The UN chief said the Summit provides an opportunity to address these challenges.
–@antonioguterres at the Summit of the Americas
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed hard-won development gains. Countries are also tackling climate change, the ripple effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and high levels of poverty and inequality.
This will involve “rescuing” the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and investing in health, decent work, social protection, and ensuring vaccines for all.
‘Toxic brew’
Mr. Guterres began his remarks by comparing the host city to the Americas region as they both embody and celebrate diversity.
Countering the challenges in the Americas also includes having justice systems that are impartial and impervious to corruption, new efforts to tackle crime and violence, and democratic systems that protect human rights defenders and reflect the voice of the people.
Read his full remarks ?https://t.co/7p55pcKqLY
Losing faith in government
Today, it is more important than ever to bring the countries of the Americas closer together, and help deliver the prosperous, democratic and equitable societies that people expect.
Roughly two dozen leaders are attending the three-day meeting, which began on Tuesday, though several have stayed away to protest the decision not to invite Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
He also called for investments in quality education, reforming the global financial system, “ending our addiction to fossil fuels”, protecting biodiversity, and increasing financial support to developing countries.
More fundamentally, people are losing faith in their governments and institutions, the Secretary-General told participants.
Investment and support
“Let’s work together to support people from across the hemispheric family. Let’s live up to the Americas’ full promise and potential.”
“We need enhanced cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination, with human rights at its core.”
“They see frequently crime and corruption going unpunished. They see a broken global financial system that benefits the wealthy and punishes the poor. They see lies, misinformation and hate speech going viral, sowing divisions, mistrust and hatred,” he said.
“It includes a new look at migration, and ensuring that people are welcomed and protected, and given the safety, dignity and support that all people deserve, in keeping with the Global Compact for Migration,” he said.
“Across the region, we see countries that continue to be weighed down by a toxic brew of inequality, poverty, crime, insecurity, corruption and mistrust,” he said.
At the same time, violence and insecurity are driving people to flee their homes and their homelands.
“And they hear the voices of democracy drowned out by rising authoritarian and nationalist sentiments, giving false promises of security and prosperity.”
Inflation is growing, debt is spiraling, and many countries lack the fiscal space and financial support to invest in recovery, he added. However, middle-income countries in desperate need are considered ineligible for support from international financial institutions.
