'A greater solidarity among nations....' (excerpts from Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar's views, reports & statements) (transcript)

"A greater solidarity among nations . . .'

From the report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization, September 1987:

OVER the past year, in the midst of continuing regional strife and economic and social hardship, there have been occasions in which a greater solidarity among nations was evident in addressing serious problems with global implications, within the multilateral framework of the United Nations. This development, while limited and fragmentary, could prove of broad significance, for I believe it has its origins in what I would call the growing commonality factor in international affairs. By this I mean a commonly accepted interest in meeting successfully certain vital global challenges, including achievement of the conditions for sustained economic development, the preservation of a hospitable global environment, the elimination of the most egregious infringements of human rights, the eradication of threats to the health of societies and of individuals that respect no national borders, and, by no means least, the avoidance of nuclear destruction. Countries of disparate political orientations and economic systems have begun to deal with problems of an interdependent world with a new pragmatism in awareness of the dangers of immobility. This can provide a promising basis for broadened multilateral co-operation and increased effectiveness of the United Nations. It is as if the sails of the small boat in which all the people of the earth are gathered had caught again, in the midst of a perilous sea, a light but favourable wind.

The United Nations has been an important catalyst for consensus on global problems and, at the same time, is itself, I believe, the object of a greater commonality of view than when I last reported to the General Assembly. It remains prey to a financial crisis of very damaging dimensions. Yet, there has been a perceptible rallying to the Organization prompted, in part, by recognition that it was in serious jeopardy but, more decisively, I am convinced, by changes in the international political, economic and social situation which evidenced with persuasive clarity the need for, and the unique value of, the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.

These months sometimes seemed dominated by financial crisis and administrative reform. I believe that, in the circumstances, it is especially important to recognize the inherent strength shown by the United Nations in bringing nations together in pursuit of common objectives ranging from ending the war between Iran and Iraq to protection of the environment and combating illicit narcotics. From such recognition can come new champions and the greater support that the United Nations needs in extending the favourable trend perceptible on certain problems across a wider spectrum of issues related to the achievement of a world at peace.

In highlighting certain positive developments of the recent months, I would not wish to understimate the highly unsatisfactory state of world conditions or the magnitude of the tasks that lie ahead. Even if the favourable wind felt this year prevails, our global vessel will need skilful piloting and the assistance of dedicated oarsmen to navigate the many shoals and reach safe landfall in the next century. What developments have suggested these past months is that it can be done--that in the face of great challenges nations can, as at times in the past, work together. The result, I believe, can be fuller realization of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and, ultimately, a new chance for peace.

To the opening of the International Civil Service Commission in New York, 6 July:

Since its inception, the International Civil Service Commission has carried out studies on the conditions of service of staff of the Common System. It has done so during a period of particular economic instability and high inflation, with an increasing number of countries facing sudden and sharp fluctuations in the exchange value of their currencies. In such circumstances, it is inevitable that conflicting concerns and interests have sometimes been expressed by Member States who have to bear the costs, by executive heads who have to ensure timely programme delivery within strained budgets, and by the staff who have to bear the effects of such economic conditions in their daily lives and whose conditions of service are being steadily eroded. It is the task of the Commission as a technical body to render in its studies an authoritative and objective appreciation of the situation in order to maintain a sense of confidence and balance in the system on the part of all concerned. Over the years, we have all noted with sincere appreciation the thoroughness and courage with which the Commission has tackled some difficult issues. We are, therefore, confident that it will do so at this crucial stage in the history of the Common System.

From a statement to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa, 27 July:

Africa's concerns, both political and economic, are among the foremost concerns of the United Nations. Their intense human implications and their importance to the equilibrium of the world order are, of course, quite apparent and widely recognized. An additional factor, however, is the direct partnership between the States of this continent and the world Organization in the whole process of the emergence of modern Africa and the promotion of its stability and well-being. This has created a vast area of joint endeavour between African States and the United Nations. A logical result has been the continuous contact and collaboration between our two organizations. I stand before you, therefore, not as an outsider but as one who shares your anxieties and preoccupations about the peace and security and the development of this continent. Doing so, I cast my thoughts back to the wave of idealism and hope, both in and outside this continent, which attended Africa's liberation from colonialism. The later experience of confronting hard realities, in both the political and the economic fields, is common to all newly independent countries as much in Africa as elsewhere. With its sobering effects, it fosters the growth of a realistic and empirical outlook and helps societies gain political maturity.

