During a special meeting focused on promoting sustainable development through infrastructure connectivity, Dennis Francis stressed the crucial need for high-quality and long-lasting infrastructure.
According to Mr. Francis, infrastructure that is reliable, sustainable, and resilient – including regional and cross-border infrastructure – is essential for supporting trade, transportation, virtual networks, energy distribution, and ensuring the safety of populations against natural disasters.
He also drew attention to recent devastating incidents, such as the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, which have significant economic consequences and disrupt national and global supply chains.
Mr. Francis emphasized the urgency of adapting transportation infrastructure to withstand both human-made and natural disasters, which are increasingly exacerbated by climate change.
In particular, he highlighted the challenges faced by countries that are not responsible for these disasters, such as the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and small island developing States (SIDS).
These countries have unique geographical and economic conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to infrastructure damage from natural disasters.
Mr. Francis noted that SIDS, in particular, often experience more frequent and intense natural disasters, leading to significant damage and destruction of infrastructure. In some cases, this damage can cost up to 10% of a country’s GDP annually.
In addition to these challenges, Mr. Francis also highlighted the opportunities presented by the upcoming fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) and third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3).
LLDC3 was originally scheduled for June, but organizers have announced that it will be rescheduled for a later date.
Mr. Francis stressed the need for urgent action to address these regional and global challenges.
The high-level event on sustainable infrastructure, part of the General Assembly’s first-ever Sustainability Week, followed discussions on debt sustainability, sustainable tourism, and transportation earlier in the week.
On Friday, the General Assembly will commemorate the completion of the UN Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, with a focus on accelerating the implementation of SDG 7 on affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.