1
General Debate Session 2
Ministerial Segment of the 2016 High Level Political Forum
19th July 2016, 17:00 p.m.
The Trusteeship Council Chamber, UN Headquarter, New York
Remarks by
H.E. Ambassador. Jong-moon Choi
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs,
His Excellency Amb. Frederick Shava,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
First of all, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the
Chair for successfully preparing for this important meeting.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development clearly defines
the world we want. It is a world where no one is left behind in
participating in sustainable development, and enjoying its fruits.
However, if we look at the events unfolding around the world,
despite the positive progress in the MDGs era, much business
still remains unfinished. We are witnessing multiple challenges
2
in a rapidly changing global context. These range from rising
inequalities, a lack of decent work, demographic shifts,
humanitarian crises, environmental degradation, epidemics,
terrorism, and violent extremism.
Today, I wish to elaborate on two most pressing challenges the
global community is confronted with in ensuring that there is no
one left behind.
First, rising inequalities. Over the past several decades, income
inequality has worsened and global wealth has concentrated in
an even smaller number of hands. At present the richest 1% of
the world’s population owns half of the global wealth, while the
bottom half holds just 1% of the world ’ s wealth. Rising
inequalities among countries as well as within a country are
major obstacles for sustainable development.
Second, humanitarian crisis. Millions across the world suffer
from unspeakable tragedies and misery due to prolonged
conflicts. The number of people fleeing their homes and
countries has increased to a level never before seen. According
3
to a recent report by the UNHCR, a record-high number of 65.3
million people were displaced worldwide against their will.
Environmental anomalies and natural disasters like earthquakes,
typhoons, droughts have major consequences across all regions
by impeding sustainable development and increasing
vulnerability.
Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, we have already taken
important steps in Paris, Brussels, and recently, in Istanbul in
creating innovative solutions for new global governance and
paradigms. I reassure you that Korea will stand in solidarity with
the global community as a reliable partner.
In that context, Korea acknowledges two important meetings
that will provide another momentum to crystallize global
solidarity. In September, the ‘High-Level Plenary Meeting on
addressing large movements of refugees and migrants’ will be
held during the 71th General Assembly. It will be followed by
‘the Leaders Summit on Refugees’ which will be hosted by the U.S.
Government. Korea will actively participate in these meetings.
4
Distinguished delegates,
Now, I wish to touch upon Korea’s efforts to face the challenges
I highlighted earlier: inequalities and humanitarian crises.
First, to tackle inequalities and to ensure that no countries are
left behind, Korea concentrates its resources on the countries
under the most difficult circumstances. Korea is steadily
increasing its support for fragile and conflict-affected states.
Especially, we plan to further increase our contribution to
Country-Based Pooled Funds established for those countries.
In order to mobilize more resources towards the least developed
and fragile states, the Korean government runs an innovative
program that collects $1 per air-tickets departing from Korea
and dedicates them to the Global Poverty Eradication Fund.
Around 25 million dollars are annually collected and devoted to
promoting the health and safety of marginalized populations in
the countries facing extreme challenges. By inducing public
participation, it also has raised the public awareness of ODA.
5
Second, Korea puts humanitarian assistance at the top of its
agenda and increases its contributions. Providing effective
humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable groups in crisis
setting, such as refugees, women, and children, is a priority of
our government. In line with the “Better Life for Girls” Initiative
announced by President Park, the government aims to support
girls ’ education, health and professional development in
disadvantaged settings. Over the last five years, we have
increased our humanitarian assistance for refugees by tenfold
and will continue to expand our contributions.
The principle of leaving no one behind cannot be compromised
or negotiated. It is THE imperative that must be taken into
account when making policies. Even if we meet our targets in
2030, if these gains are not shared by all, then we cannot credit
our accomplishments with any legitimacy.
I hope that the discussions we have begun at the HLPF will
become an important vehicle to realize this principle, and to
truly make the world as we want it to live in. Thank you. /End/
