Opening of photo exhibition on the occasion of ASEAN Day

Ambassador Wai
Distinguished Ambassadors of ASEAN countries
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a privilege to mark ASEAN Day with all of you, and I thank Ambassador Wai for the kind invitation to be part of this tribute to the achievements of ASEAN and a privileged view of the rich cultural and culinary heritage and the natural beauty of the region. We clearly see here the diversity of the ASEAN region, representing many of the world’s greatest cultures, faiths and traditions. I am grateful for the presence here of so many ASEAN Ambassadors.

The cooperation between ASEAN and the United Nations continues to broaden and deepen since the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding in 2007 and the Joint Declaration on our Comprehensive Partnership in 2011.

Both our organizations will mark significant milestones in 2015. ASEAN looks ahead to the establishment of the ASEAN Community. The United Nations will celebrate its 70th anniversary, and Member States will finalize the post-2015 development agenda. These are all opportunities for looking at how we can strengthen the partnership in support of our shared objectives.

I welcome the active role that ASEAN Member States play in Geneva, from promotion of human rights, to conflict prevention and disarmament, labour, trade and a host of other issues. Across all of these areas, progress in the region will build on decisions and on discussions here in Geneva.

We appreciate the strong voice of ASEAN countries in the discussions on our post-2015 development agenda and in the fight against climate change, sharing the valuable lessons learned. We have seen how many of the countries in the region are particularly vulnerable to weather-related disasters. It is commendable that much of the experience is being channelled constructively into stronger disaster risk reduction activities, including the ongoing efforts to replace the Hyogo Framework for Action in 2015, with many of the preparatory exchanges taking place here in Geneva

In just a couple of weeks – on 23 September – the Secretary-General will host the UN Climate Summit 2014, which is an opportunity for world leaders to champion an ambitious vision for climate change action that will enable a meaningful, global agreement in Paris in 2015. We all count on ASEAN’s contributions on this important occasion.

It is very appropriate that today’s event takes place in the margins of the current session of the Human Rights Council. It is a powerful reminder of the centrality of the protection of fundamental rights to the success of all of our efforts. A rights-based approach must also be at the heart of our post-2015 development agenda, to empower women, youth and marginalized groups, and experience of the ASEAN Missions here in Geneva will be of particular value in this respect. We trust that you will continue to speak strongly in support of a development framework firmly anchored in respect for human rights.

There is no doubt that the United Nations family in Geneva will play a key role in the implementation of these new agendas – on sustainable development, climate change and disaster risk reduction, to mention a few – once they have been agreed. International Geneva has a global reach, working for peace, rights and well-being across our planet. And you can continue to rely on our support in this endeavour.

Thank you very much.