WEBVTT 1 00:00:05.120 --> 00:00:32.359 Thank you for listening to Depiction's Media Radio. Welcome to Policy Rights to show 2 00:00:32.560 --> 00:01:04.560 about government policy and human rights. Welcome back to Policy and Rights here in 3 00:01:04.640 --> 00:01:10.920 Depictions Media Radio. I'm your host, Michael Cloggs. And of course we 4 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:15.040 have reports from the United Nations in the WHL where they're trying to find a 5 00:01:15.200 --> 00:01:23.920 universal way of ensuring that everybody receives stays healthy and that they find the right 6 00:01:23.079 --> 00:01:30.760 medications, the right treatments in everything to ensure health around the world. So 7 00:01:30.840 --> 00:01:40.200 we're going to hear something from a brief something about that from the President of 8 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:45.480 the General Assembly of the United Nations after they had a it was a closed 9 00:01:45.519 --> 00:01:53.879 store meeting about universal health, universal global health. So we're also going to 10 00:01:55.840 --> 00:02:02.879 hear reports from a press briefing about Molly and a village called Mora that has 11 00:02:02.920 --> 00:02:10.800 been under siege and uh there's reports of human rights violations, all sorts of 12 00:02:10.879 --> 00:02:16.800 atrocities happening that UM that the United Nations is trying to get to the bottom 13 00:02:16.840 --> 00:02:27.520 of, while the Mali government's calling it an anti terror UM action and UM 14 00:02:28.360 --> 00:02:34.479 in North America of coming back home towards UM to the United States and Canada, 15 00:02:34.960 --> 00:02:42.960 that there's extreme wildfires still burning in Alberta and that the entire province is 16 00:02:43.159 --> 00:02:51.080 under a state of emergency while firefighters UM battle the fires. That UM, 17 00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:55.000 there are reports that that they're asking from for firefighters from around the world to 18 00:02:55.039 --> 00:03:05.879 come help extinguish the fires and save properties and livestock and other things that people 19 00:03:05.960 --> 00:03:13.960 need their massive evacuations, and the Canadian government is talking about how they're going 20 00:03:14.000 --> 00:03:22.080 to help fund people to rebuild their homes and their lives back to where they 21 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:31.919 were before the fire actually happened. So UM, we always talk about human 22 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:39.199 rights and how people just in general need need to be protected and health they 23 00:03:39.199 --> 00:03:46.919 need to be protected. That there was also a United Nations and wh A 24 00:03:47.080 --> 00:03:57.800 report put out about the use of artificial sweeteners and how that could actually be 25 00:03:57.919 --> 00:04:03.319 bad for our health. And they of course they named as as we know 26 00:04:03.759 --> 00:04:11.400 aspartain or nutra suite in that report, and they also named saccharine, which 27 00:04:11.680 --> 00:04:19.240 never for more than forty years, has never really left the idea of Oops, 28 00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:29.160 maybe that's not so good for us, So we're UM. You'll find 29 00:04:29.199 --> 00:04:34.519 more at Depictions Media about this UM where we actually found the United Nations article 30 00:04:34.560 --> 00:04:40.720 about it. But we also have a quote from our own resident functional nutritionists 31 00:04:40.759 --> 00:04:46.800 at Guita Setti from Living Well at Guita Setti as she talks about. Artificial 32 00:04:46.160 --> 00:04:54.600 sweeteners were introduced into the market as a substitute to support people with metabolic disorders 33 00:04:55.079 --> 00:05:01.800 and focus especially for diabetes, but became a craze as a food. The 34 00:05:01.879 --> 00:05:09.279 industry started using them to substitute and enhance the sweet taste without negative impact of 35 00:05:09.399 --> 00:05:16.759 sugar without enough research out there. Now we know that long term usage of 36 00:05:16.800 --> 00:05:26.439 these substitutes can be carcinogenic, a neurotoxin, or even cause damage to the 37 00:05:26.519 --> 00:05:35.319 blood vessels leading to cardiovascular conditions. The latest studies are also pointing out increased 38 00:05:35.319 --> 00:05:46.519 sensitivity issues and negative microbiome impact. Even with short term usage, they may 39 00:05:46.600 --> 00:05:53.000 actually be causing more damage and adding to the issue rather than solving it. 40 00:05:53.639 --> 00:06:03.439 The problem that high consumption of sugar had created. So let's listen to today's 41 00:06:03.439 --> 00:06:11.480 show and we're going to start off with the statement from the President of the 42 00:06:11.519 --> 00:06:30.759 General Assembly and move into the Alberta Fires. Coming out momentarily will be the 43 00:06:30.800 --> 00:06:34.199 President of the General Assembly. He will be joined by the co facilitators, 44 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:42.279 the permanent representatives who he has selected to Shepherd the internet, excuse me, 45 00:06:42.399 --> 00:06:48.040 the negotiation processes on health related issues as they concern Anga. So it will 46 00:06:48.079 --> 00:06:50.680 be the President of the General Assembly who will be speaking. He will be 47 00:06:50.759 --> 00:06:57.680 joined by the Ambassadors. So, as I mentioned, the President of the 48 00:06:57.680 --> 00:07:01.000 General Assembly is here. He's joined by the facilitators, the ambassadors who he 49 00:07:01.040 --> 00:07:08.680 has appointed to lead on health related issues in an upcoming high level meetings. 50 00:07:09.000 --> 00:07:12.680 During ANGER, the President will make brief remarks. He will then take some 51 00:07:12.759 --> 00:07:21.959 questions. President, thank you very much. Poulin. Ladies and gentlemen, 52 00:07:23.600 --> 00:07:28.399 thank you very much indeed for your interests, your time and your deducation. 53 00:07:28.839 --> 00:07:34.519 Many many thanks for your work supporting the activities and the transformation going on in 54 00:07:34.600 --> 00:07:41.720 the General Assembly. You might have heard me and others speaking in this house 55 00:07:43.279 --> 00:07:49.959 that it is a time of unprecedented and interlocking crisis in the world and responding 56 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:58.439 on that it is and it must be a year of crisis management and transformation 57 00:07:58.839 --> 00:08:03.519 in the General Assembly. That's what we tried to achieve in the Water Conference 58 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:11.000 last March. That's what we are trying to achieve during the Sendai Framework term 59 00:08:11.079 --> 00:08:16.879 Review a couple of days from now, and that is our main focus on 60 00:08:16.959 --> 00:08:22.199 the HLPF in July, and that will be the main objective of all the 61 00:08:22.279 --> 00:08:26.800 Member States on the High Level week in September. In a few months time 62 00:08:26.839 --> 00:08:35.120 from now. They are clear objectives in front of us. Revive sustainability, 63 00:08:35.159 --> 00:08:46.399 transformation, it's financial support, find game changing solutions of integrated nature, seek 64 00:08:46.679 --> 00:08:52.960 stability for the people and planet, and advance peace and security, particularly by 65 00:08:54.039 --> 00:09:00.559 recommitting to the non proliferation nuclear non proliferation. You may know that there are 66 00:09:01.080 --> 00:09:07.559 sixteen negotiating processes going on in the GEN Assembly. It is unprecedented in our 67 00:09:07.639 --> 00:09:15.240 history, and thirteen out of the sixteen are directly related to some kind of 68 00:09:15.279 --> 00:09:20.840 transformation we are trying to achieve in this house and in the world. The 69 00:09:22.039 --> 00:09:31.240 human dimension of this transformation is very closely characterized by free has related negotiating processes 70 00:09:33.000 --> 00:09:41.720 on the TV preparedness, the pandemic preparedness, and the universal health coverage. 