Rafaela Kriman, 21101065 15th April 2014

OPENING SPEECH REPUBLIC OF KENYA Honourable Chairs, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, Kenya is at the time in its history that is full of hope for a bright future. In 2010, Kenya adopted new Constitution and in that way further secured human rights of its citizens. We expanded our economic base, improved governance and the respect for the rule of law. As Kenya acts efficiently to improve the living conditions of its nation, so the members of the United Nations need to work and cooperate to deal with new emerging issues in accordance with principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The United Nations have structures and capabilities to respond to fur trade, inter-ethnic issues involving minorities and environmental and developmental concerns. Even though fur trade has not been a major problem in Kenya, we think that new solutions, norms, discussions regarding the issue are more than welcomed. Animals should not be exposed to any cruel maltreatment, we simply cannot allow that. Nevertheless, they are part of our biodiversity which needs to be secured. Kenya is aware of potential danger of inter-ethnic conflict if issues regarding minorities stay unsolved. Inequalities breed resentment and can ultimately lead to violence. Therefore actions must be taken early, at a time when conflict is still unlikely. We all, including Kenya, need to change our perceptions related to minorities they should be understood as opportunity and potential strength and not as a threat to national unity. If we see minorities from that point of view, tackling and solving the issue would be much easier. There can be no lasting peace without sustainable development and protection of the environment. Many environmental issues are present in Kenya. Sustainable agriculture, water and waste management, environmental education are just some of the possible solutions to the problem. Strengthening global institutions and global regime, that would deal with the environment, biodiversity, climate change and development must be a core of the strategy to avoid conflicts, preserve nature and to insure the quality of living for the people around the world. The fragment of our Constitution says: We, the people of Kenya are proud of our ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, and determined to live in peace and unity as one indivisible sovereign nation; respectful of the environment, which is our heritage, with aim to sustain it for the benefit of future generations. It is a great way to show in which way we all should

Rafaela Kriman, 21101065 15th April 2014

tackle the problems on the agenda. It is important that as the community of nations we invest in the challenges that more than ever before require coordinated global and multilateral cooperation. Thank you and God bless you all!