Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

13 June 2022

 

His Excellency Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica 

 

Distinguished representatives, 

Ladies and gentlemen,  

Thank you for inviting me to speak at the Inaugural Conference of the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones. 

At a time of multiple global crises caused by shocks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the adverse effects of climate change the progress in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainble Development, is seriously at stake.  

 An ambitious initiative like the Global Alliance is timely, and can indeed help  mobilize support for and galvanize actions towards the Sustainable Development Goals.  

 In bringing together the United Nations and Seven associations of Special Economic Zones to advance a new generation of SEZs for sustainable development, this initiative promotes and embodies the spirit of SDG 17 which is about “Partnership for the Goals”.  

 The initiative seeks to pool the resources, experience and commitment of the United Nations and global, regional and national organizations to support SEZs in contributing to resilient, inclusive development. 

 There are around 7,000 special economic zones in 145 economies employing over 100 million people across all regions of the world.   

 Many of the SEZs have played an important role in driving economic transformation, promoting greater participation in global value chains and in catalysing industrial upgradation.  

 Despite several successful cases, there remain far too many special economic zones across regions that underperform. They fail to either attract significant investment or to generate economic or social impact beyond their confines.  

 SEZs are now facing new challenges related to adapting to the new industrial revolution, the digital economy as well as the changing global policy environment with rising protectionism and shifting trade preferences.  

 The 2030 Agenda presents an excellent opportunity for SEZs to find new, innovative models to attract investment by putting the SDGs at the forefront of their value proposition.  

 I wish this initiative much success in its objective and work.  

 Thank you.