71 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:48.519 We are very strongly relying on the conviction of the Member States and other stakeholders 72 00:09:48.559 --> 00:09:56.519 that health is When health is at risk, everything is at risk. We 73 00:09:56.639 --> 00:10:03.440 are deeply convinced the at health is not and cannot be a luxury, but 74 00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:11.279 a fundamental human right. We are also deeply convinced that providing health is not 75 00:10:11.559 --> 00:10:20.440 a money bit, but it's an investment in sustainable development. So in September, 76 00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:24.279 in the second half of the High Level Week, we are going to 77 00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:33.840 have the three summit meetings on Pandemic Preparedness, TB, Fighting TB and the 78 00:10:33.919 --> 00:10:43.559 Universal health coverage. Today we are having multi stakeholder hearing. Actually it started 79 00:10:43.679 --> 00:10:54.360 yesterday with the tuberculosis, today with the lessons learned from the pandemic preparedness, 80 00:10:54.440 --> 00:11:01.519 and this afternoon we are going to have the multi stakeholder hearing on universal health 81 00:11:01.519 --> 00:11:07.360 coverage. Let me start with a universal health coverage. It's a kind of 82 00:11:07.799 --> 00:11:18.759 umbrella of health for the agent at twenty thirty. It's about providing good quality 83 00:11:18.840 --> 00:11:28.000 health services to all each in every member of our community on this planet without 84 00:11:28.320 --> 00:11:33.919 causing unbearable financial hardships. There might be different ways, different methods, how 85 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:39.480 to provide it, how to achieve it in different countries. The most important 86 00:11:39.759 --> 00:11:46.399 that the universal health coverage should be achieved. In nineteen twenty eighteen, there 87 00:11:46.399 --> 00:11:50.159 has been already a joint declaration of all Member States in the General Assembly that 88 00:11:50.320 --> 00:11:56.000 by twenty thirty we want to achieve the universal health coverage. We are off 89 00:11:56.000 --> 00:12:01.440 track. So what we need to decide in the forthcoming weeks and months with 90 00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:07.559 the help of the stakeholders today, how to go back to our origin goal 91 00:12:07.960 --> 00:12:13.840 and how to deliver for our people. I'm very grateful for the Ambassadors of 92 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:22.320 Guayana who is standing behind me and working together with the Ambassador of Thailand for 93 00:12:22.639 --> 00:12:28.080 leading this negotiating process. They are doing a very good work, hard work 94 00:12:28.200 --> 00:12:35.399 with the membership and they are in the process of reaching very soon a detailed 95 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:41.159 negotiation on concrete outcome text. For the time being, we are gathering information 96 00:12:41.480 --> 00:12:52.639 from various actors including nurses, doctors, science actors, civil society actors, 97 00:12:52.039 --> 00:13:01.960 companies and non state actors on the tuberculosis. It's a preventable and curable disease. 98 00:13:03.279 --> 00:13:11.159 We even have some remarkable success since two thousand, we could save about 99 00:13:11.200 --> 00:13:18.559 seventy two million lives on the Earth by the measures we implemented in our countries. 100 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:26.600 Yet it still remains a silent killer. Just in twenty twenty one alone, 101 00:13:26.279 --> 00:13:35.080 one point six million people died because of tuberculosis and sixteen million fell sick 102 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:43.720 with it. It is one of the leading causes of death across the world. 103 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:50.679 And we know it is always linked to inequity, poverty, under nutrition, 104 00:13:52.519 --> 00:14:01.159 and what we need is further research for new vex scenes and new drugs 105 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:11.440 capable of preventing the new trains trains of strains of the bacteria and curing the 106 00:14:11.559 --> 00:14:24.320 disease. Behind me, you can see the Ambassador of Poland, his excellent 107 00:14:24.360 --> 00:14:31.559 smister Christophe Chersky and his excellency back to your ibragame of the Ambassador of of 108 00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:35.840 US Pakistan. I'm grateful for them for leading the negotiations of the Member States, 109 00:14:37.679 --> 00:14:45.600 involving many other stakeholders to create a common knowledge base and start very soon 110 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:50.960 the text based negotiations among the Member states. Last, but not least, 111 00:14:52.679 --> 00:15:01.919 on the pandemic preparedness COVID nineteen revealed their nature, the very dangerous nature of 112 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:09.279 a prototype of the Anthropocene error crisis. The pandemic officially is over, but 113 00:15:09.440 --> 00:15:18.559 the lessons still to be learned and drown for our future. These are bitter, 114 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:26.000 bitter lessons of the COVID. We know that though this pandemic might have 115 00:15:26.080 --> 00:15:33.440 been officially over, but the next one is in the waiting. We don't 116 00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:37.919 know when, we don't know how, and we don't know from what kind 117 00:15:37.960 --> 00:15:43.840 of virus or bacteria it would it would come with. But we have to 118 00:15:43.960 --> 00:15:48.720 understand our shortcomings. We have to understand our mistakes, what we did in 119 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:54.480 the hand process of handling the pandemics, and we have to make the best 120 00:15:54.639 --> 00:16:02.679 decisions to be best better prepared. Once again, the question is not whether 121 00:16:02.799 --> 00:16:07.639 or not we are going to have the next danger from pandemic, but the 122 00:16:07.759 --> 00:16:11.759 question is when it comes and whether or not we are prepared or not. 123 00:16:12.080 --> 00:16:22.600 So I'm grateful for the two ambassadors of Morocco and Israel for leading the Members 124 00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:30.399 States preparations and negotiations for the political decorations that will be adopted at the highest 125 00:16:30.480 --> 00:16:37.039 level in the during the September High Level Week, Ladies and gentlemen. For 126 00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:48.639 these three major human centered processes of health, we need everybody on board. 127 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:57.919 We need all stakeholds stakeholders aboard. We need commitments of the global community tackling 128 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:04.559 health related crisis. But we also need to know that it is not purely 129 00:17:04.599 --> 00:17:11.039 a health issue. It's an issue of policymaking, an issue of financing, 130 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:18.759 issue of scientific progress, issue of technological advancement, an issue of how we 131 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:27.480 build trust among ourselves and how to rebuild our networks of cooperation. And before 132 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:34.559 wrapping up, I want to thank the who support in organizing this week hearings 133 00:17:36.240 --> 00:17:42.160 and in general providing assistance for the negotiating processes in the General Assembly. Thank 134 00:17:42.200 --> 00:17:56.599 you very much. How you can prepare for the next epidemic if you don't 135 00:17:56.640 --> 00:18:02.839 know where it's going to happen or how you know, it's a complete mystery. 136 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:10.119 I wish we knew exactly what kind of virus or bacteria would come. 137 00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:15.440 You might have heard about the research which is called Dema protocol. Dema Protocol 138 00:18:15.839 --> 00:18:22.279 is trying to identify those mostly viruses that have most potential of making the big 139 00:18:22.359 --> 00:18:30.799 jump to the human body. We know that they are about eight strains on 140 00:18:30.839 --> 00:18:37.000 the watch list now, but the number of the potential bugs are much much 141 00:18:37.079 --> 00:18:41.440 higher. But this is not what we can decide here in the General Assembly. 142 00:18:42.079 --> 00:18:48.920 It is a job for researchers, for scientists. Our job is to 143 00:18:48.240 --> 00:18:53.559 draw lessons learned from our own mistakes. What we've done in the last couple 144 00:18:53.599 --> 00:19:02.200 of years, how we organize ourselves in terms of medical supplies, how we 145 00:19:02.559 --> 00:19:10.480 mobilized our finances for fighting the pandemic, how we used the scientific knowledge for 146 00:19:10.640 --> 00:19:18.519 political decision making and how we shown solidarity during the fight against the pandemic. 