- 2 years ago
President of Bolivia, Luis Arce Catacora, during his speech at the UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit called for a new world order with equal rights, obligations and without impositions. He also said that the capitalist system in its eagerness to impose its decadent hegemony implements practices of exploitation and colonial domination. teleSUR
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00:00 We go live to the UN Headquarters.
00:12 The President of Bolivia, Luis Garza, addresses the general debate of the 78th session of
00:16 the General Assembly.
00:17 In the realm of this Assembly, the most important multilateral body created by humanity, and
00:26 we are convinced that, along with President Dennis Francis and his leadership, you will
00:31 honor the names of our countries and our Latin American and Caribbean region.
00:38 Distinguished Heads of State, Government, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, brothers and
00:44 sisters of delegations present here, good afternoon, one and all.
00:53 Mr. Vice President, a year ago in this same forum, we denounced the fact that the world
01:02 was grappling with a capitalist crisis which was jeopardizing humanity and the very existence
01:10 of this planet.
01:12 And unfortunately, a year after that statement, that same delicate scene has not changed at
01:20 all.
01:21 The capitalist system, in its enthusiasm for imposing a decadent hegemony, is replicating
01:31 practices of domination and colonial exploitation that need to be overcome.
01:36 Unfortunately, many of the brilliant proposals that emerged within this Assembly have been
01:42 ignored or they were simply omitted due to interests that are part and parcel of the
01:50 savage capitalist system of exploitation which prioritizes production and reproduction of
01:57 capital rather than safeguarding the lives of human beings and the very existence of
02:02 the planet.
02:04 It is clear that we find ourselves before increasing precariousness of the economy due
02:11 to the impact of the many bellicose conflicts that are shaking the world today.
02:17 Peace and security are very much at risk, at imminent risk, given the lack of determination
02:24 by the international community to propose solutions that would emphasize dialogue and
02:29 put an end to bellicose efforts and warmongering promoted by the transnationals of war.
02:36 To that, we must add the serious impact of the environmental crisis, the impact on all
02:43 living systems in all corners of the world.
02:46 According to experts, due to the prevailing system, we have exceeded six of the nine planetary
02:55 limits within which humanity and Mother Earth as a whole need to be able to live in order
03:02 to continue developing and prospering.
03:05 It's worth highlighting here that this tragic situation was further exacerbated in recent
03:11 decades due to the unipolarity and unilaterally unilateral inaction and due to unfulfilled
03:20 commitments.
03:23 Pending challenges continue to be many and enormous, and today we find ourselves, however,
03:31 at the dawn of a new international configuration.
03:34 We are convinced that we are bearing witness to the building of a new international order,
03:39 a situation whereby the United Nations and the General Assembly need to uphold the principles
03:47 for which it was created and play a vital role, a new world order where we can all participate
03:54 equally, with equal rights and obligations, without impositions of any kind, without any
04:01 masters or slaves, without double standards to measure some and others, without sanctions
04:07 or those that are sanctioned.
04:09 This needs to be a new order where solidarity would prevail.
04:13 Complementarity and collaboration need to go above and beyond egotism and pettiness.
04:21 With that certainty, it is possible and necessary to create such a world, and the plurinational
04:27 State of Bolivia, to that end, would like to share the following ideas and suggestions.
04:32 First, we reiterate that, like we said last year, our proposal is that the world be declared
04:41 as a territory of peace.
04:43 We must put an end once and for all to the arms race, and we must prioritize dialogue,
04:50 sincere dialogue and diplomacy amongst peoples in order to settle armed conflict that threatens
04:57 the very existence of humanity.
04:59 It is urgent that our nations unite in a collective effort, bringing together diverse voices,
05:07 especially those from regions that are far removed from the rhetoric of confrontation.
05:14 And yet, these far removed peoples are those that suffer the repercussions from war in
05:19 different dimensions.
