Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 November 2024.

UK announces contribution to International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s lowest income countries.

• UK’s boost to World Bank signals “new partnership” between the UK and the Global South and will mobilise billions of dollars in private finance.
• Boost will provide growth and stability around the world in our shared interest, as the UK Government announces pledge and calls on other countries to step up.
• Grants and low-interest loans will tackle root causes of issues facing the UK such as the climate crisis and irregular migration.

The world’s lowest-income countries will receive access to billions of dollars in transformative grants and low-interest loans as a result of a new UK investment announced today.

Development Minister Anneliese Dodds today announced that the UK will provide £1.98 billion over three years to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the world’s lowest income countries, to go towards projects promoting economic growth, tackling poverty and addressing the impacts of climate change.

Through a unique funding mechanism, the UK contribution will help to unlock billions of dollars through other sources of finance, including from private markets: for every $1 a country pledges, up to $4 can be spent. This will be funded from the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

IDA is the largest source of grants and low interest loans for low-income and vulnerable countries and the UK’s contribution will help the World Bank support more than 1.9 billion people across the globe.

The World Bank’s model has seen it provide $93 billion in finance to 75 countries, 39 in Africa, over the last 3 years. In that time, IDA has supported more than 86.5 million children with a better education and 75 million people with new or improved access to electricity, lifting individuals out of poverty and boosting economic growth in recipient countries.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Growth and stability in lower income countries is firmly in the UK’s interest. If we are to grow our economy, tackle the climate crisis and reduce irregular migration, we need to work in partnership with these countries.

IDA’s track record shows that it is one of the best ways to do this. I urge other donors to step up at next week’s conference.

Minister for Development Anneliese Dodds said:

Britain is back with a voice on the world stage. When we said we would take a new approach to development, built on genuine partnerships and based on respect, we meant it.

Leaders of low-income countries around the world called for stronger IDA contributions and we listened.

We listened because we understand that more growth in IDA countries means stronger global growth, which benefits all of us. This funding will unlock billions to support vital economic growth, changing and saving lives.

Today’s announcement is the latest example of the UK’s updated and modern approach to development, based on respect, partnership and common interests.

The UK is a strong support of IDA due to its strong track record of working in partnership with recipient countries and delivering sustainable growth. Since 1960, 36 countries have ‘graduated’ from IDA.

For example, South Korea, formerly a low-income country supported by IDA loans, is today one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and will be hosting the IDA donor conference next week.

Anneliese Dodds set out the government’s “new approach to development” at a major speech to Chatham House in October. She outlined four key “shifts” needed to modernise the UK’s approach to development and restore its world-leading status: partnership, multilateral reform, harnessing UK expertise and growing opportunity for all.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN at the UN Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine.

Last week, we marked 1000 days since Russia launched its illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

We recalled the devastating impact the war has had upon the Ukrainian people and the world, and reiterated our steadfast commitment to ensuring Ukraine gets the support it needs to defend itself and to achieve a just and lasting peace, in line with the UN Charter.

President Putin has demonstrated, time and again, that he has no interest in such a peace. In recent weeks and months, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine.

First, it has stepped up the use of indiscriminate glide bombs against Ukrainian cities. Last week, the UN announced that the number of civilians killed since February 2022 had reached over 10,000, with over 18,500 injured.

Second, Russia has intensified its deliberate targeting of civilian energy infrastructure. This is a war crime and puts the lives of millions of Ukrainians at serious risk during the cold winter months.

Third, Russia is using experimental weapons. Last week, it fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Dnipro. Ukraine is not a testing ground for new weapons.

I could go on. But this pattern of reckless activity by Russia serves only to prolong the war and the suffering of the Ukrainian people, whilst posing serious risks to international peace and security.

There is only one aggressor here and only one country in breach of the Charter. To seek de-escalation, we must focus on deterring Russia from that aggression.

No one wants peace more than Ukraine, but Ukraine needs to be able to defend its civilians from these brutal attacks.

Ukraine has a right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and we will support them in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Ambassador Holland underlines ongoing relevance of Helsinki Decalogue and calls on Russia to return to full compliance with its OSCE commitments.

Thank you Chairs for hosting this Security Dialogue to mark the Helsinki Final Act turning 50 next year. Thank you to the speakers for their interventions. I will speak along the lines that your concept Note suggested – on the purpose, the current state and the future of the Decalogue.

