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Statement by the delegation of Ukraine

Second Committee of the

79^th session of the United Nations General Assembly,

General debate

(8 October 2024)

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

At the outset, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election and assure you of Ukraine's full support.

The theme of this debate, “Fostering resilience and growth in an uncertain world,” is highly relevant, reflecting the urgent need for collective action to address global challenges we face.

Today, conflicts, climate change, and other crises create serious obstacles to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These intertwined challenges disrupt food and energy security, healthcare, education, the environment, and global peace. As a result, they hinder progress on almost all SDGs.

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has severely undermined progress on the SDGs both in our country and globally. Over the past two and a half years, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, and our infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Sustainable infrastructure is a powerful tool for implementing the 2030 Agenda, and Ukraine sees it as central to both national recovery and global development. Russian attacks on our critical infrastructure, especially in energy and transport, make it imperative to strengthen our resilience and pursue new avenues of connectivity. By doing so, we aim to restore supply chains, support international trade, and enhance food security.

It is important to emphasize that the sooner this war ends, and the principles of international law and the UN Charter are restored, the sooner the international community can refocus efforts on funding and promoting the SDGs. Peace in Ukraine will not only contribute to the stabilization of global security but also accelerate the achievement of the Goals.

Rebuilding Ukraine is our government's top priority, and we are working on this, even as the war continues. This is not merely about reconstruction but transforming the country according to the principle of "build back better." An essential part of this effort is demining, as vast areas of Ukraine remain contaminated by explosives. The Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2024), to be held on 17–18 October 2024 in Lausanne, Switzerland, will focus on the importance of mine clearance for rebuilding our society and economy.

Despite the immense challenges posed by the Russian invasion, Ukraine remains committed to reforming its economy, society, and environment. We are deeply grateful to our international partners for their support and shared investment in Ukraine’s recovery.

Finally, Ukraine is firmly committed to achieving the SDGs both nationally and globally. We share the concerns of the international community, especially the countries of the Global South, regarding the urgent need for global economic recovery, and we fully support efforts to secure financing for sustainable development.

 Thank you.