147 00:19:18.000 --> 00:19:22.720 If we draw our lessons learned from that, we do our part of the 148 00:19:22.759 --> 00:19:30.079 work. And we are asking the scientists the scientific community to come for our 149 00:19:30.119 --> 00:19:36.920 help to help us with the highest possible probability when and what kind of strains, 150 00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:42.960 viruses and bacteria could come then next, It is still an unknown, 151 00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:55.440 but but we are focusing on them on the potential social of danger. Thank 152 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:59.480 you for leadership on this throughout the day and yesterday as well on TV. 153 00:20:00.839 --> 00:20:07.079 A lot around multisectoral collaboration came up in the room today and cross collaboration and 154 00:20:07.119 --> 00:20:11.799 coordination between governments. You also mentioned antiquasine and we know that climate change drives 155 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:18.559 emerging pandemics. So how do you see climate conversations and health conversations convening at 156 00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:23.480 a very high level through this and can there be better synergies created between these 157 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:29.359 two sectors in these forums so that that can be spilled over into national and 158 00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:33.359 regional conversations and in academia as well. Thank you much. I couldn't agree 159 00:20:33.400 --> 00:20:40.319 more with you. Climate change itself does not cause pandemic, but climate change 160 00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:52.440 creates conditions that are very indusive forklandemic conducive for pandemics. It amplifies some of 161 00:20:52.480 --> 00:20:57.720 the factors, including those that might be favorable for the spreading of the new 162 00:20:57.799 --> 00:21:03.920 type of area or viruses. It is not by surprise that during the high 163 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:11.240 level week we are going to have a climate ambition summit and on the same 164 00:21:11.319 --> 00:21:15.000 day we are going to have just a few hours with a few hours difference, 165 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:22.880 the health related summit. There are quite a few areas which have a 166 00:21:22.920 --> 00:21:29.960 great impact on our preparedness for the next pandemic. But obviously how we treat, 167 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:34.079 how we try to prevent, or how we get accommodated to the next 168 00:21:34.160 --> 00:21:40.359 wave of the global warming will have a great impact of how we are going 169 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:48.880 to weather the pandemics of the near future. But it's not only climate change 170 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:56.880 that has an impact on the potential of the new new pandemics. The closure 171 00:21:56.160 --> 00:22:06.000 we get to nature, the habitats which were untouched for thousands of years by 172 00:22:06.079 --> 00:22:15.079 humanity, the more will be the immediate physical contacts between those carriers of the 173 00:22:15.319 --> 00:22:21.119 diseases and human beings. That's what we see now on a yearly basis, 174 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:29.319 with the outbreak of very rare diseases coming from those areas where the natural habitat 175 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:34.440 and the human habitat are meeting. Unfortunately, we know we noticed that there 176 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:52.839 is a new outbreak or Marburg disease in Africa for the similar reasons. Right 177 00:22:52.839 --> 00:23:00.119 now, TV is probably the biggest killer essence it passed COVID pandemic. Are 178 00:23:00.160 --> 00:23:04.960 you trying to get you know, laboratories, especially in the private sector, 179 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:10.640 in modern developing a vaccine for it, which has been a massive failure so 180 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:18.759 far. The private sector is here with us in the multi stakeholder discussions. 181 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:26.599 Yes, without them, we cannot solve this problem. Governments alone, engeos 182 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:34.559 alone cannot prevent the next pandemic. We need the private sector and we need 183 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:42.200 the science community. We need new solutions and we need new methods of implementing 184 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:51.559 those solutions. There were rightly many critical words to the big pharma during the 185 00:23:51.640 --> 00:23:59.680 pandemic, but we have to acknowledge that without the scientific breakthrough which was achieved 186 00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:03.160 at the beginning of this pandemic, we would not have been able to prevent 187 00:24:03.880 --> 00:24:15.039 much more lives to be lost. So my message to the private sector, 188 00:24:15.880 --> 00:24:22.240 yes, you have a role, you have your own responsibility. Please come 189 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:27.160 work with us. We are counting and you and your words are also counting 190 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:34.720 in our final decisions. Thank you, Thank you much indeed, and let 191 00:24:34.759 --> 00:24:41.559 me just call to your kind attention that in the course of the further negotiations 192 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:47.319 on all three tracks, the ambassadors behind me, whom once again I would 193 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:52.880 like to thank for their wonderful work, would be at your disposal for your 194 00:24:53.680 --> 00:25:02.000 convenience to be addressed to ask questions or give you a background information on the 195 00:25:02.039 --> 00:25:04.640 course of the negotiations. Thank you very much, and I'll wish you a 196 00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:15.200 nice day. As the force commander for the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central 197 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:21.319 African Republic, the Major General succeed Lieutenant General Triory of Burkina Faso, who 198 00:25:21.319 --> 00:25:26.640 completed assignment earlier this year. The Secretary General is grateful for his tireless dedication 199 00:25:26.720 --> 00:25:32.680 and invaluable service and leadership. Major General Nione joined the Zambian Army in nineteen 200 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:37.160 ninety four and served most recently as Commandant of the Defense Service Command and Staff 201 00:25:37.200 --> 00:25:42.599 College in Zambia. More information online. Today, the Department the Development Coordination 202 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:48.480 Office tells US that Adam abdel Mullah of Sudan is taking up his new post 203 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:55.160 as a new UN Resident Coordinator in Syria following his appointment by the Secretary General. 204 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:59.720 He will also serve as Humanitarian Coordinator. Missab Delmulah brings more in thirty 205 00:25:59.759 --> 00:26:03.119 five years of experience and development, rule of law, human rights and humanitarian 206 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:07.440 work. He has served the UN for the last twenty four years. If 207 00:26:07.440 --> 00:26:18.920 I'm not mistaken, most recently in Somalia. And today is we have two 208 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:23.799 international days. Today's the International Day of Families. It's a day of reminder 209 00:26:23.880 --> 00:26:30.720 that demographic changes in one of the most important megatrends impacting our world and life 210 00:26:30.720 --> 00:26:34.759 and well being of families worldwide. Today is also UN Global Road Safety Week 211 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:40.160 to all the start of it. Rather, road safety injuries are leading cause 212 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:44.440 of death and disability worldwide. That's why there is a desperate need for governments 213 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:51.279 and their partners to rethink mobility. Tomorrow, I will be joined by our 214 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:56.960 friends from Dessa who will brief you on the World Economic Situation Prospects Midyear Report. 