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Statement by H.E. Mr. Rytis Paulauskas, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the UN at the UN General Assembly Informal dialogue on building resilience and promoting sustainable development through infrastructure connectivity on Thursday, 18 April 2024.

Thank Mr. President (Dennis Francis) for convening the first UN Sustainability Week and including the important subject of infrastructure connectivity into its deliberations. You can count on us to promote sustainability.

Your, Excellency Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland,

Sincerely thank Poland for a joint, cross-regional initiative at the UN [that Lithuania was also part of] which helped to mobilize the UN membership on the importance of infrastructure connectivity and resilience.

In the wake of unprecedented challenges gripping our world—ranging from the recovery of Covid pandemic, unjustified and unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as climate change and food insecurity —the need for collaborative and comprehensive action on a global scale in building resilience became even more urgent.

The ongoing Russian war against Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of how regional conflicts might have a global impact, sending shockwaves through the intricate web of interconnected economies and societies. Displacement, disruptions in food supply chains, and volatility in energy markets are but a few of the countless consequences that cascade across borders, irrespective of geographic proximity. However, it is worth to mention that different regions are not affected in the same way. It is for this reason that addressing such challenges demands a concerted effort grounded in regional cooperation and solidarity.

The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) serves as a political platform aimed at fostering collaboration to enhance connectivity in transport, energy, military mobility, and digitalization across the Three Seas region in Europe (Baltic, Adriatic and Black Sea) and extending to our regional and transatlantic allies. It was precisely the current geopolitical dynamics that has given the Three Seas Initiative the impetus to grow as a political platform for regional cooperation.

The initiative brings together 13 states, 2 associated states, and 4 strategic partners. Very pleased that Japan became the fourth strategic partner during the Summit in Lithuania. Its engagement will strengthen region’s connections to global supply chains and the Indo-Pacific region. The progress of the Three Seas Initiative is demonstrated in the growing number of infrastructure projects. So far, they number 143, spanning the fields of energy, connectivity and digital. We welcome and appreciate the growing interests of third countries to cooperate with the Three Seas Initiative and look forward to developing global partnerships for more solid engagement with like-minded partners.

The recent Three Seas Initiative Vilnius Summit and Business Forum [focusing on the Three Seas Initiative region’s resilience and smart growth], held just a week ago, reconfirmed our continued strong commitment to the Three Seas Initiative fundamental goals to strengthen regional connectivity for a resilient Europe and stronger transatlantic partnership. Moreover, North-South connectivity axis was consolidated.

The inclusion of Ukraine in these deliberations underscores our unwavering commitment to support Ukraine. Indeed, the Three Seas Initiative will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, offering tangible support in the vital areas of infrastructure integration and reconstruction and to help it to build back even stronger and more resilient.

There can be no denying that in our region, infrastructure projects spanning borders provide a twofold advantage: a clear economic boost and bolstering resilience. Ensuring effective deterrence demands a robust transportation network enabling military mobility. It's essential for the energy sector to rely solely on homegrown energy sources. Enhancing digital infrastructure will elevate cyber security measures. The Three Seas Initiative prioritizes these aims along with offering financial incentives and mechanisms to draw private investment into infrastructure ventures.

We believe that this regional initiative serves as a solid example on how to enhance the connectivity while strengthening resilience to the future shocks.

Your, Excellency Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland,

Now our eyes are set on the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Warsaw next year.

Thank you.