General Assembly Session 56 meeting 59

Mr. Krokhmal (Ukraine)

Last year at the Millennium Summit the heads of State and Government adopted the Millennium Declaration, whereby they pledged to uphold and promote the principles and goals laid down as the foundations of the Organization. The Summit and the Millennium Declaration became an outstanding achievement in the history of the United Nations. They provided us with a momentum in the new millennium that should be maintained through the active implementation of the guidelines unanimously endorsed by the leaders of the world.

The indefensible acts of terrorism perpetrated against the United States on 11 September severely undermined our hope that peace and prosperity would be important hallmarks of the new century. The new threats and risks which confront the global community have come to the fore. The measures we are taking now to find an effective and lasting solution to the grave challenge that international terrorism has defiantly issued to the world should form part of our overall efforts to resolve the problems of underdevelopment, increased poverty, economic strife and disease, and to create new relationships in the international community.

As previous speakers have done, I should also like to express my delegation's appreciation to the Secretary-General for the road map document, which concisely and comprehensively outlines potential strategies for action that are designed to help us reach the goals and commitments embodied in the Declaration. We believe this document will help us in practical terms to combine our efforts to meet those lofty commitments. This year alone a number of events have marked the action-oriented approach of the international community towards the goals proclaimed. During this period the United Nations has organized five conferences and special sessions, and other meetings that are an integral part of the follow-up and implementation of the Millennium Declaration. The General Assembly special sessions on HIV/AIDS and Habitat and the Conferences on small arms and light weapons and on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, represented bold steps towards resolving the various problems affecting humanity and constitute concrete measures in the implementation of the provisions of the Millennium Declaration. We believe that the United Nations, and each Member State, should continue to demonstrate its determination to achieve all the goals embodied in this document.

We are pleased to note the Secretary-General's emphasis in the road map on the need to intensify collective efforts to reduce the number and effects of natural and man-made disasters. In this connection, I cannot but mention that although 15 years have passed since the Chernobyl disaster, the problem of eliminating its consequences is still acute in Ukraine and presents a serious obstacle to achieving the goal of sustainable development. The socio-economic, medical and environmental problems associated with the Chernobyl disaster have continued to exist since the closure of Chernobyl's nuclear power plant. We believe that taking into consideration the long-term nature of these consequences, the United Nations should continue to coordinate international activities to study and mitigate the consequences. The delegations of Member States affected by the Chernobyl disaster will submit a draft resolution on the strengthening of international coordination and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster under the relevant agenda item. I should like to take this opportunity to appeal to all our partners to support the draft resolution.

We fully share the opinion that it is vitally important to ensure that the millennium development goals become national goals and serve to increase the coherence and consistency of national policies and programmes. While primary responsibility for creating the necessary domestic environment rests with the sovereign nations themselves, we believe that increased international cooperation and dialogue are needed to assist developing countries and countries in transition to respond adequately to the challenges of the twenty-first century.

One such challenge of a global dimension faced by the international community at the beginning of the new century is the transformation of the globalization process into a positive driving force, and ensuring that the benefits of this phenomenon are made available to all. Another is the fight for the eradication of poverty, which feeds political and social instability, criminality, terrorism and the degradation of nature. The problem affects all countries, is on the agendas of all Governments -- even in prosperous nations -- and requires solution at a global level. We share the view that the United Nations, with its universal mandate and unique potential, has a leading role to play in implementing the Millennium Declaration goals. Ukraine, as a newly elected member of the Economic and Social Council, stands ready to actively participate in and contribute to the work of that principal United Nations organ, which plays a central role in coordinating the Organization's efforts in the economic, social and humanitarian fields.

Making the United Nations more effective in maintaining peace and security is another important task before us. We share the view of the Secretary-General that conflict prevention is a complex issue that cannot be implemented in isolation from policies in the development, security, political, human rights and environmental areas, and that

"Effective conflict prevention strategies need to be based on a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, tailored to the unique circumstances of each situation." (A/56/326, para. 36)

I should like to focus my statement on some key proposals made by the President of Ukraine, Mr. Leonid Kuchma, in his statement at the Millennium Summit, in particular, "to develop a comprehensive strategy of the United Nations for conflict prevention ... based on a large-scale use of preventive diplomacy and peace-building". (A/55/PV.5, p. 10)

Ukraine is of the view that it is upon that premise that the peacekeeping strategy of the United Nations and its Member States should be built.

