By M K Anwar
His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in his statement at the United Nations General Assembly welcomed the idea to place the United Nations at the heart of the global multilateral system through a consensus of member states, the private sector, non governmental organizations and civil society.
HRH Prince Mohamed in his statement also touched on the United Nations Millennium Goals which HRH said must be reached on time.
The Millennium Goals cover all aspects of modern life, political, social, cultural and most importantly the economy too.
Highlighting the importance for these goals to be met, HRH pointed out that we are now at the critical halfway point that was set out seven years ago in the planning of the Millennium Development Goals.
The issue of climate change will be vital for the next seven years, HRH said.
HRH Prince Mohamed further remarked that Brunei has just only realised how difficult this subject is and it is likened to the issue of security, sustainable development and energy.
"These are all 21st century problems and they all mean that our people need to learn more and more and to learn very quickly," HRH Prince Mohamed added.
Becoming more important than ever, the issue of climate change must be included in every aspect of national development planning and that information and expertise must be shared.
Relating to the week where climate change has become one of the main speaking points, HRH said the exchange of views and ideas have taught us that we are all inside together in this modern 21st century problems.
"It recognises that we all have an important contribution to make if we work together with each other."
His Royal Highness had earlier attended the Foreign Ministers' Annual Coordination Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
HRH Prince Mohamed reiterated the importance of multilateralism through mutual understanding, respect, tolerance and goodwill in achieving a united movement.
It was followed with the 6th Commonwealth Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the UN where he expressed hope for a successful conclusion to the Doha Development Agenda and stressed the need for members to work together in addressing climate change.
HRH Prince Mohamed and HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hajah Zariah left New York yesterday, a press release from the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
- Borneo Bulletin
(30th September 2007)
