|
|
Remarks by
Kofi Annan
Secretary-General of the United Nations
Delivered on his behalf by:
Mr.Fawaz Fokeladeh
UNDP Assistant Administrator & Regional Director for Arab States |
"Democracy, whether at the national or international level,
cannot be created overnight."
Emerging Democracies Forum
Sana'a, Yemen June 28-30, 1999
It gives me great pleasure to convey my greetings and best wishes to this important forum. The Government of the
Republic of Yemen, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs of the United States and all other
involved merit our recognition for their initiative and leadership in making this event possible. Yours is a diverse
gathering of Government officials, legislators, jurists, scholars, private sector leaders and representatives of
citizens' groups from all over the world. Your national experiences are equally varied: some of you are making
the transition from centrally planned economies towards more open markets and societies, others are recovering
from conflict or are still immersed in it. But you share a commitment to political reform and a growing recognition
that the will of the people is the wellspring of progress. You realize that democracy is crucial if we are to enjoy
peaceful, prosperous 21st century.
The United Nations is deeply involved in supporting democratization around the world. The organization has provided
electoral assistance to dozens of nations. UN legal officers are helping nations to establish sound legal frameworks
and judicial system. UN public administration experts are providing advice on financial management and revitalizing
the civil service, UN human rights field operations, often as part of peacekeeping operations, are monitoring human
rights, carrying out education campaigns and helping local human rights organization establish themselves. Our
technical assistance programs promote good governance, transparency and accountability as well as the development
of free and independent media. The United Nations is also trying to democratize the international system by opening
our doors to civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders, and by promoting reforms of the intergovernmental
machinery.
Democracy, whether at the national or international levels, can not be created overnight. It is an accomplishment
the fruit of dedication, leadership, and a politics of integrity. The United Nations will continue to be your partner
as this hopeful process move ahead, bringing positive change to your societies and not least, inspiring others
to emulate your example. In that spirit, please accept my best wishes for the success of your deliberations.
Your Excellency, President Ali Abudullah Saleh, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Human development aims to expand people's choices for a better life,
and that includes the expansion of economic, social and political choices. However, the most significant choices
are those that are guaranteed by the right and freedom of expression, organization and participation since they
play a crucial role in mobilizing people's contributions to development and to decisions that affect their life
and future.
Allow me, Mr. President, to cite from your speech that you delivered on the Ninth National Anniversary of the Republic
of Yemen when you stressed that "democracy and the respect for human rights mobilize the innovation and energy
of people for development". This statement is reflected in the remarkable progress achieved by the Republic
of Yemen in the various fields of integrated development.
Democracy has achieved great progress in the world and the accomplishments of the countries participating in this
forum are a reflection of this progress. Nevertheless, democratic progress is facing enormous challenges in the
world, as it is still subject to setbacks. However, we can overcome the main challenges facing democracy by strengthening
civil societies, freedom of the media, and providing genuine opportunities for the public participation on both
national and international level. In spite of women's achievements in various fields, they are still under represented
in the democratic process. This is evident in women's representation in parliaments as they hold 12% only of the
parliamentary seats.
Another challenge that faces democracy is related to globalization. Despite the positive opportunities it could
provide, it might carry the risk of marginalizing vulnerable segments of society leading to social and economic
turmoil that may shake the bases of emerging democracies.
Your Excellency, President of the Republic of Yemen, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The United Nations Development Program, in collaboration with governments, civil societies and the private sector,
supports good governance to enhance people's participation in development. The best example is the ongoing technical
cooperation between the Republic of Yemen and UNDP which aims to support national efforts for improving decision
making capabilities in both the executive and legislative branches as well as the development of local administration.
Other examples, include the cooperation with Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia in building national
capabilities to support human rights, develop public administration institutions, as well as civil society. All
this reflects the growing interest in issues related to the establishment of democracy in the Arab World.
On the regional cooperation, UNDP support efforts that aim to build the capacity and increase the efficiency of
parliaments in Arab countries and reinforce relations between legislative, executive and judicial branches. Furthermore,
UNDP promotes initiatives, which aim to strengthen women's participation in public life.
Finally, I would like to emphasize that our meeting today is a significant step towards supporting the progress
of democracy that will remain a high priority for the international community and will continue to be one of our
main concerns.
This has encouraged us to participate in the organization of this forum which we hope will enhance coordination
and exchange experiences in supporting participation and strengthening democracy as guarantee for sustainable human
development and human rights, including the right to development.
I wish you all success and thank you very much.
[ Introduction ] [ Declaration
] [ Conference Transcripts ]
[ Discussion Board ] [ Forum Home ] [ NDI Home ]
|