215 00:26:56.480 --> 00:27:02.880 Our guests will be Shantanoomukajee as Director of Economic Analysis and Policy Division, 216 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:06.920 and Hermid Rashid, the lead author of the report, who is also the 217 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:12.000 Chief of the Global Economic monitoring Branch Indessa. Lastly, little quiz for you. 218 00:27:14.680 --> 00:27:18.599 We have one hundred and six fully paid up member states. Today we 219 00:27:18.720 --> 00:27:22.240 received payments for a regular budget from a member state which is the only place 220 00:27:22.319 --> 00:27:27.200 in the world where larry Mare, which is a rare form of blue pectolite, 221 00:27:27.279 --> 00:27:37.079 is mined. It is also the birthplace of Oscar de Laurenta. Come 222 00:27:37.160 --> 00:27:44.519 on, Sherwin the Dominican Republic. We thank our friends and Sento Domingo for 223 00:27:44.599 --> 00:27:52.160 their money, Sherwin if. Late last week, South Atricas president had a 224 00:27:52.240 --> 00:27:57.039 call with Russia's president and the Kremlin put out a statement afterwards saying that President 225 00:27:57.079 --> 00:28:03.480 Putin supports President ramapaus As idea of a group of African leaders discussing the prospects 226 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:07.240 of settling the conflict in Ukraine, noting that Russia had never refused to work 227 00:28:07.279 --> 00:28:11.599 on a diplomatic track. Since then, Drama Pausa has said that the UN 228 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:15.359 remains the only viable mechanism through which the global community can strive for peace and 229 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:22.559 common development. Has there been any interaction between President Ramapausa and the United Nations 230 00:28:22.599 --> 00:28:26.400 on this idea of African possible African mediation and what do you make of such 231 00:28:26.440 --> 00:28:30.440 a prospect given the broader context in which the Secretary General has said it does 232 00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:37.240 not believe that there is an immediate possibility for reaching a ceasefire. Now I'm 233 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:42.440 not aware of any direct contact between proser Ramaposa and the Secretary General on this 234 00:28:44.119 --> 00:28:49.519 particular issue. I think any effort to bring peace to Ukraine that involves all 235 00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:56.079 of the parties to this conflict is to be welcome. There is a I 236 00:28:56.119 --> 00:29:00.359 think the international community as a whole, every member state has a response ability 237 00:29:00.359 --> 00:29:03.720 to do what they can to see an end to this conflict in line with 238 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:08.359 the Charter, in line with General Assembly resolutions, and in line with international 239 00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:15.400 law DEGI and then Pam first of all, up on the Black Seagreen initiative, 240 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:21.880 any new updates on the talk, especially concerning the pipelines that delivers Russian 241 00:29:22.319 --> 00:29:27.599 ammonia to Black supports. Though discussions are going on involving all the all of 242 00:29:27.599 --> 00:29:33.839 the parties, we can't stress enough how important the Black Sea initiative is, 243 00:29:33.319 --> 00:29:40.400 along with the efforts the parallel efforts to increase the flow of Russian food and 244 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:51.759 fertilizer to market. So are there any scheduled quadruple meetings before eight there will 245 00:29:51.839 --> 00:29:57.279 we expect discussions to continue before May eighteenth. Okay, my next question, 246 00:29:57.319 --> 00:30:00.720 sorry, my next question. On Syria, we know that during this weekend 247 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:07.720 the Syrian government decided to extend the two crossing border border crossings to Rubbo control 248 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:12.640 areas, and also we got confirmation from the UN. Any comments on that 249 00:30:14.440 --> 00:30:17.640 one, You've got confirmation for me, I'm not going to comment on what 250 00:30:17.759 --> 00:30:22.799 I so. So do you think does the the UN think that's a positive 251 00:30:22.839 --> 00:30:27.240 move? Yes, very much so. I mean it'll help us with the 252 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:37.720 continuing efforts to support to support people in Syria wherever they live, give a 253 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:44.880 broader picture. There's there's this returning to our league for the Syrian government. 254 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:49.960 And also we saw the quadruple meetings with turkeya Iranian and Syrian Russian foreign minister 255 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:56.599 and they decided to have a committee to settling down the relative issues overall. 256 00:30:56.839 --> 00:31:03.640 Do you think the atmosphere so far on the Syrian crisis is positive? Look, 257 00:31:03.759 --> 00:31:10.599 there is a there is clearly a lot of activity going on right h 258 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:18.640 We have been mister Petterson has also been involved in UM in a number of 259 00:31:18.640 --> 00:31:26.720 of discussions with various parties. We would like to see a recommitment and reaction 260 00:31:26.119 --> 00:31:33.279 of everyone involved on a positive political track in line with Security Council Result twenty 261 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:37.279 two fifty four. And that continues to be mister Peterson's efforts. But but 262 00:31:37.400 --> 00:31:44.079 you know, Um Secretary no, sorry, mister Anthony B. Lincoln said 263 00:31:44.119 --> 00:31:48.839 that US position is not going to getting the business of normalizing relationship with Asset 264 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:55.640 and that regime. But do you think you should also push a little bit 265 00:31:55.680 --> 00:32:00.880 of the US to engage are mandate is and that is is the mandate given 266 00:32:00.920 --> 00:32:07.319 to US and given to special line for Pederson within the context of the resolution. 267 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:12.160 Pam, thanks Stephan, follow up to Degi and then a separate question. 268 00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:19.559 The follow up is you mentioned the Black Sea initiative. Is there any 269 00:32:19.640 --> 00:32:25.000 sense that this will in the next few days before May eighteenth be expanded to 270 00:32:27.599 --> 00:32:34.039 not only include grain and include the ammonia pipeline And is that the UN position 271 00:32:34.079 --> 00:32:37.759 at this sorry, I mean the UN position is that we want to see 272 00:32:37.759 --> 00:32:44.599 a continuation and full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding which covers the export of 273 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:51.160 grain, also mentions the pipeline, and also full implementation of the agreement between 274 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:54.960 U and the Russia. Federation on the regarding the issue of an extension of 275 00:32:55.039 --> 00:33:00.240 an export of Russian food and fertilizer. Okay, thank you. And on 276 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:06.680 the new IOM Director General. I you mentioned it, but can you say 277 00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:15.880 what significance it has, um that what importance the agency has, and that 278 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:20.119 US now directing it. Thank you. A. I didn't mention it. 279 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:22.920 I mean I did not. I did not mention it. It's not I 280 00:33:22.920 --> 00:33:29.559 mean there were elections taking place the IOM through its own governing body. They're 281 00:33:29.559 --> 00:33:34.920 a specialized agency of the UN system, so it's not for me to comment 282 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:42.960 on elections. We obviously look forward to working with the new leadership IOM, 283 00:33:43.400 --> 00:33:46.440 which has the UNS mandate to deal with migration. Is a critical part of 284 00:33:46.440 --> 00:33:51.960 the UN system as we see the issue of migration being front and center, 285 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:55.400 not only in this hemisphere but all over the world. And they work hand 286 00:33:55.440 --> 00:34:02.519 in hand with UNHCR, which has the refuge mandate in ensuring that people who 287 00:34:02.559 --> 00:34:07.720 are on the move, who are forcibly on the move, are treated with 288 00:34:07.880 --> 00:34:12.599 their the human rights they deserve, the dignity they're reserved, and the rights 289 00:34:12.639 --> 00:34:17.639 they have enshrined in international law. Abdelhamid and then Benno, thank you. 290 00:34:17.679 --> 00:34:22.639 Stefan. I have three questions. In fact, I'll start with the ceasefire 291 00:34:22.800 --> 00:34:29.920 in Gaza between Gaza and that right. Did Torwinsland, the Special Coordinator, 292 00:34:30.519 --> 00:34:35.360 have anything to do with it? What was his role in reaching the ceasefire? 