His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali articulated a compelling vision for global progress while highlighting the necessary measures being implemented at the regional and national levels, during his address at the 78th UN General Assembly today in New York.
High on the Head of State’s agenda were the principles of democracy, international law, diplomacy and a united front to confront global challenges.
He called for adherence to international law, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to end conflicts and disputes between states; while reiterating Guyana’s stance on issues affecting Cuba, Palestine, and the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.
The President also underscored the importance of fulfilling financial commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and called for reforming the existing financial architecture to address the challenges faced by developing countries. Among those challenges was the global food crisis, which he noted needs urgent attention, due mostly to the weaponization of food through trade restrictions and rising food prices.
At the national level, the President emphasized Guyana’s leadership drive in climate security, especially through the country’s commitment to its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which strives for over 80% reliance on renewable energy by 2030.
He said Guyana’s efforts have so far resulted in securing 33.4 million tons of carbon credits, generating $US750m from 2016 to 2030, 15 per cent of which are earmarked for indigenous villages across the country.
The country’s investments in Amerindian development through land titling and its quest to develop Guyana and the lives of all Guyanese were also highlighted.