05:21 We need to give peace a chance, and in that endeavor, the Organization of the United Nations
05:27 has a fundamental role to play in order to reduce tension and to make progress in dialogue
05:34 that would make it possible to consolidate sound diplomatic policies and settlements
05:41 of disputes which are on the agenda of our organization.
05:45 And along these ideas, we'd like to reiterate our deep-seated concern due to the escalation
05:52 of violence of the conflict in Eastern Europe and the threat of several countries to exacerbate
05:57 the situation through confrontation and the use of weapons of mass destruction, weapons
06:04 that use impoverished radioactive elements, and non-conventional weapons which are banned
06:12 by international law through various international instruments which are binding.
06:20 We note with great alarm that military expenditures around the world have reached historical numbers.
06:28 Up to April of 2023, the world invested more than $2.24 trillion in weapons and the industry
06:36 of war.
06:37 If those resources were to be invested in peace, in mediation, in dialogue, in the development
06:42 of peoples, and invested in life rather than investing in destruction and death, we would
06:47 not find ourselves on the verge of a crisis which further exacerbates inequality around
06:53 the world and which are contrary to the very objectives set forth in this scenario and
07:00 further exacerbate poverty around the world.
07:04 The ways and means of waging war should not be unlimited.
07:09 An increasing number of countries is seeking to use outer space in order to improve their
07:15 military capacity with a view to protect their national security, and yet further endangering
07:22 the peace and security of our planet.
07:25 In doing so, we deeply regret that maintaining peace and security has become a goal which
07:31 is increasingly challenging.
07:34 A genuine peace can only be achieved through the effective implementation of the mechanisms
07:40 set forth in the United Nations Charter and in the complete elimination of all types of
07:45 weapons.
07:46 Bolivia will always be committed to defending and strengthening multilateralism and to continue
07:54 to contribute to disarmament by upholding international law, international humanitarian
08:01 law, and doing so from a vision based on peace and social justice, the well-being of people,
08:08 and peaceful coexistence.
08:10 We reiterate our regional commitment to proclaim Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone
08:16 of peace based on the promotion and respect of the proposals and principles set forth
08:22 in the United Nations Charter and in international law, as we expressed in the context of the
08:28 seventh Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean
08:35 States, CELAC.
08:40 Also at this summit between the European Union and CELAC, which was held in Brussels last
08:47 July, we indicated our desire to have a Latin American, Caribbean, and Europe living in
08:53 peace, our desire that our peoples would be able to bring about peace in a capitalist
09:00 model which cannot actually offer us peace and thereby abandon practices which in past
09:05 histories have not been satisfactory in terms of achieving an equitable and complementary
09:11 relationship between our regions.
09:13 It's necessary to therefore break the international unfair order which is smothering our peoples,
09:22 and we feel it is time now to debate within the context of the United Nations how to build
09:28 a new covenant for the future.
09:31 But to do that, we need to recall the past.
09:34 We need to resolve the present and prepare ourselves for the future.
09:39 We are compelled to address the needs of present generations and future generations in an equitable
09:46 manner.
09:47 We cannot allow a child to die of hunger today in order to ensure the meal of a child that
09:55 has not yet been born.
09:57 Eliminating poverty and inequality today will prevent unimaginable conflicts of economic
10:04 distribution and environmental conflict in the future.
10:08 To build trust, we need to abandon petty interests and work through reciprocity, for example,
10:19 by freeing all transfers of technology that enable us to save lives and restore Mother
10:25 Earth.
10:26 In order to revive global solidarity, we need to recognize each other and our relations
10:35 within the context of all of us being humans.
10:37 For example, in the context of climate change, let us recall that each state needs to earmark
10:42 resources for the damage fund – damage and loss fund in proportion to the historic responsibility
10:48 that should be shouldered with regard to producing greenhouse gases.
10:53 Action for the Agenda 2030 will only be possible if we make peace and solidarity the driver
11:01 of prosperity.
11:04 We must be bold and transform war expenditures and those on death into investments for life.
