Monday, October 5, 2015

President Christian Addresses Climate Change, Peace and Security in the UN General Assembly



New York, October 1, 2015. President Peter Christian addressed the 70th United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly, emphasizing the impacts of climate change and the need for cohesive action to save the low lying Pacific Islands, including the Federated States of Micronesia. “We must become more cohesive in our actions to bring a useful conclusion to help mitigate the threat of sinking islands and prevent the potential genocide of Oceanic peoples and cultures,” he declared.  He noted FSM’s dedicated contribution to international efforts in saving the world through the Micronesia Challenge initiative and continued commitment to phasing down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol.

President Christian voiced hope that the upcoming international climate change conference in Paris in December would resolve the disagreements over allowable emissions of greenhouse gases by industrial nations.
On the issue of peace and security, President Christian demanded that the U.N. and the International community to make this world a peaceful place for all. He noted that in the 20th century, FSM experienced four decades of armed conflicts; conflicts in which FSM had no interest to take part in but which were brought to the Micronesian shorelines by powerful countries seeking expanded political power and influence.
President Christian urged nations who once stood against each other in conflicts to stand together with FSM today and to forgive for the sake of a peaceful tomorrow. “Together, let us promote friendship, partnership, and cooperation as our collective strength for the future.”

The President said U.N. members should focus their attention on the collective challenges facing the international community. “We have enough common enemies today, enemies that have no respect for culture, boundaries, religion, or social status; climate change, sea level rise, poverty, hunger and famine, illiteracy and incurable diseases, genocide and human trafficking, economic imbalance, and apathy. These are our challenges of today.” 

The President called on the international community in the United Nations to divert its energy and anger for things past toward the common challenges facing the world today. 
President Christian concluded his statement by urging the international community to unite strongly and take actions to overcome the common issues facing the world today in order to create a safe and peaceful world for all mankind. 

Full statement and recording available: Click here for full statement
UN Press Release available here: Click here

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