Dialogue forum IBSA – Joint Statement (New York, 27/09/2018)
MIL OSI-C. Region: English/Latin America –
Source: Republic of Brazil
1. The Minister of Business Outside of the Republic of India, Her Excellency Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Relations of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency, Aloysio Nunes Ferreira Filho, and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Her Excellency Lindiwe Sisulu, met in New York, on the 27th of September 2018, at the margins of the 73rd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
2. Celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of its formal release, the Ministers underscored the importance of the principles, norms and values that sustain the Dialogue Forum IBSA, including participatory democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. To map the strategic perspective of the IBAS, the ministers reiterated the need for the IBSA to leverage its strengths and unique identity as a group in the Global South, bringing together three large pluralistic societies, the multicultural and multiracial three continents. In the context of the global order dynamics of the present time, the Ministers stressed the strategic significance of IBAS to safeguard and promote the interests of the South in the global scenario. They stressed the importance of multilateralism and the need for reform of structures of global governance in order to make them more inclusive, democratic, representative, transparent and that meet the needs of the South.
3. Ministers noted, with satisfaction, that since the holding of the 8th meeting of the Trilateral Commission Ministerial, held in October 2017 in Durban, south Africa, the activities of IBAS took new impetus with the decision of strengthening the cooperation based on its three pillars: political coordination in multilateral fora, trilateral cooperation and cooperation with other developing countries through the Fund IBAS for the Relief of Poverty and Hunger.
4. They stressed the Declaration on south-South Cooperation IBSA, issued in June 2018, in Pretoria, in the context of the implementation of the Second High-Level Conference of the United Nations on south-South Cooperation (Conference BAPA 40), which will take place in Buenos Aires in march 2019. Pointed out that the Statement above provides the unique opportunity for the strengthening of future cooperation in the trilateral with other developing countries through the Fund IBAS for the Relief of Poverty and Hunger. They emphasized the important role played by the Fund IBAS through the sharing of development experiences of the countries of the IBSA and remembered, with satisfaction, the signing, in 2017, of the Fund Agreement IBAS, which will ensure a regular flow of resources to boost their activities.
5. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the policy consultation regular carried out between the missions of the three countries in Geneva, Nairobi, New York, Paris and Rome about the major issues of the international agenda. Reiterated their intention to deepen and strengthen even more the Dialogue Forum IBSA and highlighted the importance of coordination and close cooperation among the countries of the IBSA in various multilateral fora, including the UN, G20, WHO, WTO, WIPO and the UNFCCC.
6. The Ministers instructed the Sherpas to intensify activities to increase the visibility of the Fund IBAS.
The United nations and Reform of the Security Council
7. The Ministers reiterated their intention to contribute to the safeguard of an international order that is fair and equitable based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the UN. In this regard, the Ministers reiterated that the unilateralism has a negative impact on international stability, contributes to the uncertainty and undermines national efforts to strengthen constitutionalism and the rule of law.
8. Recalling that international peace and security can be achieved and sustained only in full respect for international law, particularly the UN Charter, reaffirmed their commitment to the collective efforts for the peaceful settlement of disputes through political means and diplomatic. The Ministers reaffirmed their efforts to build a fair world
9. Ministers emphasized that no reform of the United Nations is complete without reform of the Security Council, including through the expansion of its membership in the categories of permanent and non-permanent, in order to ensure adequate representation of developing countries. Stated that such reform is essential so that the Council is able to adequately respond to global challenges. They expressed full support to the applications from mutual to permanent seats on the UN Security Council is reformed and expanded. The Ministers welcomed with satisfaction the reform proposals of the Secretary-General of the UN and encouraged him to address the need for reform in other areas, including ensuring a geographical representation appropriate in the Secretariat, especially at the highest levels, by reviewing the arrangements for funding and support to missions, special policies and strengthening the role of the regional commissions.
10. Ministers stressed that the achievement of progress in the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on the course is essential to ensure a meaningful reform of the UN Security Council. To this end, the Ministers requested the start of negotiations based on the text in the IGN as soon as possible.
11. The Ministers expressed their gratitude to the late Mr. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, for their commitment and contributions to strengthening and promoting the multilateral system of global governance, for his quest to ensure that the people of this world live in Greater Freedom, in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
Sustainable Development goals
12. The Ministers discussed shared priorities and future collaborative work to contribute to the implementation of complete and balanced Sustainable Development Goals and their targets. They observed that the Fund IBAS for the Relief of Poverty and Hunger plays an important role in the support of projects that contribute
Climate Change
13. The Ministers expressed their concern with the consequences of climate change and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a balanced outcome within the framework of the Programme of Work of the Agreement in Paris at COP-24, which allows for their full operationalization and implementation from 2021 onwards, guided by the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The Ministers urged the developed countries to provide sustained funding, predictable, and appropriate, transfer of technology and training support to developing countries to cope with climate change, in line with their legal obligations under the UNFCCC, its Kyoto Protocol and the Agreement of Paris. The Ministers emphasized that the effective implementation of the legal obligations of developed countries under the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol and the Agreement of Paris will be essential to build trust between the Parties and to create conditions for the successful implementation of the Agreement of Paris. The Ministers reiterate their commitment to strengthen the cooperation between the countries of the IBSA, including cooperation in research south-South.
