Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a real pleasure to welcome you all on this important day for my country, the Gabonese Republic, as we symbolically raise the “Vert – Jaune – Bleu”, the Green – Yellow and Blue colours of the Gabonese Nation here at the Commonwealth Secretariat for the first time.
The green portrays our biodiverse forests, which cover 88% of our country, making Gabon
the most carbon positive nation on earth. The blue represents the Atlantic Ocean, home to the most important worldwide populations of leatherback and olive ridley turtles, who come to nest along our 900km of coastline. The yellow symbolises the equator, which runs through the centre of Gabon, as well as the tropical sunshine that bathes the nation.
Most of you here have long been friends of Gabon, touched by the magic of our peoples,
culture, landscapes and Nature. Some of you are business leaders, who are making an important contribution to the sustainable development vision we are putting in place, which aims to preserve our natural capital, while improving the quality of life and well-being of our citizens.
In a world full of uncertainties, mostly created by humanities excesses and greed, we believe
strongly that the Commonwealth family of nations is a unique and varied community of countries that share common values and whose diversity represents a formidable melting pot of ideas and solutions. Whether it is sustainable development, caring for the Oceans, solving climate change, the circular economy, education, science, promoting democracy and women and children’s rights, stopping the extinction and pollution crises, or celebrating humanity’s cultures and differences, the Commonwealth is a world leader.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Baroness Patricia Scotland and your entire team for your enthusiastic engagement and hard work throughout our candidacy. It would not be an exaggeration to say that from the very first day we felt that we were already members. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Lord Zac Goldsmith of Richmond Park.
Zac, you were an enthusiastic promoter of Gabon long before you visited. I think you will agree with me that the magic of places like Loango National Park is difficult to rival and I hope you will consider Gabon your second home, and visit many more times in the future.
Your Royal Highness, I very much hope that today’s ceremony will inspire you to come and visit Gabon. We know that you are a tireless defender of the environment and would be honoured to take you into some of our pristine parks, to experience Gabon’s natural treasures first hand.
Please convey our very best wishes to His Majesty the King. Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you all for being with us today. It means a lot to us.
Com PR
Commentaires