UNITED NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network / 11 June 2008 -- The following is the full text of the introductory remarks delivered by His Excellency Milton Nathaniel Barnes, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Mission of the Republic of Liberia to the United Nations, during the "Diplomatic-Corporate Dialogue for Development" at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on 03 April 2008.  The forum was hosted by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Liberia, whose aim was to foster discussion and interaction between Permanent Representatives regarding the implementation of a diasporic development model in post-conflict countries.  See Ambassador Milton Barnes' "A Proposed Alternative Development Model".  Also see statements delivered by Ambassadors Paulette Bethel and Ismat Jahan.

"Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is with deep honor and pride that I welcome you to this very special event, a  forum of Diplomatic-Corporate Dialogue.  This event is a manifestation of a continuing paradigm shift of my Government, the Republic of Liberia.  A fundamental part of this resolute new approach is a radical change in our Foreign Policy strategy from conventional methods to bold new tactics of mutually beneficial engagements with a wide spectrum of partners focused on the development of Liberia.

Every guest in this room this evening is a potential partner for development of Liberia and Africa for that matter.  All we need to do is together develop the appropriate mechanisms that would insure that all partners and stakeholders mutually benefit from our collaborations.

My Mission has developed what we consider an audacious concept for initiating “development focused” investment in Africa and we would like to share it with you at this time.

We have two basic objectives this evening.  First, we would like to encourage vigorous and candid discussion and feedback of our proposal as we are confident that this would allow us to further strengthen it.  Our guest list for this occasion was developed on the firm belief that each one of you brings value that would allow us to improve our model; so please be free and be candid with your input.

Our second objective is to initially identify potentially serious partners within this group who might be prepared to join with us in moving the process forward.  I am sure that throughout the evening there will many opportunities to talk and discern levels of interest.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a firm believer that “No one has a monopoly on good ideas” thus, we believe that if this model works in Liberia than it could be viable in other countries in Africa, Asia, Latin and South America and the Caribbean.  Thus I have invited colleagues from all over the globe to get their input also. In my experience here at the UN, I have found this inclusive method to be is source of excellent critical thought.  Additionally, I sincerely hope that my colleagues from the UN would also benefit from the network present this evening should they hope to replicate this model or enhance an existing one.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge several individuals that are here and whose presence makes this event very special.

First, I would like to recognize my colleagues; Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives from Africa, Asia, America, Europe, Latin and South America and the Caribbean.  I would like to make specific mentioned of the presence of our esteemed colleagues or their representatives from China, United Kingdom, Japan, the EU and the United States. Their presence here reinforces their keen interest in the developmental desires and challenges of poorer Member States. Excellencies, thank all of you for coming.

United Nations Agencies and Functional Groups – Mr. Cheick Diarra, Under Secretary General, Special Adviser on Africa and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.  Mr. Amir Dossal, Executive Director United Nations Office for Partnerships. Excellences, thank you for your continued strong and unwavering support.

Ms. Robtel Pailey works for the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Commission out the Office of the President of Liberia.  We are very pleased that she has joined us for this forum.

We are pleased to welcome representatives from several foundations including Ms. Mitzi Purdue of the Purdue Foundation. International Foundations are a critical part of our proposed model and it is my ardent hope that your participation here this evening will be the springboard for expanded participation in development in Africa.  Also present, are several International NGOs.  We welcome Mr. Donald Steinberg, Vice President, Multilateral Affairs of the International Crisis Group, and Mr. Frank Hawkins of Conversation International.

There are quite a few Investment and Fund Management Entities present this evening.  We enthusiastically welcome all of you and encourage your active participation as we envision you as a critical cornerstone of our proposed model, as we all seek to mutually benefit from the enormous potential of the global emerging markets.

Mr. Roy Innis has been a trail blazer for the empowerment of the disenfranchised for many years. Your presence here sir is clear indication of the continuation of your tenacious quest.

Mr. Emmanuel Wettee, President of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas ULAA.  Mr. Wettee has assured me that our initiative fits very well into the overarching objectives of his organization and we are both looking forward to active and effective collaboration.

We appreciate the presence of several corporate entities here this evening, including BASF, represented by Mr. Douglas Reid-Green; The Coca-Cola Company, represented by Mr. David Schneider; the Hinduja Group, represented by Mr. Remi Hinduja; and several other corporations.  In this global era of social responsibility, visionary corporations such as these truly understand the new paradigm of effective “win-win” partnerships.

Mr. Hans Humes, President of Greylock Capital Management, LLC is a creative and innovative professional whose youth belies his vision.  Hans acted as a critical “Sounding Board” of my concept, embraced it and agreed to be an integral part in successfully moving this initiative forward.  Hans will have an opportunity to tell you about his perspective shortly.

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen thank you again for your presence and I am optimistic that this will be a productive and eventual evening.

Thank you."

Photos & Editing by Gloria Starr Kins, MaximsNews Society & Diplomatic Editor

Labels: United Nations, U.N., Milton Barnes, Liberia, Foreign Investment, MaximsNews

 

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