Robert Rae currently serves as Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations and chair of the ECOSOC Special Advisory Group on Haiti. He succeeds Paula Narváez Ojeda of Chile.
The 54-member Council also elected three new Vice Presidents: Lok Bahadur Thapa (Nepal), Krzysztof Szczerski (Poland) and Maritza Chan Valverde (Costa Rica).
They represent countries from Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.
A vice-chairman from the African regional group will be elected at a later date.
SDGs off track
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in both French and English, Mr. Rae noted that this was an important moment for the United Nations.
The international community is now halfway through implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while more than 80 percent Sustainable development goals (Sustainable Development Goals) are off track.
While acknowledging the “bad news,” he also pointed out the “good news,” as greater efforts could at least ensure that there would be no more setbacks.
“We can also learn more from countries that are successful,” he added.
Three main priorities
Mr Rae also outlined his priorities, including continuing to focus on the global displacement crisis.
“We need to ensure that migrants’ rights are protected; that they are supported through regular migration and refugee protection pathways,” he said, stressing the need for “predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing.”
Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening cooperation with international financial institutions are other priorities of his.
On the latter issue, he said the aim of the commitment is to address gaps in development finance and for vulnerable and conflict-affected countries.
Mr Rae also highlighted other key themes of his presidency, including gender equality, which he said was “not only a fundamental human right… but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and therefore sustainable world”.
Harness the Power
Outgoing ECOSOC President Paula Narváez Ojeda has reflected on her tenure in a “difficult global situation” marked by escalating conflicts, worsening food insecurity, rising extreme poverty, deepening inequality and the growing impact of climate change.
“The Council plays an essential role in achieving effective, equitable, representative and connected multilateralism,” she said in Spanish.
Ms. Narváez Ojeda concluded her speech by inviting members to “really tap into this rich network of organizations” to focus their efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