293 00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:42.119 I think he along with with other Member states, I think working as 294 00:34:42.199 --> 00:34:45.840 we mentioned in the in the statement, all work towards the same goal, 295 00:34:45.920 --> 00:34:51.440 and that is reaching the ceasefire, which was done. My second question about 296 00:34:51.559 --> 00:34:57.280 a Palestinian presidenter. His name is Walid Daga. He's been in jail since 297 00:34:57.440 --> 00:35:02.639 nineteen eighty six. He was sentenced for Paris years forty seven years, and 298 00:35:02.800 --> 00:35:09.719 he's now diagnosed with terminal illness. He had cancer and he is fighting for 299 00:35:09.840 --> 00:35:15.079 his probably last a few months. So there is an international appeal to release 300 00:35:15.199 --> 00:35:23.360 him. What does the UN say about this humanitarian case. I'm not particular, 301 00:35:23.440 --> 00:35:27.639 I'm not I don't have any knowledge of this particular case, but we 302 00:35:27.760 --> 00:35:31.199 hope that this prisoner, like every other prisoner wherever they may be held, 303 00:35:31.199 --> 00:35:37.440 get the healthcare that they need to have. And finally, today in his 304 00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:43.480 speech, Marudabas, the Polician President, spoke about the two Resolutions of nineteen 305 00:35:43.599 --> 00:35:47.599 fourty seven nineteen forty eight one eight one nine nine four one nine four is 306 00:35:47.639 --> 00:35:52.880 about the right of return? Does the Secretary General believe that this resolution is 307 00:35:52.920 --> 00:35:59.800 still valid seventy five years later? I think the Secretary John's position was made 308 00:36:00.039 --> 00:36:06.239 here by Rosemary DeCarlo. His position on the need to find a political settlement 309 00:36:06.519 --> 00:36:12.079 that deals with all outstanding issues remains his position. Benno and then Selia, 310 00:36:12.519 --> 00:36:16.719 thank you steth M. Regarding the grain deal negotiations, would they be easier 311 00:36:16.760 --> 00:36:22.719 without the Turkey election drawing so much attention? That's not for me to speculate. 312 00:36:23.679 --> 00:36:29.960 Let me just say the importance of the Black Sea initiative, the importance 313 00:36:30.159 --> 00:36:37.079 of the other part of the package deal in Russian grain infertilizer remains important regardless 314 00:36:37.239 --> 00:36:43.199 of what happens in other in elections anywhere. I think, as Martin Griffiths 315 00:36:43.239 --> 00:36:49.239 said, we've seen like a twenty percent drop in grain prices since the start 316 00:36:49.280 --> 00:36:54.320 of this of this initiative, it is vital that it continues. It is 317 00:36:54.440 --> 00:37:01.559 vital for people who depend on buying food on the global market. Uh, 318 00:37:01.639 --> 00:37:10.199 Sarah, But staff, what do you seem that the UN people part of 319 00:37:10.239 --> 00:37:15.719 the mission cannot do their Some of them cannot even leave their home in this 320 00:37:16.039 --> 00:37:30.880 condition. Should the mission leave The Secretary journal I think made some proposals, 321 00:37:30.039 --> 00:37:36.760 very clear proposals. The Security Council will have to decide. Um, we 322 00:37:36.920 --> 00:37:43.599 are given a mandate. It is important that everyone allows us to implement that 323 00:37:43.719 --> 00:37:49.719 mandate. Uh fully that Member States back us and support us in implementing that 324 00:37:50.000 --> 00:37:53.840 that mandate. And then otherwise the Council will need to draw its own its 325 00:37:53.880 --> 00:38:01.440 own conclusions. Um aland the mind and Stefano, because they've a short forward, 326 00:38:01.559 --> 00:38:07.119 you have said that the negotiations, the discussions on the grain deal will 327 00:38:07.239 --> 00:38:14.400 resume before May eighteens. Which level level is it? Is it the same 328 00:38:14.519 --> 00:38:17.519 level was it wasn't on Friday or it will be a little I think it 329 00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:22.400 a more technical, at a more technical level, Okay, Miriam, then 330 00:38:22.440 --> 00:38:30.360 Stefano, thank your stuff. Um. The ICCT pipeline tracking report just came 331 00:38:30.440 --> 00:38:35.199 out and it covers between April and June. Which tech which report. It's 332 00:38:35.239 --> 00:38:42.679 about the critical emergency shelter and protection protection in Afghanistan that is running out and 333 00:38:43.559 --> 00:38:52.199 it says the pipeline break due to severe funding gaps and additional funding is needed 334 00:38:52.239 --> 00:39:01.119 to support the delivery of course applies, and the UM snapshot shows like really 335 00:39:01.320 --> 00:39:07.599 scary numbers and how the pipeline break is going to UM affect if it happens. 336 00:39:07.800 --> 00:39:13.079 Do you have any additional information on that? No, I mean the 337 00:39:13.760 --> 00:39:20.239 humanity. The additional information I have is that the humanitarian situation remains remains critical 338 00:39:20.400 --> 00:39:27.639 in Afghanistan and our operations also remained underfunded, uh Stefano and I will go 339 00:39:27.719 --> 00:39:36.800 to Michelle before we go around follow up on that question Iom before UM first 340 00:39:36.800 --> 00:39:42.960 of all, is for the record numbers of migrants that we have in the 341 00:39:43.039 --> 00:39:47.000 world. This suppose, I mean, this election was very important. UM 342 00:39:47.280 --> 00:39:52.280 Sorr. It's strange that you didn't mention. I mean, and it's not 343 00:39:52.440 --> 00:39:57.039 for me. I don't mention for sure. If I mentioned everything that happens 344 00:39:57.079 --> 00:40:00.039 within UN system, we would start at seven am and at midnight. So 345 00:40:01.039 --> 00:40:07.480 I'm doing it for your for I'm selective. I don't mention things where I 346 00:40:07.639 --> 00:40:12.239 try not to mention in which the Secretary General, the Secretariat or those organism 347 00:40:12.400 --> 00:40:15.239 parts of you, whether he has direct impact on or it is not involved. 348 00:40:15.440 --> 00:40:20.239 This was an election of a governing body of a specialized agency. I 349 00:40:20.320 --> 00:40:22.039 mean they really they sent out a press release, So you were informed. 350 00:40:22.079 --> 00:40:28.519 I just there's the statement. They just want to the question is in this 351 00:40:28.760 --> 00:40:37.719 because vittoreno here march to our question. He hands am that this election was 352 00:40:37.880 --> 00:40:44.880 unpresident because he was practically he had the deputy director that was candidate itself and 353 00:40:45.039 --> 00:40:51.440 it never happened and he unleasted. This is what we heard that he had 354 00:40:51.480 --> 00:40:57.880 the approval support of Europeans and some of the rights also included the Secretary General, 355 00:40:58.079 --> 00:41:01.360 even if it was not public. Now the fact that he lost and 356 00:41:01.719 --> 00:41:06.719 any pope, the United States is back because the United States has been all 357 00:41:07.440 --> 00:41:12.679 has been a tradition that United States is the question that is well, the 358 00:41:12.800 --> 00:41:22.239 question was thereat that is the Secretary General, I mean had tried to connect 359 00:41:22.360 --> 00:41:28.960 a rather way with the open and the Secretary Journal did not speak to any 360 00:41:29.559 --> 00:41:31.119 was not involved in this election. He does not have a vote. He 361 00:41:31.239 --> 00:41:34.880 is not a member of state. He's not sitting on the governing body of 362 00:41:35.519 --> 00:41:40.880 IOM. The Member States took a vote. We have we we support as 363 00:41:40.880 --> 00:41:45.159 a general practice, we support democracy, We support votes. They took a 364 00:41:45.280 --> 00:41:50.599 vote, they took a decision. It is their decision. We will obviously 365 00:41:50.719 --> 00:41:54.719 we look forward to working um with the leadership of the new leadership of IOM 366 00:41:54.760 --> 00:42:01.599 as we've worked with the previous one. Okay, Michelle Nicole, thanks that. 367 00:42:02.079 --> 00:42:07.360 UM, no surprises, I've got a few grain grain deal questions. 