It is satisfying to us to know that the issue of conflict prevention has been increasingly touched upon by the Secretary-General and the Member States. We welcome the Secretary-General's report in document A/55/985, which reviews the progress achieved over recent years in developing the conflict prevention capacity of the United Nations system, and spells out specific recommendations on how to enhance it further in cooperation with Member States. In our view, that document represents a remarkable step forward in making the United Nations potential for conflict prevention more effective and moving the Organization from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention.

We also welcome concrete steps made in this regard by the Secretariat by applying a long-term vision of prevention in addition to the traditional political and military conflict prevention activities. We feel sure that the establishment of regional centres of conflict prevention, where appropriate, will enhance the United Nations capacity to monitor and assess existing and potential trouble spots in the world. We think that their purview could include monitoring developments in inter-ethnic relations and timely detection of the separatist tendencies that are usually one of the major causes of conflict.

I should like to commend the Secretary-General for his proactive approach to the implementation of the decisions of the Millennium Summit. We welcome his idea of annual reports on progress in fulfilling the millennium commitments. The idea of a comprehensive report to be prepared five years after the Millennium Summit also deserves our full support. We are looking forward to working closely with other delegations in achieving the goals and commitments made by the heads of State and Government in the Millennium Declaration at the beginning of a new millennium.

Mr. Wang Yingfan (China)

Since the United Nations Millennium Summit in September last year, it has become an important task of the United Nations and the international community to achieve the series of goals set by the Millennium Declaration. Over the past year the United Nations has dedicated itself to strengthening its peacekeeping capacity. It also held a series of important meetings on issues such as the human habitat, HIV/AIDS, children, small arms, and racism, thus starting the process of implementing the follow-up to the Millennium Summit. The road map towards the implementation of the Millennium Declaration submitted by the Secretary-General has set out strategies for moving forward towards all these goals. We express our appreciation of his efforts in this regard.

However, at present the pace of the follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit falls far short of the requirements of the various goals in the Millennium Declaration. The events of 11 September have demonstrated that terrorist, separatist and extremist forces are an increasingly grave threat to both national and international peace and stability and even to economic development. But it will be a long, complex and arduous task to totally destroy the breeding ground of terrorism, separatism and extremism. The United Nations needs to redouble its efforts to strengthen the implementation of the follow-up to the Millennium Declaration. If progress can be made towards solving global issues such as poverty, regional conflict and sustainable development, it will be beneficial both to the strengthening of international cooperation against terrorism and to peace and development the world over.

Over the years the United Nations has set many development goals. Few of these, however, have been implemented. The Millennium Declaration has also set a series of goals in this respect, which embody the solemn commitment of leaders of all countries. The United Nations should take as its overriding current priority the realization of these development goals and formulate concrete, feasible implementing plans and methods with clear time frames in accordance with the specific realities and actual requirements of developing countries.

The two important meetings on development to be held next year -- the International Conference on Financing for Development and the World Summit on Sustainable Development -- should face up to the reality that economic globalization has resulted in widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Developed countries should take concrete actions to fulfil their commitments and help developing countries rid themselves of poverty through practical steps such as providing increased official development assistance, providing debt relief, transferring technology and improving the market access of the developing countries. Also, the World Trade Organization will launch a new round of multilateral trade negotiations. We hope that this round will take into full consideration the concerns and interests of developing countries and become truly a round enhancing development, or a round for development.

This year African leaders have formulated the New African Initiative, taking an important step towards the realization of African economic and political integration and sustainable development. At the same time, however, we should realize that Africa still faces a host of special difficulties. To attain its goal of sustainable development, Africa will have to achieve an average annual growth rate of 7 per cent for the next 15 years. We hope that the United Nations will play a bigger role in helping to meet the special needs of Africa. We appeal to the international community, developed countries in particular, to make a positive response to the Secretary-General's recommendations and make substantive efforts to alleviate the special difficulties of African countries.

