Musa appeals to UN: Don’t marginalise the poor
In an ordinary year the chance for the leader of a small nation to address the United Nations General Assembly is a matter of importance. In the year 2000 and on the occasion of the Millennium Summit, however, it takes on special importance. This morning, on the first day of the three-day event, it was Said Musa’s turn to present Belize’s global vision. His analysis began with a frank look at the international facts of life.
Prime Minister Said Musa
“In the past we look to the nation state for solutions. Today the true centre of governance has changed dramatically. Transnational and multilateral organisations control our lives; they are agencies of what we may call real, existing world government. That government is powerful, it rules the entire world; but it is not democratic. It is not just. And it is not accountable.”
After citing statistics of global inequalities Musa concluded that the world body must assume more power, but at the same time become more accountable.
Prime Minister Said Musa
“If we want this United Nations organisation to fulfill its lofty goals, indeed if we want it to remain relevant in the 21st Century, we must remake it into an organisation that takes global governance away from the self-appointed few and brings greater democracy to all its operations.”
“The UN itself acting democratically and responsibly, must be given the power to hold every agency of global governance to account: to put in place mechanism for regular evaluation and correction, with means of ensuring compliance.”
The Belizean Prime Minister then turned his attention to the phenomenon known as globalisation: How small states must deal with it and where Belize fits in the New World Order.
Prime Minister Said Musa
“Globalisation offers great possibilities for prosperity, security and human well being, but only if the architects of globalisation can be held to account, only if it becomes a globalisation of solidarity. In many small states like Belize, our economies are fragile and vulnerable. We live on the margins, and fear that unrestrained globalisation will further marginalise us. But we must be bold and face the future convinced that together with the developed world we can forge a more responsible and equitable globalisation.”
While at the United Nations today, Prime Minister Musa also took the opportunity to sign four international conventions. These concerned an end to racial discrimination, the advancement of economic, social and cultural rights, the rights of children during wartime and the protection of children from being bought and sold. Musa will travel to Los Angeles on Thursday night shortly after he meets with U.S. President Bill Clinton. His full speech to the UN will be aired following tonight’s newscast.