368 00:42:07.079 --> 00:42:12.079 UM. Just further to what you said about discussions continuing, do you mean 369 00:42:12.239 --> 00:42:20.719 just discussions are among officials at the JCC or is Martin Grippiths or Rebecca Greensband 370 00:42:20.840 --> 00:42:25.800 planning to try the more to Yes, you're going to spect to anyone. 371 00:42:28.079 --> 00:42:32.519 I expect more formal discussions at the technical level to take place in the next 372 00:42:34.239 --> 00:42:38.320 next few days in Istanbul, In Istanbul, so at the j c C. 373 00:42:38.760 --> 00:42:42.480 Well, I mean where they're physically or held, I don't know, 374 00:42:42.599 --> 00:42:47.840 but in Istanbul, yes, okay, among all four parties. That would 375 00:42:47.880 --> 00:42:53.000 be the best way to make sure that all four are involved. Okay. 376 00:42:53.239 --> 00:43:00.039 And have you has he YESDA received any kind of response to his letter I 377 00:43:00.119 --> 00:43:04.599 think to share with you at this point. And then final one, UM. 378 00:43:04.960 --> 00:43:10.280 Last year, when Russia suspended its participation, the JCC continued continued to 379 00:43:10.440 --> 00:43:16.079 operate. Um, is that potentially going to happen after May eighteen? Will 380 00:43:16.239 --> 00:43:22.519 the remaining three parties in the JCC start authorizing and inspecting ships and continue well, 381 00:43:22.800 --> 00:43:28.320 I'm not going to just speculate. What we are looking for is the 382 00:43:28.480 --> 00:43:34.360 continuation of the work of the JCC as it was designed and as it was 383 00:43:34.400 --> 00:43:42.440 agreed to and as it was signed onned by the parties. Mister Schmidtmermer, 384 00:43:43.280 --> 00:43:45.760 you did that. You did that before. Yeah, I don't know why. 385 00:43:45.760 --> 00:43:46.920 I know, Schmidt. Do we have to discuss that? Yeah, 386 00:43:46.920 --> 00:43:51.760 we have to discuss Yeah, years of therapy. Yes. About the G 387 00:43:51.920 --> 00:43:55.000 seven meeting in Japan, Um, did you already announce if the SGS traveling 388 00:43:55.079 --> 00:44:00.159 there? I have not announced it. Well you, as a mad of 389 00:44:00.280 --> 00:44:04.320 practice, the Secretary Journal has attended I think almost every G seven meeting. 390 00:44:04.840 --> 00:44:12.119 So what the other guy said? Yes, DEGI I just want to make 391 00:44:12.159 --> 00:44:17.440 a comparation. Comparison. Sorry, The annual budget budget for United Nations this 392 00:44:17.639 --> 00:44:23.559 year is three point four billion years dollars. For the record, NYPD this 393 00:44:23.719 --> 00:44:30.119 year physical year twenty twenty three, the budget is eleven billion dollars. What 394 00:44:30.360 --> 00:44:36.199 do you think of this number? Could tell that a a organization to you 395 00:44:36.280 --> 00:44:42.320 know, try to try to keep world stability and world ps is actually half 396 00:44:42.639 --> 00:44:50.960 less than half the budget than NYPD. You know, I'm not going to 397 00:44:51.039 --> 00:44:53.199 start to compare the budget of the UN with the budget of the police in 398 00:44:53.320 --> 00:45:00.280 New York. We we rely on our host country, including the ny PD, 399 00:45:00.400 --> 00:45:04.559 to keep all of us safe in this community. I think a better 400 00:45:04.639 --> 00:45:07.880 comparison, I think would be the trillions and trillions of dollars that are spent 401 00:45:08.039 --> 00:45:14.960 every year on arms sales and weapons and killing machines throughout the world, compared 402 00:45:15.000 --> 00:45:17.199 to what is spent on development, compared to what is spent on human rights, 403 00:45:17.559 --> 00:45:22.480 compared to what is spent on peacekeeping. I think that's a more apt 404 00:45:22.599 --> 00:45:27.760 comparison. I don't see Paulina, so I don't think she's briefing today. 405 00:45:29.360 --> 00:45:34.679 Okay, thank you, you're hired. Okay, thank you all. Thanks. 406 00:45:58.480 --> 00:46:00.639 Yeah, let's just start with something off. You know, what's the 407 00:46:00.719 --> 00:46:05.840 light having the Prime Minister here and you guys being here about actually our mister 408 00:46:05.920 --> 00:46:07.880 Delbert, mister Renny Vassenell, we're here and we're going to be joined very 409 00:46:07.880 --> 00:46:12.639 shortly by the Prime Minister about one of the purposes for coming here. As 410 00:46:12.679 --> 00:46:15.480 we know, the welfarers that have been impacted the people of Alberta have been 411 00:46:15.559 --> 00:46:19.039 very significant. People have been displaced from their homes, is a great deal 412 00:46:19.079 --> 00:46:22.239 of concern. We received the requests in the providence to provide the federal assistance 413 00:46:22.239 --> 00:46:27.280 to a request for assistance arrangement, and the Canadian Armed Forces, as they 414 00:46:27.360 --> 00:46:30.880 always do, have stepped up in order to provide that support. And so 415 00:46:30.000 --> 00:46:35.440 we're here than to talk to the soldiers about some of the important work that 416 00:46:35.440 --> 00:46:38.880 they're doing here in Alberta and also offer our dear thanks because we know their 417 00:46:38.920 --> 00:46:42.960 commitment, their dedication and their expertise is really going to make a difference to 418 00:46:43.000 --> 00:46:46.360 the people. As Bill said, our government cares about what's happening to our 419 00:46:46.400 --> 00:46:52.239 burdens. We responded when Fiona took place, when the floods in Calgary took 420 00:46:52.280 --> 00:46:55.280 place, when the devastating for mc murray will fires happening, like we're talking 421 00:46:55.320 --> 00:47:00.960 about still twenty thousand people evacuated, and people livelihoods, their farms, their 422 00:47:00.960 --> 00:47:05.559 animals, they're very livelihood is at staken in some cases. We've seen, 423 00:47:05.800 --> 00:47:07.960 you know, communities devastated by this fire. So we're here because we care, 424 00:47:08.079 --> 00:47:14.000 we're supporting. We've got three hundred CF personnel on the ground in Alberta, 425 00:47:14.119 --> 00:47:16.320 and the whole of the Government of Canada is responding to make sure that 426 00:47:16.360 --> 00:47:20.880 Albertans are safe and that Albertans know that we care, but that when a 427 00:47:20.920 --> 00:47:25.039 disaster of this magnitude strikes, the federal government is there to respond in close 428 00:47:25.079 --> 00:47:30.639 collaboration with the government of Alberta. I'd also take the opportunity to mention that 429 00:47:30.960 --> 00:47:35.320 the million Right Cross, the federal government and the provincial government have a lead 430 00:47:35.400 --> 00:47:38.440 to a matching fund, so that with the incredible generosity of communians right across 431 00:47:38.480 --> 00:47:42.800 the country and certainly here in Alberta who are donating money to the Cannadian Red 432 00:47:42.840 --> 00:47:45.039 Cross, both the problems in the federal government are going to matching. So 433 00:47:45.159 --> 00:47:47.760 far commulas lead between the three of us over ten million dollars, it's been 434 00:47:47.880 --> 00:47:52.639 ranged, are raised that will continue over the coming weeks until until the first 435 00:47:52.639 --> 00:47:57.000 week of June, and we believe that that money can be used very effectively 436 00:47:57.039 --> 00:48:00.639 to help support people who have been displaced from their homes, who are who 437 00:48:00.639 --> 00:48:04.400 are dealing with a very very difficult situation, and also provides support to a 438 00:48:04.440 --> 00:48:07.960 wide variety of community organizations who are there for all burdens during its time of 439 00:48:07.000 --> 00:48:12.400 incredible need. And I guess the weather it looks like it's going to continue 440 00:48:12.440 --> 00:48:15.280 like this so you guys can ready to keep off. Yeah, the toy 441 00:48:15.360 --> 00:48:19.719 dons with you. The weather, as I think, it's been an extraordinary 442 00:48:19.760 --> 00:48:22.440 factor in these fires. What we've seen is very high temperatures, conditions you 443 00:48:22.480 --> 00:48:25.000 know, beautiful, it's a beautiful sunny day here in Edmonton. But at 444 00:48:25.039 --> 00:48:29.519 the same time, these are actual conditions that give rise to a very significant 445 00:48:29.559 --> 00:48:34.000 likelihood of increased fire activity. That the fire activity here in Alberta has begun 446 00:48:34.119 --> 00:48:37.199 earlier than normally expected. Um, there is you know, it's almost without 447 00:48:37.239 --> 00:48:42.039 precedent to have this level of that fire activity in the province. Um. 448 00:48:42.239 --> 00:48:45.880 Certainly we've looked, We track very carefully. I watch weather reports, used 449 00:48:45.880 --> 00:48:50.000 to watch fire reports, but but weather reports are very significant. It appears 450 00:48:50.039 --> 00:48:53.159 that these