Statement by
Mr. Mahdi Hajimohammadi
First Secretary
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Under Agenda Items 20 “Sustainable Development” and its sub-items
Before the Second Committee, UNGA 76
New York, 11 October 2021
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Madam Chair,
At the beginning I would like to associate myself to the statement made by the distinguished representative of the Republic of Guinea on behalf of the group of 77 and China and I wish to add the following remarks in my national capacity.
Madam Chair,
COVID-19 continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of all in an unprecedented manner and has reversed decades of development achievements. Both our time and our resources are limited, and the “decade of action and delivery for sustainable development” - which began last year - reminds us that our problems require multilateral solutions instead of unilateral approaches. In other words, it is alarming to witness that the illegal unilateral coercive measures adopted by a few are undermining the foundation of multilateralism when it is extremely needed.
Madam Chair,
Despite all of the restrictions and limitations arising from the US’ illegal unilateral sanctions, the Islamic Republic of Iran has redoubled its efforts to build a more prosperous future for its people. As a result, in the field of education - especially in the areas related to the eradication of illiteracy and provision of universal free public education up to secondary school - we are ahead of the world’s average according to the statistics on the issue. Pertaining to women and their participation in social as well as economic sectors, Iran has also experienced vast improvements and advancements.
In spite of the illegal sanctions, we have also made astonishing progress in various areas in science, technology and innovation. In the field of biotechnology and stem cells, our progress has been astounding, and today, we are proud to announce that Iran has become one of the manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines.
Madam Chair,
Iran has also taken vital steps in the area of sustainable energy and, as a result, has reached the average access index of over 99.80 percent for people’s access to electricity and over 95 percent in their access to natural gas.
Madam Chair,
In the field of natural disasters, Iran has been committed to playing an important role and has a notable share in helping vulnerable countries. In this connection, Iran is hosting the UNESCAP Center for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) and voluntarily funding its activities.
Madam Chair,
Sand and dust storms continue to pose significant transboundary risks which threaten to undermine the realization of sustainable development. In this regard, we call for accelerated action with a view to enhancing partnerships and cooperation in order to better support countries in addressing the challenges posed by this phenomenon.
Madam Chair,
We are very close to COP26 in Glasgow. In this regard, the spirit of the negotiations would be constructive if all of the parties involved could exercise flexibility. Common understanding and decisive will is truly needed to advance the negotiations on the outstanding issues of the modalities, procedures and guidelines for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. It should also be mentioned here that the special circumstances of my Country under unlawful unilateral sanctions have left no access to the means of implementation for climate action under the Convention.
Madam Chair,
Let me also reiterate that within the issues related to the sustainable development, in general, and climate change, in particular, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities should be duly taken into consideration. We further reiterate that the right to development is a fundamental and inalienable human right that developed countries should respect and promote by transfer of technology, capacity building and official development assistance when dealing with developing countries.
Madam Chair,
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that in this critical juncture, the international community has a moral responsibility to step up in its commitments and to coordinate effective efforts against unilateralism if it intends to ensure that no one will be left behind.
I thank you, Madam Chair