Speaking on Tuesday evening (Luanda time) at the general debates of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations, João Lourenço stated that only “closer collaboration between States” will allow “an effective fight against the illicit flow of capital and the recovery of assets, which is often incomprehensibly difficult for countries that hold the funds under their control”.
“It is important to note that the resources that come from the recovery of assets have a direct impact on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and, therefore, on the improvement of the general living conditions of the population”, he stated.
The President gave the example of his own country, recalling that the justice system has tried and convicted citizens, recovering assets for the State, necessary for the construction of schools, hospitals and energy and water services.
João Lourenço spoke of the efforts being made within the scope of the National Development Plan, which aims to diversify the economy, reduce public debt, mobilise domestic revenue, optimise public spending in areas such as health and education and implement specific social protection programmes.
The Head of State regretted that the world is experiencing moments of great tension that call into question the founding purposes of the United Nations, calling for an analysis of the measures to be taken so that the UN's role is more effective in strengthening peace and ensuring the prosperity of the population.
He reaffirmed that these changes involve reforming the UN, with special emphasis on adapting the Security Council and international financial structures to the reality of the contemporary world, namely by giving a voice to the global South.
The President highlighted the role that Angola has been playing in resolving conflicts in Africa, expressing his concern, in particular, about the situation in Sudan, where a violent war is taking place with dramatic consequences “in the face of a certain apathy on the part of the international community”.
The high-level debate of UNGA79 kicked off on Tuesday in New York, with the presence of dozens of heads of state and government from around the world, and will continue until the 30th.
