XAVIER ESPOT ZAMORA, Head of Government of Andorra, said that greenhouse gas emissions — caused by the unlimited consumption of natural resources — have led the planet to exhaustion.  “We humans are guilty of climate change,” he added.  It is too late to avoid certain consequences, which are already unfortunately irreversible, but not too late to slow down others.  Solutions are to be found in a new form of multilateralism — one oriented towards collective action.  Solutions must contribute to rebuilding international cooperation, providing adequate resources and promoting inclusive governance.  “We must, more than ever, support and remember the original values of this Organization,” he added.

Europe is worried about a conflict that has ended up becoming a war of attrition, with enormous consequences for Ukraine’s civilian population, he continued, condemning all violations of that country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.  Yemen, Pakistan, Ethiopia, the Sahel and other territories are no longer in the headlines; yet these are frozen conflict zones.  Turning to the 2030 Agenda, he said Andorra is committed to the achievement of sustainable development.  “We all have a window of opportunity here to ensure a viable and sustainable future for all,” he added.  Andorra has placed particular importance on education, health care and gender equality.

Andorra is a high mountain country, particularly sensitive to changing climate, which seriously threatens its biodiversity, water supply and even its way of life, he emphasized.  Underscoring Andorra’s geographic and demographic connection with members of the European Union, he said it is essential to continue to defend the values of multilateralism, such as human rights, democracy and rule of law.  Andorra urges the world to take advantage of the era of scientific knowledge which has helped so many improve their living conditions thanks to medicine and artificial intelligence.  Solutions, to be fair and sustainable, must include everyone, he added.