HLPF / ECOSOC high level segment, 19 July 2016
Czech Republic: Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Lubomír Zaorálek
(check against delivery)
Mr. Secretary General, Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Czech Republic aligns itself with the statement delivered by Commissioner Mimica on behalf
of the EU and its Member States. Additionally, I would like to make the following points in
national capacity.
Last year was crucial for the future of sustainable development. Across the subjects and around the
world, we have reached several important global agreements. But as significant as these accords
may be, they are just the beginning. Leadership and commitment to translating last year’s promises
into this year’s real actions must follow.
This session of the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) – the first since the adoption of the 2030
Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals – demonstrates that the will to keep promises is
there. It also proves that the HLPF is the right forum to provide political leadership, guidance and
recommendations for the implementation of sustainable development commitments.
I would like to congratulate all the countries that present their National Voluntary Reviews already
this year. I am grateful for the valuable opportunity for my country to learn how the implementation
process is dealt with throughout the world. And I am looking forward to the presentation of the
Czech Republic’s National Voluntary Review before long, possibly next year.
The Czech Republic has already started her homework on all levels – national, regional and global.
Firstly, on national level, the Prime Minister himself is tasked with the implementation of the 2030
Agenda and the process is well on track. A new Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development
of the Czech Republic, fully reflecting the new global framework, is currently under preparation
and should be completed by the end of this year. And we are preparing it with participation as a key
principle on our mind. That is why ministries, state and non-state institutions, civil society, business
and academia have all been participating in numerous round tables, sharing good practices,
discussing challenges and overall shaping of a sustainable future for our country.
In order to take account of the 2030 Agenda, I tasked my Ministry to put greater emphasis on the
social dimension of foreign policy with human dignity at its core. Allow me to give a few concrete
examples of our efforts:
• The new Czech Development Cooperation Strategy, which is to become effective in 2018,
will fully respect the principle “Leave No One Behind”. It will include a stronger focus on
the Least Developed Countries and cover most of the 17 SDGs. There are five priority areas
under consideration: Good Governance and Strengthened Democracy, Sustainable
Management of Natural Resources, Sustainable Economic Growth, Agriculture and Rural
Development, and Inclusive Social Development.
• The Future of Work Initiative of the International Labour Organization is of high interest to
the Czech Republic because productive employment and decent work are the key elements
to achieving fair globalization and poverty reduction. In November 2016 the Czech
Republic will host a high level regional conference which is part of the global effort.
• Empowering women and girls is a key to achieving genuine sustainable development.
Gender equality is not only a human right but it also has a multiplier effect across all other
development areas. Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is a priority
for the Czech government domestically as well as internationally. It was only natural for me
to personally support the HeForShe Initiative by UN Women.
And I am proud to say that we do put money where our mouth is. Two weeks ago, my Government
approved increased funding for bilateral development cooperation, which should now grow on a
yearly basis. We also make voluntary financial contributions to the initiatives we support.
Secondly, the Czech Republic recognizes that regional and sub-regional fora have an important role
to play in the implementation of 2030 Agenda, especially in its follow-up and review process. We
recently chaired the first ever Regional Forum on Sustainable Development organized under the
auspices of the UN Economic Commission for Europe. The conclusions that the Regional Forum
arrived at were forwarded as a contribution of the UNECE Region to this meeting.
Moreover, my country has been a strong supporter of the SDGs implementation in the EU, through
its internal as well as external action. Lately, we have actively participated in a public consultation
on a new European Consensus on Development.
Thirdly, the Czech Republic also wants to play an active role in the process of implementation of
the groundbreaking 2030 Agenda on global level. That is why we not only strove for a membership
of the Economic and Social Council, but also decided to present our candidacy for the VicePresidency
of the ECOSOC.
It will make us very proud if we are elected to the ECOSOC bureau at the elections that will take
place here in New York in a few days. And I can promise that if elected, the Czech Republic will do
its utmost to contribute to the success of the 2030 Agenda we are all hoping for.
Thank you for your attention.