China has always supported African countries in their efforts to maintain national stability, promote economic development and realize social progress. China attaches great importance to strengthening its cooperation with African States. Since the China-Africa Forum on Cooperation held in Beijing last year the Chinese Government has made specific arrangements with relevant African countries for the implementation of the cooperation plan between the two sides, including fulfilling China's pledge to forgive a total of 10 billion RMB yuan of their external debt.

As a developing country itself, China also has problems that are crying out for solution. Still, we are committed to continue to help Africa, within our capacity, to achieve its development goals.

Mr. Manalo (Philippines)

At the outset, my delegation wishes to thank the Secretary-General for preparing the road map towards the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration. We are grateful that he has suggested possible strategies and actions to meet the goals and commitments in the Declaration.

I shall focus on a selected number of goals and the corresponding strategies in the road map. However, that should not be construed as prioritization of their importance, for all the proposed strategies in the report are, in the final analysis, interconnected and mutually reinforcing. As the report notes, many of the problems and issues addressed by the Millennium Declaration need to be tackled simultaneously across a broad front.

At the same time, the proposed strategies should not be viewed as exhaustive. The road map should be sufficiently flexible. Particular strategies may require adjustments through time, or new strategies may be needed to suit changing circumstances and needs. More important, however, is the necessary political will and commitment to implement any proposed strategy. We know what has to be done. But translating these strategies into action remains the biggest challenge for each nation and the international community.

At the beginning of the century humankind is faced with both traditional and non-traditional threats to global peace and security. In the latter category fall transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, money-laundering, trafficking in humans and terrorism. The horrors of 11 September add more urgency than is suggested in the road map for States to sign, ratify and implement the conventions and protocols relating to terrorism, and also for States to develop and adopt corresponding laws and administrative procedures at the national level. We must supplement the courses of action in the road map with other tools and instruments to fight terrorism.

On conflict prevention the Secretary-General has advanced a number of strategies aimed not only at improving our ability to address the root causes of conflict and improve coordination among United Nations bodies, but also to create a culture of prevention. We subscribe to a number of the Secretary-General's recommendations in this field. Nevertheless, it is important that conflict prevention measures be undertaken in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and be sensitive to the historical background of the situations under consideration.

The strategies set forth by the Secretary-General to strive for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, through the full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and other weapons conventions, have never been more relevant. We must continue to work for the full implementation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and NPT. The Secretary-General's proposal to support the efforts of civil society to eliminate weapons of mass destruction should also be heeded. We also support the convening of an international conference devoted to disarmament.

The successful conclusion of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects was a bold step in the right direction. We welcome its Programme of Action and look forward to the review of its implementation in two years.

The Millennium Declaration stresses the need to overcome the obstacles that developing countries face in mobilizing resources to finance their sustained development. We must therefore make every effort to ensure the success of the forthcoming International Conference on Financing for Development. The strategies on international trade proposed in the report of the Secretary-General, such as ensuring that developed nations fully comply with Uruguay Round commitments to improve market access for developing country products, the elimination of trade barriers and ensuring that the next round of trade negotiations fully takes into account the needs and priorities of developing countries, provide a good basis to enhance the global benefits of international trade. Debt relief for developing countries remains an essential component of any development package. We agree with the Secretary-General's proposals, especially with the need for donors to mobilize resources to finance debt relief. Developing countries also need greater access to global capital goods and markets. It is equally important, as stated in the report, that debt relief should be additional and not at the expense of other forms of development assistance.

At the same time, globalization as a process needs to be addressed. The highly uneven spread of its benefits should not condemn more lives to the margins. Globalization and adequate social safety nets are not incompatible. Appropriate strategies for this purpose should be included in any road map. The Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010 must be implemented. Meeting the special needs of Africa, especially with respect to poverty eradication and sustainable development, is equally important. It is also our hope that the Rio + 10 Johannesburg Summit becomes the occasion for all countries to muster and commit the required resources to achieve the Rio goals.

Combating all forms of violence against women and implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women are key goals of the Millennium Declaration. National efforts guaranteeing women equal access to education and social and health services are important measures towards meeting that goal. The Secretary-General's proposals to support State efforts to ratify and implement the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and continuing United Nations work on specific policies dealing with migration issues and their implications are equally important.

