Ana Petkovek, 21090431 OPENING SPEECH BY THE HEAD OF NIGERIAN DELEGATION Mr Secretary General, Honourable Chairs, Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

today we live in a world that faces a number of critical challenges. We are confronting the most serious and complex economic, social, political, environmental and moral crisis. Just and lasting solutions are not appearing. The promotion of peace, solidarity, social justice and sustainable development is the only way to ensure the brighter future to our world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

we have gathered here today to address some of the most important issues the world is facing. Fur trade is a controversial global phenomenon that represents an ethical dilemma. We feel that more global awareness about the cruelty of the fur trade should be raised. Nigeria believes that an effective action toward a global regime on fur trade is very much needed.

Regarding minorities, there is a lasting debate on what constitutes minorities due to the fact that minorities exist in all shapes, forms and sizes. The issue becomes even more complicated when we focus on Africa since Africa is a unique phenomenon in the area of inter-ethic issues in terms of multi-ethnicity. Nigeria alone is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups. Many minority ethnic groups in Nigeria are now in much better position to represent their interests in state institutions. Nigeria supports ethnic parity and promotion of human rights for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, religion and language. Regarding the third topic environmental and developmental concerns are one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. The problem of climate change is no longer just a scientific discussion, it has a major impact on our natural environment and economies. People already feel the consequences of the changing environment. Africa, together with the Arctic and some parts of Asia, will be among the regions most impacted by climate change in the world. African awareness of environment degradation is very strong, since environmental issues

impact so immediately on the daily lives of African citizens. Least responsible but still most affected. Nigeria strives for a sustainable development. Green economy is a means to achieve Africas goals of sustainable development, employment creation, economic growth and poverty reduction. For goals to be achieved there is a need for international cooperation in financing, access to technology and capacity building to successfully implement the green economy in Africa.

Thank you.