Américo d'Oliveira dos Ramos, Prime Minister and Head of Government of Sao Tome and Principe, said the theme of the session “resonates not only as an ideal but as an imperative necessity for humanity, for collective development and prosperity”.  He commiserated with all nations which have endured natural disasters and conflict and humanitarian crises, stating that they are not mere statistics, but real human lives, broken families and entire communities forced into suffering.  “Your losses are felt by us all and your resilience inspires us to redouble our efforts in pursuit of a safer and fairer world,” he said.

While his country has responsibly undertaken reform in the fiscal, economic, judicial and public administration sectors, the progress achieved “remains fragile and constantly under threat”.  He appealed to the international community to ensure his country’s transition, associated with its December 2024 graduation to the category of middle-income countries – the eighth to achieve such a milestone – is carried out “gradually and harmoniously, accompanied by continuous and transformative support”.  Turning to climate change, he said his country being a small island developing State faces “one of the greatest injustices of our time” and is among the main victims of the phenomenon, despite “not contributing to this global scourge”.

He called for new approaches to financing mechanisms which incorporate multidimensional vulnerability criteria, integrate environmental climate and structural risks, and do not focus solely on per capital income, adding: “We require financial instruments that are more predictable and accessible with concessional conditions” compatible with Sao Tome and Principe’s real capacity.  He noted that because development requires a context of peace and security, his country is concerned about the proliferation of conflicts around the world and advocates for their peaceful resolution, “because only ‘silencing the guns’ can create an environment in which a better future with peace and development for all peoples can be built”.

He therefore called for a lasting solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and urged the international community to heighten support for African peace and security initiatives.  Further, Sao Tome and Principe condemns the “persistent disregard of the International community’s appeals for the lifting of economic, financial and commercial restrictions imposed on the Republic of Cuba”, he said.  For the Security Council to reflect 21st century geopolitical realities,  it must include at least one permanent seat for the African continent, he said, adding: “It is equally crucial to reduce bureaucracy within the UN system so that our Organization can respond more rapidly and effectively in global crises.”