It is important to continue efforts to revitalize the General Assembly and streamline its working methods, rather than its work, in order to meet the Millennium Declaration's goals of enabling the General Assembly to reaffirm its central position as the chief policy-making organ of the United Nations. With respect to the reform of the Security Council, we support the Secretary-General's proposal on the need to continue to reform the Council's working methods. However, the deadlock on expansion requires a sincere search for a compromise solution. One can only support the Secretary-General's call for all States to pay their dues in full, on time and without condition in order to meet the Millennium Summit's goal of ensuring that the United Nations is provided, on a timely basis, with the resources it needs to carry out its mandates.

Finally, we support the submission of an annual report on the progress made in fulfilling millennium commitments, and a more comprehensive report every five years. The highlighting of particular themes for each year is attractive, but it should not suggest prioritization of attention to a certain issue to the detriment of others at any point in time. We also believe the General Assembly should have an appropriate role to play in selecting particular themes, should this approach be adopted.

Mr. Staczyk (Poland)

Let me first express the appreciation of the Polish delegation to the Secretary-General for his very comprehensive and useful report entitled "Road map towards the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration". The report can help us, the Member States, in identifying the best strategies and actions that can be chosen to fulfil the commitments contained in the Millennium Declaration. It should be noted, however, that the report was prepared prior to the tragic events of 11 September and that our discussion takes place on the heels of the general debate. Both circumstances should be kept in mind when considering the follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit.

Before turning to the issue before us today, I should like to make some remarks on the Declaration itself. The United Nations Millennium Declaration firmly stands as a strong and visible milestone on our common road towards the prosperity and well-being of mankind. World leaders have already spoken -- in the Millennium Declaration -- with very resolute and lucid language and with determination and certainty. Commitments have been taken up. Not a single challenging problem of the contemporary world has escaped the attention of heads of State or Government. All of them are important and interconnected. The main message that our leaders have brought to the world in the Millennium Declaration is the following: that managing the world economy and social development, dealing with threats to international peace and security and promoting sustainable development are matters of the collective and shared responsibility of all States, international organizations, civil societies and individuals. Now the time has come for the practical implementation of those commitments. That is what the world is expecting. That is what the people deserve to get. We must not let the words dry up and public opinion find another example of a notable document never transformed into action. We need continuously to enjoy the confidence and trust of the peoples of the world, since that is crucial for our success and a necessary condition for building up a new spirit in international relations. The road map is ready. Let us get into the vehicle and start driving.

I turn now to some details and proposed goals to be achieved. I will concentrate on three: first, strengthening the rule of law, including taking action against international terrorism; secondly, the eradication of poverty; and, thirdly, human rights, democracy and good governance, in particular strengthening the capacity of all countries to implement the principles and practices of democracy and human rights. All the other goals are equally important, and we are of the view that all of them must be implemented expeditiously and vigorously without any exception. No priorities among priorities should be established since the Millennium Declaration is a comprehensive document of an integral character and must be implemented as a whole. Any selective approach to the implementation of the Declaration should not be welcomed unless it is justified by the limited resources or capacities of the particular country or countries involved.

In the light of the current developments in international relations and, in particular, the horrible acts of terror that challenged order, stability and peace on a world scale, upholding and strengthening the rule of law must be adequately addressed. Poland agrees that the legal framework in this field needs to be improved and further supplemented, but States should first adopt more effective and action-oriented policies in order to eradicate terrorism. Therefore, we must cooperate more closely and exchange information and data in order to prevent and combat terrorism. Combating it requires joint and coordinated action since acts of terror cross State borders and strike transnationally. Since terrorists and their supporters are mobilized and desperately committed to attack peace and stability, we must be mobilized and committed much more to protect our common values. International terrorism attacked us with fury and no moral or any other consideration. The lives of hundreds or thousands are meaningless for terrorists. Therefore, we strongly support the statement of the Secretary-General, contained in his report, that there is a need to take concerted action against international terrorism. Poland, for its part, is ready to act with its allies and friends, and with all other countries of good will, in order to destroy the forces of evil and to protect the safety of the world. We will not limit our efforts or slow down the process when the first effects become visible.