Terrorism
14. The Ministers deplored the continuing terrorist attacks around the world. They condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever that has been committed and by whomever that is, and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism. Reaffirmed that those responsible for committing, organising or supporting terrorist acts should be held accountable. Agreed that terrorism is a scourge that is global that must be fought, and have called on all countries to eliminate the ports-insurance and infrastructure for terrorists from all territories under their control, disrupting terrorist networks and their channels of financing, and preventing the cross-border movement of terrorists. They reaffirmed their solidarity and determination in the fight against terrorism. Have urged the international community to establish an international coalition genuinely large for counterterrorism, in accordance with the principles of international law, and to support the central coordinating role of the United Nations in international cooperation against terrorism. Reminded the responsibility of all States to prevent and combat terrorism, including the financing of terrorist networks and terrorist actions in their territories. The Ministers urged the completion and adoption anticipated of the Convention widely on International Terrorism at the UN General Assembly. The Ministers also requested the effective implementation of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and targeted sanctions related to terrorism.
Human Rights
15. The Ministers stressed that this year we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is an opportunity to emphasize that the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms can best be sought through mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation.
16. The Ministers noted that 2018 will mark the centenary of the birth of former president of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. The Ministers recalled the Resolution 64/13 of 2009 of the General Assembly of the United Nations, which recognized the values of Nelson Mandela
17. Reinforced the need for more technical assistance and capacity building so that countries are better equipped to meet the needs of their citizens. In this respect, they stressed that all human rights, including the right to development, should receive the same importance, because they are inter-dependent, inter-related and mutually reinforcing. It is important to recognize the right to development as a human right distinct, universal, inalienable, and fundamental, applicable to all people in all countries.
18. In addition, the Ministers agreed to strengthen dialogue in the field of human rights in multilateral fora such as the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, favoring, at all times, approaches non-selective, non-politicized and constructive to the challenges of human rights in the world under the guiding principles of equality and mutual respect. At the same time, agreed to continue to support diplomatic solutions to these challenges, based on dialogue, with a view to improving the lives of people and prevent further damage to areas affected by conflict.
Refugees
19. The Ministers expressed their appreciation for the efforts undertaken by member States and by UNHCR in the preparation of the Global Compact on Refugees. They emphasized the need for more equitable sharing of the burden and responsibility of welcoming and supporting refugees in the world by means of voluntary contributions, taking into account existing contributions and the different capacities and resources between the States. They observed, moreover, that these voluntary contributions will be determined by the States based on their national realities, capacities and levels of development and respecting national policies and priorities. They underscored the need to address the causes that lead individuals to seek international protection and to strengthen the means to promote the sustainable development. It also reaffirmed the importance of the search for durable solutions, the use of legal means for complementary engagement and the fight against xenophobia and discrimination.
The WTO
20. The Ministers reaffirmed the centrality of a multilateral trading system (MTS), rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive, as embodied in the WTO. Noticed that the MTS has contributed significantly to the economic growth, development and employment over the last seventy years. The Ministers agreed to make every effort to strengthen the multilateral trade system and make the WTO more responsive to the needs of its members. They emphasized also that the global rules of trade should facilitate the effective participation of all countries in the MTS, and that the development should continue an integral part of the work of the WTO. They stressed the need to continue to make positive efforts designed to ensure that developing country members, in particular those of smaller relative development, have guaranteed participation in the growth of world trade, compatible with the needs of their economic development.
Funding for the Development
21. The Ministers welcomed the results of the third Forum of ECOSOC on Financing for Development (FfD), held at United Nations headquarters in New York in April 2018, which reaffirmed the central role of the FfD in the implementation of Agenda 2030 for the Sustainable Development. They emphasized that long-term financing and the affordable price is essential to achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions, particularly by developing countries, and that the eradication of poverty and hunger must continue to be the primary objective of the FfD. The Ministers underscored the importance of cooperation between the member States of IBSA to promote the implementation of the Agenda for Action Addis Ababa, as well as the results of the International Conferences of Monterrey and Doha FfD.
22. In this context, the Ministers recalled the contributions made by the Fund IBAS for the construction of a Sports Complex Multi-purpose Indoor in Ramallah, the phase I and Phase II of the Installation of the Unit Cardiothoracic Hospital Al Quds of Palestine Red Crescent society in Gaza, of Medical Center Atta Habib in Gaza and the Rehabilitation Center for people with Mental Disabilities in Nablus.
The African Union
23. The Ministers praised the efforts of the African Union and sub-regional organisations in the promotion of inclusive growth and sustainable development and in the maintenance of regional peace and security. They stressed that security and development are closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing and are essential for achieving sustainable peace. Reiterated their support of the Agenda 2063 of the African Union as the appropriate structure to achieve the aspiration of an Africa that is peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and safe, and emphasized the importance of greater cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
Regional Issues
24. The Ministers agreed to improve coordination and cooperation within the Dialogue Forum IBSA on international and regional issues, and expressed concern with the ongoing conflict and tensions intensified in the Middle East, especially with regard to the situation of the israeli-palestinian conflict in the Republic of Yemen, and in Syria.
25. The Ministers recalled, furthermore, the importance of all parts of the Action Plan Set Global (JCPOA) fulfil their obligations and welcomed the efforts to achieve the denuclearization of the complete Peninsula of Korea.
Sectoral Co-Operation – Defence
26. The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the preparations for the 6th edition of the naval exercise IBSAMAR, to be held in October, and to the meeting of the Working Group of the Defense of IBSA, in South Africa. They emphasized the importance of these events as a positive example of trilateral cooperation in defence and confirmed the continuation of these activities, as well as the exploration of new initiatives with great potential in this field.
27. The Ministers reaffirmed their full support to India in its preparations to host the 6th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the IBSA in 2019.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is the translation. Please accept our apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.