Statement by Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Deputy Permanent
Representative of Sri Lanka at the informal consultations on the Summit of the Future,
20th April 2023
Thank you Chair for giving me the floor. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Cuba on behalf of the G77 and China as well as the statement delivered by Pakistan on behalf of the Like-minded Group. I wish to make the following points in our national capacity.
We share the appreciation that you have revised the road map for the informal consultations which are now devoted to identifying the scope and elements of the Summit of the Future. First and foremost, it is important that concerns about future generations emanate from theconcerns we have about the present generation. The poly-crisis that we very often talk about has generated a concern about the predicament that future generations would be faced with, if the present generation does not overcome current challenges. It must also be remembered that in 1997 UNESCO adopted a declaration on the Responsibility of the Present Generations towards Future Generations. It is in this context, that my delegation views the current negotiations on how we are going to address matters relating to future generations.
With regard to the Scope and elements, the most pressing issues to be addressed at the Summit of the Future would be the development agenda, climate change, agenda for peace, reform of international institutions especially the international financial architecture and the protection of human rights in all its aspects including the right to development. A critical aspect of implementation of all this is financing as it is the critical element in the realization of the 2030 Agenda. Bridging the financing and development gap is essential and in that regard reform of the financial architecture and adjustment of measures that go Beyond GDP would be important.
The outcome of the forthcoming SDG summit should be an essential input into the outcome document of the Summit of the Future. The currently discussed Declaration on Future Generations could be a part of the outcome of the Summit of the Future.
The Secretary-General's policy briefs would be useful inputs to the deliberations and the intergovernmental negotiation process should decide which elements would be included in an outcome document to be agreed upon premature discussion on specific proposed elements without first agreeing on the overall scope of the summit would be prejudicial to its general outcome.
The role played by science, technology and innovation in realizing development goals and in general improving the livelihood of peoples cannot be underestimated. Therefore, if we are to take cognizance of the current inequalities and imbalances and set the stage to create a more just world it is important to create institutional frameworks at national, regional and international levels for the promotion of technology transfer and capacity building and foster mutual cooperation and collaboration in STI fields.
I thank you.
Link to the video : https://youtu.be/k_HxZGRF_FY