11:12 And with these resources, we can overcome and meet the goals of sustainable development.
11:18 This is the only way to make Mother Earth sustainable within a space that functions
11:24 in a safe way for all humanity.
11:27 It's the only sustainable, fair, environmental, and socially appropriate way to convert the
11:35 system into one that is progressive.
11:38 We must achieve these goals in a fair and equitable manner for all, without any political
11:44 or financial impositions.
11:46 Third, it's necessary and urgent to change the capitalist system in a time of neoliberalism,
11:53 which multiplies and reproduces forms of domination, exploitation, and exclusion for the great
11:59 majority.
12:01 Brothers and sisters, the multidimensional crisis of capitalism has been laid bare in
12:06 the context of a post-pandemic world and has been exacerbated by the effects of the military
12:12 conflict in Eastern Europe.
12:14 And these are nothing but manifestations of the transition towards a configuration of
12:20 a world order which is different from the one we currently have.
12:24 In response to this, and has never happened before, the global South is raising up in
12:32 a peaceful and constructive manner.
12:34 They are standing for regional and interregional processes of cooperation and integration.
12:41 And the clamor has increased to reconfigure the international financial system and transform
12:48 our understanding of what scientific development should be that is respectful in turn of Mother
12:53 Earth and how to pursue this in an equitable manner, while also recognizing the historical
12:59 responsibilities that need to be shouldered vis-Ã -vis our nations and in all dimensions.
13:05 In the irreversible march towards a multipolar world, it is undeniable that each strength
13:12 influences new initiatives and economic integration, trade, and cooperation amongst countries.
13:18 The surgence and emergence of trade blocs such as Asia, Africa, South America, or the
13:23 BRICS make it possible today for nations to have access to international markets without
13:29 needing to compromise their sovereignty.
13:33 And in that context, despite the adverse international context, Bolivia has implemented the Economic
13:42 and Social Development Plan 2021-2025, which is entitled "Rebuilding our Economy to Live
13:48 Well Towards Industrialization and Replacement of Imports."
13:54 And this plan lays the foundation in order to grapple with the global economic crisis
13:59 and to develop public policy to strengthen our national economy and promote our development
14:04 capacity.
14:05 And in this regard, action developed for the purposes of economic rebuilding and building
14:12 our economic system to be more productive exceeded 6 percent in 2021, and management
14:19 in 2022 achieved 3.5 percent.
14:29 And in 2022, our nominal GDP increased by $40,703 billion in 2021 and reached $44 billion
14:35 in 2022, which is the highest figure in our history.
14:38 Likewise, the GDP per capita increased by 7.4 percent over the figure for 2021, achieving
14:46 a figure of $3.6 billion, again the highest figure in the history of our country.
14:53 I should also mention here that what is happening this year, we see accumulated inflation, which
14:59 is only of 1.6 percent, which is the lowest figure for our region and much lower than
15:04 many countries on the planet.
15:07 This indicator was achieved by us without raising interest rates, without practicing
15:15 neoliberal monetary policy, and especially without reaching into the pockets of the poorest
15:20 of our people, which is where inflation lives.
15:25 The achievements of our country are based mainly on a horizon which is a civilizing
15:32 horizon based on living well and re-vindicating the culture and life of a community, respecting
15:39 living together in harmony, in balance, and in complementarity with all other human beings
15:44 while also being in harmony with Mother Earth and nature.
15:48 Four, the climate crisis requires concrete action and renewed commitments.
15:54 Bolivia has suggested through recognition of the Mother Earth in the General Assembly
15:59 and through the resolution approved in April of 2009, an effort for the entire international
16:05 community to become aware of the importance of restoring our natural processes for the
16:11 very survival of the human being on this planet and providing for an alternative vision, which
16:18 is anti-colonial, an alternative to capitalism and mercantilism.
16:23 In this understanding, our vision is based on sustainability of development and is deeply
16:29 rooted in our vision of living well and in harmony with nature.