On Namibia Day, 26 August

Events have shown that the just and legitimate aspirations of the people of Namibia cannot continue to be thwarted without serious detriment to peace and stability in the southern African region as a whole . . . It is vitally important that the United Nations, together with other organizations which are working in support of the people of Namibia, continue to provide the Namibian people with all moral and material assistance necessary to ensure their welfare and to support their efforts for self-determination and independence. The encouraging support which many countries and organizations have already contributed to the Nationhood Programme as well as to the training, education and welfare of the Namibian people must continue at an increasing level.

For my part, I shall continue to do all in my power to ensure the speedy implementation of Security Council resolution 435 (1978). In this undertaking, I am confident that I can count on the continued support and co-operation of the United Nations Council for Namibia.

To the opening meeting in Vienna of the Interregional Consultation on Developmental Social Welfare Policies and Programmes, 8 September:

There is no doubt that we are in the midst of a period of intense re-examination of our understanding of development. The seeming intransigence of economic problems like debt and recession, the persistence of conflicts and their consequences for the human condition all call for new policies and approaches.

Those which were developed through international action over the past 40 years have produced remarkable improvements in the quality of life for much of humanity, but their adequacy in light of the enormous changes in global conditions is now in question. Given the wide consequences for all nations of many social problems, I am convinced that questions of social policy must be among our central concerns during the decade of the 1990s. Although there can be no single approach to the solution of intricate social problems in widely differing circumstances, the international community has evolved a common concept of what a just and equitable society should be.

In observance of International Day of Peace, 15 September:

The International Year of Peace has passed, but the quest for peace continues. It needs to be sustained with perseverance and determination until humanity obtains dependable insurance against war and a nuclear armageddon. There are many elements of profound and incalculable danger in the present global situation. But the dynamics of peace are at work. There are hopeful signs of a realization that greater security can be assured with fewer weapons and more development.

Perhaps, the perception is growing that there is no promise of stability or equilibrium in a world where affluence coexists with hunger and freedom and dignity with deprivation. Of course, the encouraging trends we see still need to be confirmed by concrete action by Governments. The United Nations provides them the means and the opportunity for such action.

At the Dag Hammarskjold annual scholarship luncheon given by the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA), 17 September:

The frustrations of this situation have over the years caused doubts and defections among erstwhile supporters of the United Nations. Although the technological revolution has produced powerful incentives for closer international co-operation and management, both the political and the economic developments of recent years have at times induced fatigue and disillusionment with the arduous effort to realize the central vision of the United Nations Charter. There has even been a recent call to "let it sink', presumably after it has sailed off into the western sunset. "Don't leave home without it' would be a better slogan in our present circumstances.

In observance of Non-Alignment Day, 18 September:

The challenge we face is that of hammering out concrete agreements consistent with principles on contentious issues. This is a matter not so much of doctrine as of methods and strategies for bringing to bear the collective influence of the non-aligned States on the solution of outstanding problems. We have to keep in mind that non-alignment is not only a concept but also a movement. Like all constructive movements, it has to sustain itself by constantly demonstrating its relevance and usefulness in helping to narrow, and remove, the major differences between States which threaten international peace and jeopardize progress. The prospects of hope that are clearly opening now, however, call for fresh exertions from all Member States of whom the non-aligned States constitute the majority. I trust that, with solidarity in defence of principles and with appreciation of the viewpoints of those outside the Non-Aligned Movement, this majority will help to promote consensus and elicit the co-operation of States necessary for the resolution of major, urgent issues facing us.