STATEMENT BY MR ANG ZHONGREN DELEGATE TO THE 65TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 118: REVITALISATION OF THE WORK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 6 DECEMBER 2010

STATEMENT BY MR ANG ZHONGREN DELEGATE TO THE 65TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 118: REVITALISATION OF THE WORK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 6 DECEMBER 2010

Mr President,

1 Darwin's law of natural selection, commonly known as "survival of the fittest", emphasized the need for constant adaptation and evolution by species to suit the changing environment, or face the possibility of elimination and extinction. The General Assembly too, must endeavor to demonstrate its relevance and adapt to changes and challenges in the global environment.

2 The world faced many global challenges last year. Among others, the economic crisis and the H1N1 pandemic were acute examples of how dangers today possessed global spread and impact. Even as the UN debates whether it has a role to play in dealing with these crises, it is telling that the delivery of the General Assembly's core expertise - development assistance - has yet to achieve real effectiveness. The 2010 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report, which was just published on 25 November, showed that the number of least-developed countries has doubled over the last 30 years, with 421 million people living below the poverty line in 2007. This is a sober reminder that the UN must do better to meet long-standing and novel challenges, as this affects the struggle of the UN to find its role in providing global governance and leadership.

3 The reform and the strengthening of the General Assembly cannot be more timely and urgent.

Mr President,

4 We must remember that we are the "United Nations".

5 "United" means that all 192 Member States, are bound by common goals and shared vision - peace and security, sustainable development and human rights - which make up the three pillars of the UN. The General Assembly should not create artificial divides of "them" and "us", whether by region or development status. We need to constantly remind ourselves of the need to work towards the common goals we had set out to achieve in the first place. We need to continually reiterate to ourselves of the need to "prosper thy neighbor". The recent global economic crisis and H1N1 pandemic are stark reminders that we are living in an increasingly inter-connected and inter-dependent world.

6 "Nations" means that the General Assembly provides a level playing field for all Member States. It places large countries alongside and on equal terms with small and medium sized ones. The beauty of universal multilateralism lies in giving each nation an equal voice. This right to an equal voice must be preserved.

7 Therefore, "United Nations" means all nations regardless of size must pull together in solidarity at all times. In delivering his Report on the work of this Organization earlier in September this year, the Secretary-General had said that "the soul of global governance..." is "... a collective stand, principled and pragmatic, against forces that would divide us". Regardless of which other organizations or institutions we belong to, we must continue to proudly wear our badges as Member States of the UN, and remember the reasons that first made us part of this House.

Mr President,

8 In order to be effective, resolutions passed by this House need to have teeth, and the General Assembly needs to be empowered to ensure their implementation. Each year, we gather together and spend many hours to find consensus, which means the lowest common denominator amongst us; and each year, we go about in circles discussing the same issues with little progress. This cannot be the aim of our work! Resolutions need to have clear action plans, realistic timelines and most importantly, the responsible commitment of all Member States to act. The General Assembly's agenda also needs to be reviewed and refreshed regularly to ensure its continued relevance. Member States should regularly review resolutions which have traditionally been tabled at the General Assembly, to ensure that these items are of continued relevance and importance to Member States.

9 There has been much talk in this House about cooperation with other organizations, such as regional communities, associations and organizations. However, we should consider first if the UN is a 'value partner' for fellow organizations before we think of strengthening partnerships with them. There is a need for us to get our own house in order. The General Assembly must add value and concentrate on issues which it has comparative advantages in. This would result in greater efficiency in the multilateral process, including at the UN.

Mr President,

10 While we are on the topic of reform, we cannot ignore that the heart of reform lies in strengthening the relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council. My delegation had stressed on many occasions the need for decision-making to be inclusive, participative, and representative of all Member States. This is the value of this House, where we are all equals. Under the Charter, the Security Council is part of the United Nations and bound to work towards the United Nation's goals. The Council is neither supernumerary to, nor a body in isolated splendor from the United Nations. In order to more effectively achieve its goals and duty to Member States, it must be transparent and inclusive, with early and increased consultation and participation of all Member States. Better cooperation between the Council and the Assembly will strengthen our capacities and improve delivery of the United Nation's services to peoples in need.

Mr President,

11 In accordance with the theme for this year, it is my delegation's hope that the General Assembly will continue to remain a strong voice in global governance for many years to come. In the fight of the "survival of the fittest", this House must grow from strength to strength and become a truly indispensible global institution of the twenty-first century.

12 Thank you.

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