Arthur Dowers addresses UN General Assembly on behalf of the Kingdom

During the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Arthur Dowers, the Minister of Justice, Integration, Public Transport, and Energy, delivered remarks on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Speaking at a high-level meeting marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, Dowers emphasized that sustainable progress must respect civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

Dowers warned that conflict, climate change, and rising inequality are placing significant pressure on sustainable development, noting that no single nation can address these challenges in isolation. He reaffirmed the shared commitment of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In addition to the development forum, Dowers attended the official opening of the Council of Europe’s first Permanent Observer Office near the United Nations. During the High-Level Week, he engaged in meetings with international figures, including Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Kingdom is scheduled to present its third voluntary national review regarding progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in 2027.