Firstly, the purpose of the Decalogue. It underpins the collective peace, sovereignty, and cooperation in our Euro-Atlantic region. In it, we all committed to ensuring conditions for “true and lasting peace free from any threat to or attempt against their security”. It enshrined core, simple, yet foundational principles – including on sovereignty, inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity, the non-use or threat of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and the non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States.

Secondly, the current state of the Decalogue. This September, the Russian Delegation called the Helsinki Final Act our “lodestar”. We agree. Yet, last week, we marked 1000 days of Russia’s full-scale, illegal invasion of Ukraine. An invasion that the Russian delegation repeatedly insisted, on the OSCE record, would not happen. And yet it did. In contravention of all ten Decalogue Principles. We have deployed the OSCE toolkit to demand that Russia and Belarus return to compliance with the Decalogue. The OSCE toolkit, including Moscow Mechanism and ODIHR reports, has also established violations of OSCE commitments and international law. The ODIHR’s fifth interim report catalogued a “multiplication of rights violations” by Russian forces “some of which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity”.

Sadly, there is a pattern of Russia contravening the Decalogue over decades. I highlight three: invading neighbouring States; undermining the right of States to join alliances; and waging a campaign of hybrid attacks across the OSCE region. In more detail:

• Contravening all of our ten Principles, Russia intervened with force in Moldova in 1990, Georgia in 2008, and Ukraine in 2014. In Ukraine, Russia has staged illegal and illegitimate annexations of territory. Russian armed forces also remain stationed illegally in the territories of the three.
• In the Decalogue, States have the “right to be … a party to treaties of alliance”. Yet Russia tries to dictate against States choosing to join NATO – including through the use of force.
• In the Decalogue, States must refrain from the “intervention in the internal affairs … of another State”. And yet, at Permanent Councils on 16 May and 25 July this year, 40 States documented Russian malign activities and interference in the region. This highlighted a pattern of espionage, sabotage, cyber, disinformation, conventional and other unacceptable attacks by Russia.

Chairs, the Helsinki Decalogue remains valid, important and relevant today for the security of the whole OSCE region. These shared commitments underpin our shared security. Any breaches are a direct and legitimate concern for us all. The UK remains fully committed to the Decalogue. And we once again call on Russia to return to full compliance with its commitments and for all cases across the entire OSCE Zone of Application.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

The UK is investing in the largest solar energy project in the Philippines and is developing four new wind farms across the country.

The British Embassy in Manila is delighted to celebrate two major milestones in UK-Philippines renewable energy collaboration.

Over two consecutive events, the Embassy underscored the United Kingdom’s commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions in the Philippines and supporting its transition to cleaner, greener power sources.

On November 20, the Embassy hosted a celebratory dinner reception to highlight the partnership between Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation and Actis, a UK-based infrastructure investment company through its Southeast Asia renewable energy platform.

This dynamic collaboration involves the development of four new wind farms across Luzon and Visayas, with a total capacity of 380 megawatts.

Backed by an equity investment of $150 million, this partnership marks a significant step forward in expanding the Philippines’ renewable energy capacity. The projects, which secured offtake agreements through the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), exemplify the potential of partnerships to advance clean energy initiatives.

The following day, on November 21, Actis celebrated the groundbreaking of the Terra Solar Project in Nueva Ecija, which is set to become the largest solar energy project in the Philippines. This project, developed by Solar Philippines New Energy Corporation, is supported by Actis’ monumental USD 600 million equity investment.

The Terra Solar Project will provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable power to millions of Filipinos, reinforcing the UK’s role as a key partner in the Philippines’ renewable energy transition. The groundbreaking ceremony highlighted Actis’ long-term commitment to sustainable infrastructure and clean energy in the Philippines.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, said: > The United Kingdom is proud to be a partner in the Philippines’ renewable energy journey. These investments reflect our shared vision for a sustainable future and underscore the strong ties between our two nations. Projects like these not only provide clean energy to millions but also create opportunities for innovation and progress in the fight against climate change.”

Both events demonstrated the transformative impact of UK-Philippines partnerships in renewable energy. The Embassy also celebrated Citicore’s achievement in securing $12 million in UK investment through its IPO, further solidifying the UK’s support for the Philippines’ clean energy ambitions.

Together, these initiatives symbolize the shared commitment of the UK and the Philippines to innovation, sustainability, and a greener future for all.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Explanation of vote by Tara Soomro, Ambassador to ECOSOC, at the UN Second Committee on the International Tax Cooperation.