As the Secretary-General stated in his report, in order to significantly reduce poverty and promote development it is essential to achieve sustained and broad-based economic growth. The goal to halve by the year 2015 the proportion of the world's people whose income is less than $1 a day, was clearly stated in the Millennium Declaration. However, in the light of the projections made by the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank, attaining that poverty reduction within the prescribed time frame would be rather difficult, if not very unlikely. Poland is very concerned about that assessment. The Bank, making its well-grounded projection, warns us that the number of people living in poverty will increase, and if progress in life expectancy, school enrolment and child mortality is not achieved, the gap between the poor and rich regions of the world could widen significantly. Such a scenario calls for all States to do everything to accelerate growth and distribute the benefits of growth equitably. In this context, many changes seem to be necessary, such as structural economic reforms, the effective use of public resources, improvements in the services and infrastructure available to the poor and essential reduction of vulnerability. In the absence of those steps, progress will be much slower and many more people will, regrettably, join those who are currently enslaved in poverty. Responses to this real challenge must be given at both national and international levels. All policy makers must understand that accelerating economic growth and social development and improving the distribution of income and wealth are necessary in order to make concrete progress towards a substantial reduction of poverty in the world.

The new Government of Poland takes this responsibility very seriously. We are working hard at the national level, as well as with our partners, to address the issue in the most effective manner, taking into account, however, our limited resources. In mobilizing resources for development and achieving growth, the main role must be played by countries themselves, but they should not be left alone in their efforts. Donors and international agencies must support those who are trying to resolve their economic problems and showing their determination. The burden of debt for many developing countries and countries in transition represents an important obstacle to development. Therefore, effective steps to alleviate the debts of those countries must be taken.

The Polish commitment to democracy and human rights is well known. That is one of the canons of its foreign and domestic policy. Contemporary Poland continues to develop its long tradition of democracy, tolerance and good government as a State of law. Poland will continue its engagement in promoting human rights and supporting democracy since it is convinced that universal and full enjoyment of human rights cannot be provided without a democratic form of government, and, furthermore, that democracy cannot flourish without developing good governance. Democracy is usually a natural way of organizing and governing a society. Respect for human rights, the rule of law, political openness, transparency, responsibility and accountability are fundamental. No one should be deprived, by any means, of inalienable human rights and freedoms.

The term "good governance" has been in use in the United Nations language for only a couple of years, mainly with reference to human rights. My delegation is proud to say that Poland was among those countries that introduced the philosophy and concept of good governance into the United Nations forum. This uncontroversial and attractive idea was welcomed with appreciation first by the Commission on Human Rights and later on by this Assembly. It must be pointed out that a clear and strong reference to good governance is contained in the Millennium Declaration. Poland is convinced that more systematic and comprehensive debate on this complex issue should also be carried out within regional bodies and organizations. The idea of good governance is helpful in bridging substantial gaps among members of the international community, and in bringing closer a variety of opinions, in particular in the human rights field. Being broad and flexible, it can accommodate different approaches and facilitate the emergence of common grounds for understanding.

The concept of good governance can also be very useful in a dialogue among civilizations. There is a lot of evidence how a lack of good governance can negatively affect development. At the same time, substantial interaction between human rights and equality of governance has been strongly confirmed. Those links and interrelations, which, by their very nature, are complex, deserve our further consideration and thought. It is a matter of fact that economic prosperity, including in terms of foreign investment and capital flow, flourishes and develops only in good governance environments. Since this is a vital question for many countries and regions of the world, it might be wise to suggest elaborating a set of universal good governance principles or guidelines for the economy too.

Some work on the implementation of the Millennium Declaration has already been done, but much more is still ahead of us. Visible and resolute action in order to implement the Millennium Declaration must continue to be our principal goal. The elaboration of indicators of progress in this respect might be a good idea. Let us look again at our capacities and resources, evaluate them and allocate appropriately, without any delay. We must bring new hope to those who are hopeless and do not see any chance of change. There is still a chance and we must not miss it -- not this time.

