Peace, security crucial for development, Alupo tells UN

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NEW YORK - Vice-President Jessica Alupo has implored the United Nations (UN) to focus on peace and security, saying it is crucial for globe’s sustainable development.

“Peace and security is fundamental and crucial in achieving sustainable development. Therefore, we need to reflect on the original purposes of the UN and work to resolve man-made conflicts and global security through co-operation, diplomacy and peaceful means,” she said in her address to the UN General Assembly on Thursday.

Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Museveni at the assembly in New York, US, said in this regard, Uganda has continued to work with partners to support and advance peace, stability and security initiatives in the region in order to eliminate terrorism, mistrust and other conditions that undermine development.

“We remain actively involved in regional initiatives, particularly those under the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR),” she said.

Alupo added: “Our involvement is based on the fundamental values of multilateralism. As the international community, we must be steadfast in our resolve to support dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts wherever they occur around the world”.

Since Uganda yearns for a revitalised organisation, capable of addressing current and emerging global challenges, Alupo said Uganda believes that multilateralism remains a crucial mechanism for addressing our common challenges together as nations in solidarity.

“Uganda remains committed to the reform of the United Nations Security Council and addressing the historical injustices committed against the people of Africa as spelt out by the Common African Position and enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration,” explained Alupo.

According to Alupo, Uganda acknowledges that timely and full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is critical for the achievement of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The government, according to Alupo has taken bold actions to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda nationally.

The actions include operationalisation of Voluntary Local Reviews and the institution of the National Sustainable Development Goals Conference.

As a nation, Alupo added, 'we continue to register steady progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda whose progress shall be contained in the third Voluntary National Review report, to be presented during the High-Level Political Forum under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council in July 2024'.

Hosting refugees

Since Uganda ranks as one of the top refugee hosting countries, Alupo extended gratitude to the United Nations member states and other development partners for the support and assistance rendered to Uganda and refugees.

“We are working closely with the UN and partners to address the root cause of displacement. Uganda remains committed to shoulder its responsibilities and obligations in addressing the plight of refugees.” Alupo said.