Chair, the United Kingdom voted ‘No’ on this resolution.

We have been a strong advocate of international tax cooperation, to enable the participation of a broad range of jurisdictions and collaboration of different International Organizations in addressing global policy challenges.

We have championed efforts to combat Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, increased tax transparency through the Automatic Exchange of Information and via HM Revenue and Customs’ capacity-building partnerships with developing countries.

We believe there is a role for the UN to play in international tax cooperation and we recognise the desire to make progress on this. We will continue to engage constructively with these negotiations.

From the outset, we set out what we see as the crucial principles for this work to be effective and inclusive. We believe decision-making should be based on broad consensus, to ensure that any outputs are widely implemented and maximize participation. And we need to ensure that a Framework Convention will not undermine existing tax rules.

In July, we made six proposals for changes to the zero draft of the Terms of Reference, none of which were reflected in the final text. While we welcome flexibility shown in this resolution, neither the Terms of Reference nor this resolution provide sufficient reassurance on our concerns.

In addition, we are concerned about the programme budget implications. During negotiations, we and other delegations had a number of questions, however these were not resolved. Full costs were only shared this week once negotiations had concluded. We need more robust consideration to understand the implications of this resolution, and will reflect our concerns in the Fifth Committee.

We will continue to work actively with all of you and be constructive and collaborative in considering how to accommodate different perspectives.

We hope that we can all deliver a positive contribution to international tax cooperation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Botswana and the G7 announce plans to improve transparency in the diamond trade. A new certification node will help stop Russian origin diamonds entering G7 markets.

Joint Statement by Botswana and the G7 diamond technical team:

A G7 import ban on Russian origin diamonds began on 1 January 2024. On 1 March 2024, Russian diamonds processed in third countries were also banned in the G7 jurisdictions.

On 1 March 2024, the first certification node with the ability to certify the origin of rough diamonds and issue G7 certificates became operational in the EU. Following this, the G7 diamond technical team and Botswana have increased collaboration on enhancing traceability and transparency in the diamond trade.

To enhance Botswana’s capacity in certifying rough diamonds for export, aligning with the G7 requirements to prevent Russian-mined diamonds from entering G7 markets and ensure traceability throughout the supply chain, the Belgium and Botswana teams conducted a comprehensive gap analysis, assessing current frameworks and identifying areas that require further alignment.

As a result, Botswana and the G7 diamond technical team are now crafting a roadmap to address any identified gaps, aiming to have the export certification node fully operational in Botswana as soon as possible next year.

H.E. President Duma Boko of Botswana, in his recent keynote address at the FACET event in Antwerp on 26 November 2024, underscored the importance of ethical and sustainable diamond mining as a cornerstone of Botswana’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within the diamond industry. “Botswana is committed to pioneering traceability and responsible mining practices, ensuring that our diamonds not only shine in beauty but also embody integrity and ethical stewardship,” he said.

Establishing this certification node will reinforce Botswana’s position as a responsible global leader in diamond production, offering reassurance to international buyers and stakeholders. This development is expected to increase investor confidence, support economic growth, and promote ethical practices across the diamond supply chain. The G7 diamond technical team will continue engaging with other African diamond-producing countries such as Namibia and Angola to consider setting up additional export certification nodes.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 November 2024.

Statement by Shadi Fathizadeh, Head of Humanitarian, Peacebuilding and UN Funds and Programmes at the UN Second Committee on the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review.

Colleagues, I would like to begin by thanking the Second Committee Bureau, the Swiss facilitator’s team, and all negotiators from other delegations.

The Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review has been a long, complex, negotiation. But the fact we have a resolution today – which represents for the most part a negotiated outcome – is an achievement to be celebrated and a testament to the value we all place on this important text.

Chair, with 6-years to 2030, the UK approached this negotiation firmly of the view that this QCPR had to deliver a step change in ambition. It needed to ensure that the UN development system is best positioned to support countries deliver their development plans and accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, towards a world free from poverty, on a liveable planet.

The UK welcomes the text as it sets clear guidelines towards a more impactful, coordinated, and efficient system.

We are pleased the QCPR reaffirms the vital role of UN Resident Coordinators in supporting countries achieve their development goals, and ensure coherence of UN development activities in-country. At a time when funding for the RC system is being negotiated, this sends a clear signal to the fifth committee on the importance of finding a sustainable, predictable solution this year.

