News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PM highlights Canada's role on the world stage

Addresses the 65^th General Assembly of the United Nations

September 23, 2010
New York, New York

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in the 65th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York where he reiterated Canada's commitment to the Organization's founding principles and highlighted Canada's ongoing efforts to help achieve these goals on the world stage.

In his address, the Prime Minister noted the founding principles of the United Nations to settle disputes peacefully, seek justice and uphold the rights of all people. He also highlighted a range of Canada's international actions and commitments that reflect the United Nations Charter, including our participation in the United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission in Afghanistan; our reconstruction efforts in Haiti; our contributions to peace and security in Africa; our doubling of aid to Africa; our Muskoka Initiative for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; and our continuing support of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The Prime Minister noted that "while the UN's mission has grown over time its core job remains the same – through peace and development to build a better world. To prevent war and conflict, yet at the same time, to uphold what is right, and to protect the weak and the poor from those who prey upon them. The Government of Canada has always been deeply committed to these objectives and the organization that elevates them. It remains so today."

The Prime Minister also emphasized the pressing need for all the states of the world to adopt an enlightened view of sovereignty.

"We have been forcefully reminded that, in this shrinking world, we travel together in one boat, not as solo-voyageurs. And that how we travel matters," said the Prime Minister. "Because our interests are all interconnected: from climate change to health and pandemic threats and, of course, the global economy."

The United Nations General Assembly is made up of all 192 member states of the United Nations. It is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative body of the United Nations, meeting from September to December every year and at other times as needed.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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