Mr. Siv (United States)

I was sworn in only one hour before the general debate began on 10 November. At the first opportunity I will come to you, Mr. President, to pay my respects and seek your wisdom. In the meantime, I wish you every success.

The Millennium Summit last year addressed many of the challenges the international community faces in our common effort to improve the lot of humanity everywhere. The United States commitment to addressing these challenges remains firm. Last year the fight against terrorism was one of many shared international goals. Sadly, 11 September magnified the importance of this goal. The great coalition against terrorism formed in these past weeks is a testament to the consensus that terrorism and civilization are not compatible. It is also a testament to the 5,000 innocent victims, who came from more than 80 nations. Terrorism is one aspect of the violence that hampers progress in raising living standards worldwide. Countries suffering from armed conflict have witnessed a dramatic, prolonged failure to meet basic human needs. Resolving conflicts depends primarily on the conflict participants themselves. However, the international community should also support their efforts to resolve conflict.

One of the pillars of United States development assistance is conflict prevention and resolution. We are a substantial contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations, both financially and with personnel. We support NATO-led peace operations in the Balkans and the multinational force and observers in the Sinai. My country reaffirms its strong commitment to upholding human rights. The war against terrorism requires a renewed resolve to support democracy-building, judicial reform and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights for all. A world of democracy, accountability, opportunity and stability is a world in which terrorism cannot thrive.

One of the gravest threats to developing countries, especially in Africa, is HIV/AIDS. The United States Government fully supports the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. President Bush has pledged $200 million to the Fund, with more to follow as the Fund demonstrates success. He has also increased funding to our own bilateral programmes on HIV/AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseases. We remain committed to supporting developing countries' efforts to eradicate poverty and to achieve sustainable development. The upcoming International Conference on Financing for Development and the World Summit on Sustainable Development will each address these twin priorities.

The best way to reduce poverty is through strong, sustainable economic growth. Such growth begins with solid national economic policies and institutions. National investment in human capital, particularly in health and education, is essential. Donors, development partners and multilateral organizations can only provide support. Whatever the level of resources available for development, there is not enough to waste, so aid must be used effectively.

In our interlinked world national performance is also influenced by global economic growth. Unfortunately, the short-term prospects for such growth, in particular in the aftermath of 11 September, are poorer than they have been in decades. That is why the United States worked closely with its trading partners, and in particular with developing nations, at last week's ministerial meeting in Doha to launch new World Trade Organization negotiations. Just three weeks ago President Bush met with trade, finance and commerce ministers from 35 African countries for the first meeting of the United States-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum. The President called the Forum a unique opportunity to build ties of trade and trust between the United States and Africa. He announced a new $200 million Overseas Private Investment Corporation support facility to promote our investment in Africa. President Bush praised the visionary African leaders who launched the New African Initiative. To fulfil this vision of progress, he stressed, we must return to the steady, patient work of building a world that trades in freedom.

The Global Development Alliance initiative of the United States Agency for International Development will create strategic alliances with such new partners as non-governmental organizations, private foundations, corporations, the higher education community and even private individuals. This will leverage significant resources, expertise and new technologies to address development challenges. With the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, the United States is a full participant in the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Twenty-four nations have now demonstrated the required commitment to poverty alleviation. They have begun to receive debt relief under the Initiative. President Bush has also proposed that multilateral development banks substantially increase the share of grants in their assistance to the poorest countries.

The road map towards the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration prepared by the Secretary-General contains many useful ideas, as well as some on which international consensus has not been reached. Each country must devise its own procedures for addressing the issues mentioned in the Declaration. The Secretary-General's road map can help that process. We look forward to Member States' consideration of the language in the newly formulated millennium development goals and the suggested indicators.

The challenges we face are immense. Yet we have seen how the international community can come together in a common cause. That is the hope that guides us into the future.

Mr. Sun Joun-yung (Republic of Korea)

At the outset, allow me to express my delegation's sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General and Mr. Michael Doyle for publishing the Secretary-General's report entitled "Road map towards the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration" in a timely manner. This road map report can be regarded as a good first step towards the implementation of the Millennium Declaration, as it provides useful guidelines for carrying out the lofty commitments embodied in the Declaration. The value of the report is further enhanced by the annex, entitled "Millennium development goals", which pinpoints concrete time-bound indicators that will be used to monitor progress towards eight development goals.