We also welcome the new language on science and technology. This establishes important system-wide principles to ensure both the opportunities, and the risks presented by technological and scientific advances, are managed in a way that ensures all can benefit.

Inevitably perhaps in a text of such ambitious breadth, there are areas where we assess the text falls short.

Interlinkages and interdependencies between climate, nature and development are increasingly clear. This cannot be disputed. The impacts of climate change, which are predicted to put an extra 100 million people at risk of being pushed into extreme poverty by 2030, will not be addressed without different approaches from the UN development system.

We have been clear throughout the negotiations that rather than – and to avoid – duplicating existing UN processes, an effective response requires the further mainstreaming of climate and environment across the work of the development system.

Similarly, against the backdrop of rising global conflict and growing humanitarian need, we consider the text insufficiently ambitious in recognising the benefits that would arise from adopting joint approaches across humanitarian, development and peace strands. Building nexus approaches delivers the best chance of overcoming root causes and delivering long term, sustainable development including achieving the SDGs.

The UK further regrets the text’s weak language on gender, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. Poverty is not gender neutral. Progress must be made in this critical area and Member States need to ensure that we do not condemn certain groups within society to a more difficult path out of poverty.

It is now imperative that this resolution is implemented.

As noted in the QCPR, the UK acknowledges that not every action should fall to the entities of the UN Development System. As a leading donor, we recognise our responsibility to avoid over-burdening the system by setting unnecessary requirements.

I am pleased to note that discussions are already taking place between the UN and the UK to develop a template for a consistent approach for core funding Memoranda of Understanding, and we will look to build on this to explore where we can further streamline requirements. We encourage other donors to do likewise.

The UK’s commitment to the UN Development System remains unquestionable. We will continue to work in close partnership, here in New York including through governing bodies, in other UN offices, and on the ground, to deliver this important mandate.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 November 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN General Assembly meeting on the use of the veto.

Last week our Foreign Secretary used the UK Presidency of the Security Council to draw the world’s attention to the devasting impact on civilians of the conflict in Sudan.

The Secretary-General’s October report described the deliberate targeting of civilians, widespread sexual violence, and the abduction of children.

The UK and Sierra Leone decided to act in response to the urgent situation on the ground. Working in partnership, we co-penned a resolution on the protection of civilians, seeking to bring the Council together to address the protection crisis.

We consulted extensively with Council members and stakeholders to produce a balanced text.

The draft resolution called for the development of a compliance mechanism for the Jeddah Declaration, ensuring that the commitments made by both parties to protect civilians translated to results on the ground.

It called for the warring parties to support humanitarian pauses to ensure the safe passage of civilians and aid.

And it would have provided the international community with practical steps to support mediation efforts, to protect civilians and work towards a lasting ceasefire.

The draft resolution also fully respected the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan. We engaged extensively and listened carefully to the views of the Sudanese Mission when developing the text.

Nothing in the text compromised the sovereignty of Sudan. Indeed, the provisions on humanitarian access through border crossings were explicit that this should be done with the prior agreement and coordination of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council.

The Sierra Leone UK co-penned resolution received 14 votes in favour. This included all the African Council members.  But one country cynically blocked this resolution at the last minute.

Russia’s veto prevented necessary Council action on the basic rights of African civilians to be protected.

Despite Russia’s veto, 14 votes in favour sends a clear message. The international community will not allow Sudan to be forgotten, nor the suffering of civilians to be ignored.

We must ensure that the Security Council continues to act for peace in Sudan. Our ambition remains high and unwavering, and we hope to move forward constructively.

The UK is doing its part. Foreign Secretary Lammy announced last week that we are doubling the UK’s humanitarian aid to Sudan, providing an additional $143 million.

But funding is not the only issue, we must ensure that aid actually reaches those most in need. We welcome the decision to extend the authorization of the Adre crossing and the establishment of UN humanitarian hubs in El-Obeid Kadugli and Ad-Damazin. We call on the Sudanese authorities to facilitate UN presence and delivery across all of Sudan.

We welcome the new emergency relief coordinators visit to Sudan, and we will continue to work with our OCHA, our African partners and other actors to press for more aid, more access and more protection in Sudan.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 November 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the protection of humanitarian workers.

Colleagues, the scale and severity of threats to humanitarian personnel is alarming. As we’ve heard today, 2024 is already the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers and we have not reached the end.

The tragic loss of life, including in Gaza, Sudan, and South Sudan is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who deliver lifesaving assistance, and provide hope, in the toughest of circumstances.

