Use of force, gross violations of human rights, ethnic cleansing,  continue to define international relations  - Ararat Mirzoyan  

ArmInfo. On July 15, in New York, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan  participated in the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Minister Mirzoyan delivered the following remarks:  

"Mr. President, 

I am honoured to address the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level  Political Forum.

    The theme of this year's Forum couldn't be more relevant as the world  community is facing many interlinked and interrelated challenges and  crises while endeavoring to deliver on the promise of the SDGs.  

The Political Declaration adopted last September recognized that the  2030 Agenda remains our overarching roadmap for achieving sustainable  development, while SDGs and their targets seek to realize the human  rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of   all women and girls.  

Yet, as the Secretary-General has stressed in his last report,  multiple overlapping crises have negatively impacted global progress  in achieving the SDGs by raising the number of people pushed into  poverty, weakening food security, increasing inequality, widening  gender gaps with particular impact on the vulnerable groups. Use of  force, gross violations of human rights, ethnic cleansing, continue  to define international relations.  

Solidarity and effective cooperation of the international community  are of crucial importance to shift this negative paradigm and leave a  safer and better world for future generations. Collectively as a  world community we can deliver ambitious and transformative changes  when there is enough political will and determination.  

This brings me to the point whether we are able not only to be vocal,  but also to show by example that such a paradigm shift is possible.  

Mr President, 

Armenia was among the countries which had to face the impact of  multiple crises within the last four years.  While we were trying to  cope with the global pandemic just like other nations, a large-scale  war, acts of aggression against Armenia, influx of around 115.000  Armenians as a result of blockade and ethnic cleansing in  Nagorno-Karabakh put our efforts towards sustainable development in  peril. Nevertheless, regardless of all challenges, Armenia remained  committed to delivering on the promise of the SDGs and making real  changes for its people by building strong democratic institutions,  safeguarding human rights and the rule of law, fostering social  inclusion, gender equality and empowerment of youth. People are  central in our Government's efforts to advance the implementation of   the 2030 Agenda.  

Later, during the day I will present the third Voluntary National  Review of Armenia, which was an important endeavour to assess the  progress and challenges in achieving the SDGs, while identifying the  lessons learnt.  

To conclude, I reiterate Armenia's commitment to the implementation  of the 2030 Agenda and building back better, while leaving no one  behind. As we approach the upcoming Summit of the Future, Armenia  stands ready to contribute to adoption of a forward looking and   result-oriented Pact for Future.  

Thank you."