16:33 This vision is born of the millennial and ancestral thoughts of our peoples and the
16:40 indigenous peoples in our nations, which are the very foundation of our plurinationality.
16:46 With regard to increasing needs and mitigation of adaptation to the climate crisis and the
16:51 losses and growing damage, it's important that all countries assume their responsibilities.
16:57 And in this context, the developed nations must assume their share of responsibility
17:02 due to the climate debt and compensation for historical reparation to developing countries.
17:08 The first step is to fulfill their promises and meet the pledges with regard to financial
17:13 provision, transfer of technology, and capacity building.
17:17 In this problematic world, one common denominator is the issue of fragmenting countries for
17:24 the most poor.
17:25 And the scarcity of water is only increasing with the evaporation of fresh water.
17:31 We urge this Assembly to provide action and address this problem, a problem which is affecting
17:37 the poorest of the five continents and which is beginning to affect all sectors of society.
17:44 Ambassador Olivia would highlight here that this year, by consensus, the conservation
17:50 and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, the
17:56 BBNJ, was adopted by consensus because it is a significant step towards protecting our
18:03 oceans and the sustainability and use of our resources, benefiting the developed nations
18:09 especially, especially those that are landlocked.
18:13 This treaty will establish rules and regulations to prevent the sustainable exploitation of
18:18 resources, will protect the interests of landlocked countries, and will prevent the exhaustion
18:25 of marine resources.
18:27 The BBNJ treaty is a historic opportunity to mark the difference in protecting our oceans
18:34 because they are a common good of all humanity.
18:38 And in this context, we highlight the special mention for the indigenous peoples and landlocked
18:43 countries.
18:44 Together, we can ensure that the oceans will continue to be sources of life and prosperity
18:50 for present generation and future generations in an equitable manner.
18:54 Five, we must continue promoting a broader view of human rights and democracy.
19:03 Despite the progress achieved, the world continues to be an unequal world.
19:09 And while it's true that peoples shape their own destiny, it is also true that for our
19:15 peoples to live well, this has been undermined for centuries due to legal, economic, and
19:21 ideological colonialism.
19:23 You know better than anyone that it has not been possible to exercise the right to development
19:28 due to history.
19:30 The systematic transfer of wealth from the South to the North has put us at a disadvantage
19:35 up until today.
19:37 We have had to navigate the waters of a crisis imposed only on the South, which is not the
19:44 same than to talk about economic, social, and cultural rights as to talk about health,
19:50 education, food, access to knowledge, and technology in a continent where – in another
19:57 – in the South and in the North.
19:59 It's not the same.
20:01 In this context, it's not possible to plan without also addressing the historical responsibilities.
20:07 Without assuming those responsibilities, we cannot fulfill our potential as peoples and
20:12 make possible our right to development.
20:15 In the plurinational state of Bolivia, we have understood that democracy is not possible
20:20 without development.
20:22 And development cannot have better indicators than the exercise of collective rights – rights
20:29 that are promoted, protected, and guaranteed by the state, but rights also that go hand
20:35 in hand with a high level of democratic participation of social collectives.
20:40 In Bolivia, we have understood that economic stability also requires substantive change
20:49 in food sovereignty, access to intercultural and multilingual education in sexual and reproductive
20:56 health for Bolivian women.
20:58 From our experience, I would like to highlight that the active participation of indigenous
21:02 peoples in the affairs of state has made our recent achievements possible, and that is
21:08 why I call on this assembly to continue making progress toward strengthening the rights and
21:15 participation of indigenous peoples.
21:18 Another topic of great interest to my country are the rights of women.
21:22 It is estimated that in the world, 736 million women – that is, one out of three women
21:28 around the world – have been victims of physical violence or sexual violence.
21:34 Violence suffered by women needs to stop being a solitary and private experience, and it
21:39 needs to be recognized as a public issue on which we need to take urgent action.
21:45 Maternal mortality is another great issue we must grapple with, since every day 800
21:51 women die due to pregnancy-related complications.
