Statement by
Ms. Nooshin Teymourpour
Second Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran
At the Second Committee
Under Agenda Item 16 and 17: “Macro-economic Policy and Sub-Items
and Financing for Development”
New York, 6 October 2022
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Madam Chair,
My delegation would like to associate itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representatives of Pakistan and Venezuela, respectively delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China as well as the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations.
Madam Chair,
COVID-19 taught us that overcoming crises of this magnitude would not be possible without resorting to the joint efforts of all countries based on solidarity, cooperation, and multilateralism. In other words, the coronavirus was and remains a wake-up call for the whole world, reminding us once again that all human beings' development, welfare, and prosperity are interdependent.
This virus not only threatened the life and well-being of people across the globe but also drastically increased and exacerbated poverty, hunger, and inequalities within and among countries, particularly with its adverse impacts on international trade and the global economy.
The era of COVID-19 will end sooner or later, but we believe that along with the coronavirus, other deadly diseases are spreading in our world today. Suppose the international community does not take decisive and effective action on the total elimination of these diseases, the most serious of which is unilateralism. In that case, the situation will be much worse than what we are witnessing now.
Dear Colleagues,
Allow me to touch upon the followings briefly:
- Financing for development, a crucial element in achieving development, is now, more than ever, posed to challenges. The rampant blow to multilateralism has generated enormous challenges for both "financing" and "development." The unilateral policies by some significant players cast doubt on the effectiveness of multilateral financing and trading systems. The international community should therefore ensure that financing for development in no way becomes hostage to coercive and restrictive agendas.
- International trade continues to play its role as an engine for development and long-term economic growth. This is the right of every sovereign state to be part of a universal, rules-based, open, transparent, predictable, inclusive, non-discriminatory, fair, equitable, independent and depoliticized international trading system. A just system that cares for the challenges and vulnerabilities of developing countries and excludes the imposition of illegal unilateral coercive measures. Unfortunately, the current system is far from such an ideal one and is now a target of harsh unilateral behavior, which puts the whole international trading system at risk.
- We must ensure that developed countries fulfill their commitments to providing sufficient and adequate ODA, bearing in mind that it remains the primary source of international financing for development for many developing countries. Commitment by developed countries toward Official Development Assistance (ODA) is over five decades old and has never been achieved. Therefore, developed countries should be urged to fulfill their unmet ODA commitments to developing countries.
- Transfer of technology and financing for development are equally important for developing countries. Technical, technological, and financing support for bridging the existing gaps, including the infrastructure gap, are pivotal for countries in stepping up their efforts vis-à-vis development challenges.
Madam Chair,
In order to overcome today's fragilities and challenges, we need less talking and more action. Therefore, let me conclude by reiterating that only together can we realize the promise which we jointly made to leave no one behind.