Humanitarian workers, including national and local actors, should never be targeted for doing their jobs. We owe them more than words of support. I would like to highlight three actions member states must take:

First, to facilitate rapid and full humanitarian access to all civilians in need and fully comply with international humanitarian law. This is a bare minimum and reflected in the 1949 Geneva Conventions which we have all ratified.

Second, take all feasible steps to ensure effective and trusted deconfliction mechanisms are in place and utilised, in line with the obligations of parties to a conflict to protect humanitarian personnel. We urge states to investigate attacks swiftly and hold perpetrators to account.

Finally, do more to counter misinformation and disinformation, which poses an increasing threat to UN and humanitarian staff.

Colleagues, attacks targeting humanitarian personnel are violations of international humanitarian law and unacceptable. This Council must stand united in defending those who protect the most vulnerable.

The UK thanks Switzerland for its leadership on Resolution 2730 which we are happy to co-sponsor. We urge Member States to implement this resolution and to ensure the principles we affirm today allow humanitarian workers to do their jobs safely and free from fear.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 November 2024.

Statement by Her Excellency Joanna Roper, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Director-General, Mr Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

I would like to begin by thanking Director-General and the Technical Secretariat for their work to prepare for this Conference.  I would also like to thank the Director General for his comprehensive update detailing a year of important achievements.

Many thanks to our outgoing Chair, Ambassador Suljuk Tarar. Congratulations Ambassador Salvic on your appointment – you have the UK’s full support.

Mr Chair,

The Chemical Weapons Convention is an exceptional achievement and the UK remains wholly committed to its full implementation.

The UK has funded and helped deliver regional training in East Africa since 2016, and we will support similar training in the Caribbean in 2025. This year alone, we have supported laboratories in Brazil, Chile, Kenya and Nigeria to work towards OPCW Designated Laboratory status. We will continue to partner with other National Authorities to build capacity.

New technologies will transform the work of the OPCW, creating new risks and new opportunities. We welcome the Director General’s leadership on this issue and I thank Morocco for hosting an important conference last month on Artificial Intelligence and the CWC.

We also applaud work to enhance geographical representation and gender diversity, and to make important technical improvements to the tenure policy. I welcome civil society representatives joining us this week. Academia, industry and NGOs are crucial partners in our mission to eliminate chemical weapons.

Mr Chair,

Despite important progress, the Chemical Weapons Convention is under threat. Chemical weapons still exist in this world despite the hard-won achievements of recent years.

The UK has first-hand experience of a chemical weapons attack on our soil. This week, on the International Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare, my thoughts will be with the family of Dawn Sturgess and the victims of the Russian Novichok attack in Salisbury in 2018. The inquiry into her death is underway as we speak.

Mr Chair,

Let us be clear: despite what it claims, Russia is using chemical weapons in Ukraine. We thank Ukraine for sharing the report from the OPCW’s most recent Technical Assistance Visit.  The report confirmed the presence of riot control agents in samples collected by Ukraine from the frontlines. This is no surprise. The Russian military has boasted about their use of riot control agents and Ukraine has documented thousands of incidents. We can now add a comprehensive, impartial report to this growing wealth of evidence.

If we fail to respond to Russia’s breaches of the Convention, we put the fundamental principles of the Convention at risk. In October, the UK imposed sanctions on those involved in the Russian use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.

Mr Chair,

We have all been horrified by the images of conflict in the Middle East. The fighting must stop now. The UK calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and non-combatants.

At this time of growing regional instability, we are increasingly concerned that thousands of the Assad Regime’s chemical weapon munitions and hundreds of tonnes of chemical agent remain unaccounted for. The OPCW’s Declaration Assessment Team issued further evidence this year of undeclared chemical weapon production and weaponisation.

The total, verifiable destruction of Assad’s chemical weapons programme is the only guaranteed means to protect the Syrian people and prevent proliferation to terrorist organisations.  Last year’s Decision on Addressing the Threat from Chemical Weapons Use and the Threat of Future Use was an important step forward and we encourage full implementation of its recommendations by all states. We must also continue to afford our full support to the OPCW Fact Finding Mission, the Investigation and Identification Team and the UN’s International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism.

Mr Chair,

In June 2025, we will mark 100 years since the signature of the Geneva Protocol. Chemical weapons are a horror that should be consigned to history. To do that, we must stand together to defend the Convention in a changing world and hold to account all those that use these appalling weapons.

Thank you, Mr Chair.