hot, dry, windy conditions could prevail over over several days. 451 00:48:53.480 --> 00:48:57.800 And so clearly we are here for the wrong haul. And I think it's 452 00:48:57.840 --> 00:49:00.599 important to acknowledge. We know that those firefighters who have not they're doing an 453 00:49:00.599 --> 00:49:04.840 extraordinary encourageous job for all of us. They're gonna be a're tired, they're 454 00:49:04.840 --> 00:49:08.559 going to need they're going to need replacements. And so we're working very closely 455 00:49:08.639 --> 00:49:13.159 with not just other provinces, across the country, but other countries United States, 456 00:49:13.400 --> 00:49:16.440 Australia and New Zealand and Mexico to see if we can draw other firefighters 457 00:49:16.519 --> 00:49:21.159 to bring them here to assist the forces, to assist, you know, 458 00:49:21.239 --> 00:49:27.400 the wild fire fighters here in Alberta. We also have and to see significant 459 00:49:27.480 --> 00:49:29.800 challenges. They are fires burning in British Columbius has got to one of the 460 00:49:29.840 --> 00:49:34.239 Northwest territories, and so we know that there's still more resources going to be 461 00:49:34.360 --> 00:49:37.559 required, and the relationship of the government and the federal government to the provincial 462 00:49:37.599 --> 00:49:42.280 governments is we provide the support that's needed as long as it's needed and well 463 00:49:42.320 --> 00:49:45.599 passed. When this time when this makes headlines, so we need to work 464 00:49:45.679 --> 00:49:49.159 with the provincial our provincial counterparts to make sure that the fires are out. 465 00:49:49.199 --> 00:49:52.960 We're talking eighty four fires, twenty seven are still out of control. They're 466 00:49:52.960 --> 00:49:55.760 still almost twenty thousand people out of their homes. So there's still a lot 467 00:49:55.840 --> 00:50:01.039 of work ahead and the hot, dry conditions are making this challenging for firefighters. 468 00:50:01.079 --> 00:50:05.760 But these are professional firefighters and they're boosted now by some three hundred personnel 469 00:50:05.960 --> 00:50:07.199 from the Canadian Armed Forces. So we're in this for the long haul. 470 00:50:07.599 --> 00:50:12.480 And just to be clear before we ask the question, the Problems of Alberta 471 00:50:12.559 --> 00:50:16.519 is responsible for the emergency response here to this very difficult and challenging situation. 472 00:50:16.960 --> 00:50:20.960 Our responsibility is to be here in support of them, and we're working very 473 00:50:21.000 --> 00:50:23.559 closely with the province and through certainly through the Provincial Emergency Operations Center, our 474 00:50:23.599 --> 00:50:28.920 Government Operations Center. Our officials are working in extremely close collaboration to make sure 475 00:50:29.000 --> 00:50:30.599 that the federal government is here in support of the important work that the province 476 00:50:30.719 --> 00:50:38.119 is doing. Plan to help those who have lost posts well damage is eligible 477 00:50:38.119 --> 00:50:44.199 for reimbursement. Now, the province's responsibility to design and implement a financial assistance 478 00:50:44.280 --> 00:50:46.280 arrangements to assist those individuals, and the federal government has what we call an 479 00:50:46.280 --> 00:50:52.000 ironmanage this a disaster financial assistance arrangement where certain expenses aren't eligible for reimbursement by 480 00:50:52.000 --> 00:50:58.960 the federal government and so all it requires is the province to establish assistance arrangement 481 00:50:59.039 --> 00:51:00.559 and we work very closely with them and they'll do that and they're well aware 482 00:51:00.559 --> 00:51:06.079 of the eligibility criteria and for events of this magnitude where there's there's a significant 483 00:51:06.119 --> 00:51:12.880 damage and loss of up to ninety percent of those recovery expenses can be reimbursed 484 00:51:12.920 --> 00:51:15.840 by the federal government, but it really is initiated by the problems. We 485 00:51:15.960 --> 00:51:20.719 also know that those things take time and it can cause some frustration and anxiety 486 00:51:20.719 --> 00:51:23.440 among Canadians. I just want to assure them that in the initial response, 487 00:51:24.000 --> 00:51:28.119 both orders, all orders of government that includes the municipalities, will be there 488 00:51:28.199 --> 00:51:30.800 for them, and as we go through a period of recovery, will work 489 00:51:30.920 --> 00:51:34.920 very closely with the problems to make sure that the resources are there not not 490 00:51:35.039 --> 00:51:38.039 just certainly to help people with their businesses, as their homes, their valued 491 00:51:38.039 --> 00:51:43.519 possessions, but also the impact that it can have on critical infrastructure where water 492 00:51:43.599 --> 00:51:46.400 treatment plants and other things can be destroyed in some of these municipalities, and 493 00:51:46.480 --> 00:51:49.400 we want to make sure that we can get those up and running as quickly 494 00:51:49.440 --> 00:51:52.639 as possible, and we'll want to just maybe before we reapt up, just 495 00:51:52.760 --> 00:51:55.639 let it air and know where sending our thanks and gratitude to all the first 496 00:51:55.679 --> 00:52:00.639 responders, and we're here to thank the members of the Canadian Enforces who have 497 00:52:00.760 --> 00:52:04.159 responded to this call from the Government of Alberta, and we want to thank 498 00:52:04.199 --> 00:52:07.480 them in their families for signing up for Albertons and fellow Canadians there at this 499 00:52:07.599 --> 00:52:21.519 time of need. Thanks everyone, Thank you very much. Yeah today with 500 00:52:21.599 --> 00:52:24.519 an update from Colin Blair from the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, followed by Christie 501 00:52:24.519 --> 00:52:30.039 Tucker from Alberta Wildfire we will then take your questions. Go ahead Colin, 502 00:52:30.519 --> 00:52:35.559 thanks again, Good afternoon everyone. Alberta continues to be under a provincial state 503 00:52:35.599 --> 00:52:40.480 of emergency and the Provincial Emergency Coordination Center remains at Level four. In addition 504 00:52:40.519 --> 00:52:45.480 to the provincial state of emergency, there are twenty states of local emergency, 505 00:52:45.559 --> 00:52:51.119 as well as five band council resolutions and fifteen evacuation orders are in place. 506 00:52:52.320 --> 00:52:55.800 About seventeen thousand, four hundred and thirty one people remaining evacuated at this time, 507 00:52:57.559 --> 00:53:02.280 and there are eleven reception centers that registered evacuees. In the past twenty 508 00:53:02.320 --> 00:53:07.400 four hours, there have been several changes to the evacuation orders and alerts. 509 00:53:07.079 --> 00:53:14.079 The total number of evacuation orders is now at fifteen and therefore evacuation alerts in 510 00:53:14.199 --> 00:53:19.599 place. Most notably, the town of Value Value Viue just issued an evacuation 511 00:53:19.760 --> 00:53:24.400 order this afternoon for all residents in the area and nearby Sturgeon count Correction. 512 00:53:24.480 --> 00:53:32.639 Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation expanded its evacuation order. All residents who have to evacuate 513 00:53:32.719 --> 00:53:38.119 should register at the nearest reception center or online. So far, more than 514 00:53:38.239 --> 00:53:44.280 fifteen thousand, six hundred and twenty four people are registered. Registering will make 515 00:53:44.320 --> 00:53:47.559 it easier to get help and resources to evacuees, and it makes it easier 516 00:53:47.599 --> 00:53:53.519 for officials to reach residents with important information. The wildfire situation continues to be 517 00:53:53.679 --> 00:54:00.800 extremely volatile. Hot and dry conditions throughout much of the province are creating the 518 00:54:00.960 --> 00:54:06.559 perfect storm for fires to start and grow quickly, which poses a significant and 519 00:54:06.800 --> 00:54:12.880 unpredictable threat to many communities. It's crucial that all Alburtons pay close attention to 520 00:54:12.960 --> 00:54:16.280 the fire bands that are in place throughout most of the province as well. 521 00:54:16.920 --> 00:54:22.960 Those who are driving in any area of the province where there are active wildfires 522 00:54:22.480 --> 00:54:29.159 should drive with caution. Smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. 