Goals have to be meaningful: HM

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of
Brunei Darussalam addressing the Plenary Session of the UN Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015
Agenda in New York yesterday

New York
Sunday, September 27, 2015

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, consented to attend the Plenary Session of the United Nations Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Agenda here yesterday.

His Majesty, in the titah, said as the United Nations commemorates the 70th anniversary this year, it was very timely for the nations to reflect on their work since the Millennium Summit in 2000 and at the same time, look beyond 2015. His Majesty was encouraged by what had been achieved so far with the Millennium Development goals (MDGs).

His Majesty added that the world has witnessed a decline in extreme poverty, an increase in access to primary education in developing regions, and improvements in child as well as maternal health.

These showed that the target-oriented approach taken by the United Nations was both practical and feasible. His Majesty said that, at the same time, there has been different level of progress worldwide which means there is still much work to be done.

His Majesty was therefore pleased that the Secretary-General had presented a new development agenda, covering targets built upon the MDGs and also new objectives to address gaps identified over the past 15 years.

His Majesty felt reassured by the fact that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are people-centred, inclusive and comprehensive. They focus on people, the planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership.

His Majesty added that to achieve the goals, member states have to enhance individual and collective actions. His Majesty further added that they have to work in partnership through capacity building, learning from each other’s experiences, and sharing best practices.

His Majesty also stated that each country has a challenging task ahead, but was optimistic that with firm commitment, they will be able to deliver.

The monarch said it is for this reason that Brunei Darussalam always values cooperation with external partners both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Brunei Darussalam looks forward to further strengthening its relations with various UN agencies, to support national development plans that are in line with the SDGs. Brunei Darussalam also attaches great importance to the work of ASEAN towards realising an ASEAN Community by 2015.

His Majesty added that later this year, ASEAN will adopt its own Post-2015 Vision which will complement and support the global development agenda.

His Majesty further stated that the task now is to focus on the transition from the MDGs to the SDGs, particularly for developing countries. The monarch also agreed with the areas highlighted in the document, which present specific challenges. His Majesty recognised that member states all have different priorities and approaches.

The Sultan, however, saw a commonality in the commitment to place sustainable development at the core of this efforts to give people a better life. These include alleviating poverty, reducing inequalities, promoting quality education, addressing climate change, and achieving gender equality.

His Majesty said the SDGs have to be meaningful for every man, woman and child. It is especially crucial youths to be included because they stand to inherit the new agenda. His Majesty was therefore pleased that the new agenda has rightly emphasised the importance of youths. Furthermore, it will provide a platform for empowerment through initiatives such as the provision of universal access to quality education.

His Majesty also pointed out that investing in people is vital in the pursuit of the future the member states want, adding that they all aspire to create a better world for the peoples and future generations. His Majesty called on the member states to act boldly and urgently, saying the new agenda would provide a valuable roadmap to move forward. His Majesty stated that to succeed, peace and stability must be maintained. His Majesty concluded the titah by expressing support for the adoption of this Post-2015 Development Agenda, and is confident of its success.

Accompanying His Majesty were Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Haji Abd Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Second Minister of Finance at the Prime Minister’s Office; Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and His Excellency Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghafar bin Haji Ismail, Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the United Nations.


Sumber - The Brunei Times