Questions by the Repulic of Maldives
on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States
at the Interactive Discussions with candidates for the post of UNSG
12 – 14 April 2016
Mr. President, Excellencies and Colleagues,
Thank you Mr. President for convening this important session. Thank you [..................... ] for your interaction with us today.
1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Member States of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is a coalition of 44 small island and low-lying coastal countries that share similar development challenges and concerns about the environment, especially their vulnerability to the adverse effects of global climate change. It functions primarily as an ad hoc lobby and negotiating voice for small island developing States (SIDS) within the United Nations system.
2. You might be aware of the special challenges that SIDS face which resulted in their recognition as a "special case for sustainable development". Over the past decades, three Programmes of Action have been formulated for the sustainable development of SIDS.
a. how would you ensure that the special challenges faced by SIDS, a group of countries in special situation, are mainstreamed and made aware of throughout the Secretariat? How would you propose to strengthen the offices that deal with SIDS in UN-DESA and OHRLLS, in this regard?
b. how would you also ensure synergy and coherence between the Programmes of Action such as the SAMOA Pathway for SIDS, the 2030 Agenda and other documents, within the UN system?
3. Second subject area I would like to raise is on the selection and appointment procedures of senor officials that have been criticized and deemed politicized. These tiers are often unrepresentative of the diverse membership of the UN. As the Secretary General, which specific measures will you take to ensure the highest standard of efficiency and transparency, but also guarantee a transparent, fair, representative, and timely selection and appointment process, with due regard to geographical rotation? How would you ensure for example, more representatives of SIDS within the senior officials as well as special representatives of the Secretariat?
4. Third, How do you see the UN being reformed to ensure that countries such as SIDS are better represented in the main organs of the UN?
5. Finally, how would you ensure that the UN is more "green" in its operations and outlook?
Thank you