523 00:54:29.880 --> 00:54:35.239 Motorists should drive with caution and check five one one for up to date provincial 524 00:54:35.320 --> 00:54:39.840 road closures and road conditions. For those who are in a community that's on 525 00:54:40.000 --> 00:54:47.039 and evacuation alert being prepared to evacuate could very well save lives. The situation 526 00:54:47.159 --> 00:54:53.199 can change quickly, and an evacuation order may be issued at any time with 527 00:54:53.440 --> 00:54:59.239 little to no warning. I want to reinforce the importance of people being prepared 528 00:54:59.719 --> 00:55:07.199 for themselves, their loved ones, and their pets. There's a lot of 529 00:55:07.280 --> 00:55:13.719 information on how to prepare for an evacuation on the Alberta government website. Albertans 530 00:55:13.800 --> 00:55:21.559 can also find emergency alerts by visiting the Emergency alert site. Preparing in advance 531 00:55:21.599 --> 00:55:27.039 will keep residents and their loved ones safe. We encourage all Albertans in potentially 532 00:55:27.079 --> 00:55:32.840 impacted communities to stay informed by paying attention to emergency alerts and local news updates. 533 00:55:34.639 --> 00:55:40.079 Get information only from trusted and verified sources, follow your local authority social 534 00:55:40.159 --> 00:55:46.639 media accounts, and download the Alberta Emergency Alert Path. Residents should also remember 535 00:55:46.679 --> 00:55:52.599 to stay connected with neighbors and community members. Contact from friends and neighbors during 536 00:55:52.599 --> 00:56:00.360 an emergency can help everyone stay safe and feel supported in their preparation. It 537 00:56:00.519 --> 00:56:04.199 is crucial to pack an emergency kit that will last for a week or more 538 00:56:04.679 --> 00:56:10.119 with essential items like medications, identification, a first aid kit, flashlights, 539 00:56:10.159 --> 00:56:17.480 batteries, nonperishable food, cash, and clothing. This kit should be kept 540 00:56:17.519 --> 00:56:22.719 in an accessible location and we urge people to have a plan for their pets. 541 00:56:22.440 --> 00:56:27.920 They should consider how they'll gather and transport their pets, where their pets 542 00:56:28.000 --> 00:56:31.440 will go, and what supplies they will need, including food, medications, 543 00:56:31.960 --> 00:56:38.159 leashes and carriers. Albertans can find more tips and information online at Alberta dot 544 00:56:38.239 --> 00:56:44.079 CAA. We have also heard from Albertons who are concerned about the security of 545 00:56:44.159 --> 00:56:50.960 their home and property if they must evacuate. The Alberta RCMP website has tips 546 00:56:51.000 --> 00:56:55.280 on how Albertans can protect their properties in advance of being evacuated, and it 547 00:56:55.440 --> 00:57:02.039 includes updates on what the RCMP is doing ethic areas. Those in affected areas 548 00:57:02.079 --> 00:57:08.719 by wildfires are encouraged to opt in for this free, voluntary system. We 549 00:57:08.840 --> 00:57:15.119 know parents and students have been worried about how the evacuations and school closures will 550 00:57:15.159 --> 00:57:22.119 affect upcoming diploma exams. Alberta Education has been working closely with all affected school 551 00:57:22.159 --> 00:57:29.880 divisions to continually assess the situation and what that means for student learning. A 552 00:57:30.039 --> 00:57:37.039 decision has been made to automatically exempt students affected by wildfire evacuations from writing diploma 553 00:57:37.239 --> 00:57:45.239 exams if they have been displaced from school for ten days or more. I'll 554 00:57:45.280 --> 00:57:49.800 say that again, if they have been displaced from school for ten or more 555 00:57:50.000 --> 00:57:54.079 school days. This means that a student who has been displaced from a school 556 00:57:54.559 --> 00:58:00.400 as a result of the wildfire for ten or more school days is automatically exempted 557 00:58:00.480 --> 00:58:06.679 from writing their diploma exams this June and not have it count against their final 558 00:58:06.760 --> 00:58:12.280 grades. Students can choose to write the diploma in a different community in June, 559 00:58:12.840 --> 00:58:15.599 or can choose to write the exam in August if they don't want the 560 00:58:15.719 --> 00:58:22.519 exemption. By providing options, we are giving flexibility to students and parents who 561 00:58:22.559 --> 00:58:29.280 are facing pressure as the evacuations continue. These are trying times and the coming 562 00:58:29.360 --> 00:58:32.800 days may be quite difficult. We are doing all we can to protect communities 563 00:58:32.840 --> 00:58:38.280 at risk, but all Alburtons need to remain vigilant and closely follow updates on 564 00:58:38.360 --> 00:58:45.519 the current wildfire conditions. The safety of Alburtons, their families and their communities 565 00:58:45.639 --> 00:58:51.599 depends upon it. I urge Albertans to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app to 566 00:58:51.719 --> 00:58:58.079 their mobile devices to receive emergency alerts and important information. These are just a 567 00:58:58.159 --> 00:59:02.920 few key updates, but information on how to prepare and emergency alerts are available 568 00:59:04.000 --> 00:59:09.199 online at Alberta dot caa slash emergency. We continue to work closely with local 569 00:59:09.239 --> 00:59:16.079 officials and responders in all affected communities to get personnel, resources and equipment where 570 00:59:16.159 --> 00:59:22.920 they are needed. Finally, I want to remind evacuees that we do have 571 00:59:22.199 --> 00:59:28.760 a nightly telephone town hall they can join. The call begins at seven thirty 572 00:59:28.800 --> 00:59:34.400 pm and provide a great opportunity for evacuees to get the information they need. 573 00:59:35.119 --> 00:59:39.679 That can join the town hall by calling one eight three three three eight zero 574 00:59:40.519 --> 00:59:45.679 zero six nine one. Thank you, and I will now turn things over 575 00:59:45.760 --> 00:59:58.159 to Christy from Alberta Wilfire for more information on the provincial wlfire situation. Thank 576 00:59:58.239 --> 01:00:06.000 you, Colin. There are currently ninety wildfires in the forest Protection Area of 577 01:00:06.079 --> 01:00:09.840 Alberta. Twenty three of those wildfires are out of control. So far this 578 01:00:10.079 --> 01:00:16.800 year, we've responded to four hundred and sixty five wildfires burning nearly five hundred 579 01:00:16.800 --> 01:00:22.159 and thirty two thousand hectares. You can always get up to date numbers as 580 01:00:22.280 --> 01:00:29.800 things change by accessing our interactive map on the Alberta wild Status page. Well, 581 01:00:29.840 --> 01:00:34.880 the weekend was a challenging one for firefighters and many Albertans may have observed 582 01:00:34.960 --> 01:00:39.800 more smoke in the air from active wildfires. Smoke can impact visibility, making 583 01:00:39.840 --> 01:00:45.079 it difficult to assess wildfires, and the wind is expected to change today, 584 01:00:45.320 --> 01:00:51.119 which could lead to unpredictable wildfire behavior. It could also affect the movement and 585 01:00:51.320 --> 01:00:57.280 intensity of wildfires. Winds are expected to shift from the southeast to the northwest 586 01:00:57.400 --> 01:01:01.000 with gusts of up to fifty kilometers an hour. Combined with the heat and 587 01:01:01.159 --> 01:01:07.360 dryness, this will cause dangerous conditions for our firefighters on the ground. We 588 01:01:07.480 --> 01:01:12.199 are watching conditions closely as they can change very quickly, with hourly reports on 589 01:01:12.280 --> 01:01:16.599 the progress of the weather. Tomorrow, strong northerly winds and gusts are expected 590 01:01:16.639 --> 01:01:23.480 to continue with little precipitation expected. But we have nine hundred firefighters and support 591 01:01:23.559 --> 01:01:29.880 staff joining more than sixteen hundred from Alberta Wildfire for a combined total of two 592 01:01:29.960 --> 01:01:34.880 thousand, five hundred people battling wildfires in Alberta. And that's not to mention 593 01:01:35.000 --> 01:01:38.599 the many more municipal and county firefighters who are working to protect their communities. 594 01:01:39.519 --> 01:01:45.639 Again, this is not the time for complacency. All Albertans need to remain 595 01:01:45.920 --> 01:01:50.440 vigilant to the threat of wildfires, even in those areas with a lower wildfire 596 01:01:50.519 --> 01:01:55.079 activity. Under these conditions, a wildfire can start and spread easily anywhere in 597 01:01:55.119 --> 01:02:00.840 the province. Thank you, Thank you, Christie. We will begin with 598 01:02:00.039 --> 01:02:07.400 questions here in the room and then move to the phones. So thank you 599 01:02:07.480 --> 01:02:12.559 for listening to policy and right today here on Depictions Media Radio. I've been 600 01:02:12.599 --> 01:02:16.159 your host, Michael Clogs. Please find that subscribe button wherever it may be. 601 01:03:01.199 --> 01:03:07.840 The show has been produced by Depictions Media. Please contact us at depictions 602 01:03:08.119 --> 01:03:10.000 dot media for more information.