead with this body for a

universal awakening to the single most important reality of

our lives today. This reality is that all our interests become

more closely linked with each passing generation. We are

all responsible for turning back the consequences of our

past selfish behaviour. The destruction of war, the improper

stewardship of our natural resources and the pollution of

our living space are looming global disasters. Combined,

they will overwhelm the Earth's population unless we find

common ground and take action.

That common ground exists. It exists here. It does not

ask us to surrender our nationhood or our cultures. It is the

Charter of the United Nations, a visionary document that

has guided our troubled world through the faltering steps of

increasing multilateral awareness, and today provides a

format for our very survival. God grant that we will have

the political will to sustain it.