Ecuador's Foreign Minister Addresses UNGA on Global Challenges and National Transformation

Ecuador's Commitment to Multilateralism and Peace

• 🇪🇨 Ecuador, a founding member of the UN, reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation on the UN's 80th anniversary.
• 🤝 The nation emphasizes that working together is essential for ensuring a future of peace, security, and prosperity for all peoples.
• 🌍 The foreign policy supports multilateralism as the primary model for addressing global challenges and achieving common goals.

Redefining Peace and Security

• 🚨 Ecuador advocates for broadening the concept of international peace and security to include the fight against transnational organized crime.
• 🔗 This crime phenomenon is described as undermining governability, fueling corruption, perpetuating violence, and eroding progress, with impacts similar to traditional armed conflicts.
• ⚠️ The government officially recognized a non-international armed conflict in January 2024, designating certain groups as terrorists due to narco-terrorism and violence.

National Security and Development Strategies

• ⚖️ Ecuador is implementing public policies focused on preventing youth violence and attracting investment and jobs to ensure sustainable security.
• 🗺️ The country is on the front line of the battle against transnational organized crime and narco-terrorism, seizing 295 tons of illicit drugs in 2024.
• 🗳️ A national debate on foreign military bases is being held via a referendum in November, alongside a call for a constituent assembly to draft a new charter.

Global Cooperation and Emerging Challenges

• 🌐 Ecuador spearheads regional initiatives like the Resolutive Plan of Action of the Andean Community to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.
• 💡 The nation calls for a more innovative, inclusive, and representative multilateralism that considers the realities of developing countries and includes youth.
• ✈️ Ecuador reaffirms its commitment to safe, regular, and orderly migration, rejecting irregular mobility which often benefits transnational criminal groups.
• 🤖 Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence present opportunities and risks, necessitating multilateral and ethical governance.
• 🌳 As a megadiverse country, Ecuador advocates for increased environmental financing, technology transfer, and international support for conservation.

Economic Transformation and Youth Empowerment

• 📈 Ecuador is fostering a competitive economic environment, attracting foreign investment through its natural resources, strategic location, and use of the US dollar.
• 💼 The country's risk indicator is decreasing, with economic growth projected around 5% for the second half of the year.
• 🧑‍💼 Youth, representing 40% of the population, are a priority, with the government focused on providing them with opportunities and eradicating corruption.
• 🚀 Ecuador is on an ambitious path of productive, social, and institutional transformation, adapting to a complex global economic environment.