Last year the Millennium Declaration was adopted in a euphoric atmosphere, with Member States expressing high expectations for the future work of the United Nations. One year later, however, the optimism and political will mobilized at the Millennium Summit do not seem to be as vigorous. Therefore, the international community needs to reaffirm its commitment to achieve the policy goals set out in the Millennium Declaration. In the light of the rocky negotiation processes for international conventions and the downturn in the world economy over the past year, the concerted efforts of the international community are required more than ever before. As the millennium report of the Secretary-General emphasizes, global issues, by nature, cannot be resolved by any one country. That was made all the clearer by the 11 September terrorist attacks. With a view to ensuring the successful implementation of the Millennium Declaration, we need to reaffirm once again that concerted efforts based on multilateralism are the most effective means of addressing the sundry challenges facing the international community.

Having said that, we appreciate that the road map report suggests a concrete strategy for moving forward towards each of the objectives and goals outlined in the Millennium Declaration. Many of these strategies, comprehensively compiled in the report, have already been under discussion or review within the framework of the United Nations system. Nevertheless, they will no doubt be useful in materializing the vision embodied in the Millennium Declaration. In particular, they can serve as a good guideline or benchmark for Member States, United Nations agencies and upcoming international conferences and events as they try to formulate policies at their own respective levels. The only part of the road map report that requires the endorsement of the Member States is the follow-up reporting system detailed in the last section, entitled "The road ahead". As part of the follow-up reporting process, the Secretary-General is expected to issue an annual report that deals with two different themes. If the intention is to have the annual report deal with two different themes with a view to expediting the follow-ups in a greater number of areas, we believe that two themes could be selected in such a way as to give the report more logical and practical coherence. We hope that Member States can hold further discussion on this matter on the basis of the proposal made in the section "The road ahead".

While basically concurring with the views and suggestions contained in the seven areas of the road map report, I should like to briefly comment on two areas in which we can take more tangible measures at the United Nations level: peacekeeping operations and the strengthening of the United Nations. First, in the field of peace and security, it is widely recognized that conflict prevention is the most cost-effective and politically sound means of ensuring long-term peace and stability. Therefore, the preventive capacity of the United Nations needs to be further reinforced. In this regard, it deserves to be mentioned that the working methodology of peacekeeping operations has been improved considerably over the past year in accordance with the recommendations of the Brahimi report. We hope that the peacekeeping operations capacity of the United Nations will be further expanded in the years to come.

Secondly, it goes without saying that the follow-up to the Millennium Declaration cannot be successfully carried out without strengthening the United Nations. According to the Millennium Declaration, the foremost policy objective in the field of strengthening the United Nations is to reaffirm the central role of the General Assembly and enable it to effectively play its role. With that end in mind, we hope that future United Nations debates can be conducted in a more practical manner. To make the debates more substantive, my delegation believes we should concentrate more on a critical review of past achievements. With regard to future debates on the annual thematic report, we are of the view that those debates should serve as a forum for Member States to report on their activities in the designated thematic area and share best practices and experiences. It is our hope that this new mode of debate can also be adopted in the debates on other agenda items.

That being said, let me briefly touch upon the actions taken by the Government of the Republic of Korea in the context of implementing the outcome of the Millennium Summit. In the spirit of joining the international effort to curb missile proliferation, the Republic of Korea became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) last March. In addition, my Government has demonstrated its commitment to reducing the use of anti-personnel mines by acceding to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and accepting its Amended Protocol II. As part of the effort to strengthen the implementation of democratic principles through institutional reform and civic awareness, the Republic of Korea will host the second conference entitled "Towards a Community of Democracies" in Seoul next year. Furthermore, the Korean Government is making continuous efforts to increase its official development assistance and expand its participation in the donors' conferences.

Finally, I conclude by underlining the importance of inviting the engagement of the private sector and civil society in the implementation of the Millennium Declaration. In this context, I should like to highlight the need for Member States to take specific measures to give widespread publicity to the Millennium Declaration and to increase the dissemination of information on the Declaration.