21:55 Sustainable development will not be possible if we do not provide women with an opportunity
22:00 to live without fear of violence and to exercise their reproductive and sexual rights with
22:05 access to universal health care.
22:09 Sixth, we need to stop the international system of implementing sanctions and unilateral coercive
22:18 action.
22:19 We need to uproot this.
22:22 Brother Vice President, another topic that I could not but mention on this opportunity
22:26 is that that relates to unilateral coercive measures and sanctions that are imposed on
22:31 brother peoples, undermining their ability to develop the most basic human rights.
22:40 These measures are a reflection of a dysfunctional system which is far removed from international
22:45 law and multilateral law.
22:46 A clear example of these measures, which is illegal, inhuman, and criminal, is the economic
22:53 and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba.
22:57 The restrictions imposed make it difficult to have access to food, medicine, and other
23:02 basic goods, creating human suffering which impacts their economy and development.
23:07 We call for the compliance with the many resolutions adopted by this General Assembly and to build
23:13 a world that's fair and more solidarity, where all countries can prosper without regard to
23:19 their political differences.
23:21 We also reject and condemn the inclusion of Cuba as a promoter of terrorism on the unilateral
23:28 lists of the United States, using this argument to impose greater restrictive measures against
23:33 the Cuban people.
23:35 These measures run counter to the United Nations Charter and the mandate of the Security Council,
23:42 and that is why they are not supported by, nor are they valid in light of international
23:47 law.
23:48 But still, they very much affect the right to development of the Cuban people.
23:53 Seven, we must stop, as soon as possible, the trampling of the Palestinian people.
24:00 With regard to the Israeli occupation of Palestine, we cannot continue allowing the suffering of
24:06 the Palestinian people.
24:07 We reiterate our support to world and regional initiatives, international law, and the United
24:13 Nations resolutions that seek to guarantee a solution whereby the Palestinian people
24:19 can exercise its right to self-determination and build its own state, which is free, independent,
24:26 and sovereign within the borders, pre-1967 borders, and with East Jerusalem as its capital.
24:34 Finally, brothers and sisters, the current crisis urgently requires a United Nations
24:42 organization that stands strong, that upholds the principles that created it, that is committed
24:48 to peace, and that maintains its intergovernmental nature without, however, subordination to
24:54 any hegemonic power, be it economic, political, or military.
25:00 Because the solutions to the many challenges facing humanity will only become a reality
25:05 with sincere commitment and the political determination of all countries and their actors,
25:10 and prioritizing the common interests of humankind and especially the most vulnerable people
25:16 and sectors of humanity.
25:18 Thank you.
25:19 (Applause.)
25:20 We were listening to the statements of the Bolivian president of the 78th UN General
25:29 Assembly.
25:30 Luis Arce denounced the capitalist system that, over decades, has imposed hegemonism
25:34 and colonialism.
25:35 Arce added that peace and security are at risk because the international community lacks
25:39 the will to address the issue against warmongering transnationals.
25:43 Arce also said that, to be convinced that a new international order was dawning, and
25:48 called on the UN to play the role for which it was created, an order of solidarity and
25:53 cooperation.
25:54 The Bolivian president called on world authorities to unite to declare the world a world of peace
25:58 and carry true endeavors to end conflicts and the armed race.
26:03 Arce warned that military investments have reached historical heights, adding that if
26:06 those resources were better used in creating bridges of peace, the world would not find
26:10 itself in the security crisis it is experiencing.
26:14 President Arce said Bolivia will always be committed to bring an end to conflict and
26:18 promote disarmament and work for the well-being of peoples across the world to bring social
26:23 justice.
26:24 He also condemned the U.S. blockade against the Cuban island and pledged his support to
26:30 the Palestinian cause.
26:32 Stay tuned with Televisor English for more on the 78th General Assembly of the United
26:36 Nations.
26:37 (crickets chirping)
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