In annual address, Guyana urges UN Assembly to focus on border issues for development

Unresolved border issues “are often used to retard the development of countries, preventing them from improving the quality of life of their own peoples and the promotion of the welfare of the regions to which they belong,” Donald Ramotar told the high-level 69th debate.

He cited the conflicts in Iraq and Syria, as well as Ukraine and the “apartheid-like situation that exists in Palestine” as continued threats to the world.

Turning to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the post-2015 sustainable development agenda that will follow, President Ramotar stressed that the transformative agenda must be flexible and take into account the specific circumstances of countries, such as the small island developing States.

He stressed that a new development framework must include time-bound commitments, mange intellectual property rights, recognize economic asymmetries in global trade, and include private sector investment.

The President also cited the negative role of migration, which siphons educated, trained citizens to other countries.

Some 196 speakers are expected at this year's annual debate. Meeting on the theme of “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda,” the speakers include representatives from the 193 UN Member States, as well as the Observer State of the Holy See, the Observer State of Palestine and the delegation of the European Union.