UN General Assembly
2018

The two speakers whom the Assembly heard this afternoon immediately before me have said it all for me and my country (see A/73/ PV.10). The fact is that I do not have to say a word here, because they said it so well. But I am bound by duty to my country to say a few words in order to justify the cost of my trip to New York. I know that everyone is tired, and I know that it is afternoon, but I ask the Assembly to bear with me. The Organization needs good leadership, and I am sure that you will take us in the right direction, Madam President. I offer my congratulations to you and to the people of Ecuador on your election to lead us during this session of the General Assembly. As I said before, New Zealand has spoken eloquently about the fate of the Pacific island countries in the face of the imminent threat of climate change.