UN General Assembly
2020

The invisible virus has only made the severity of these maladies visible. This has further aggravated the trade tensions, global inequality, financial uncertainty, and debt crisis. Multilateral cooperation has been an obvious casualty in the face of unilateral tendencies and protectionist policies. The theme of ‘the future we want, and the UN we need’ resonates very well with the present situation. It is unthinkable to talk about degrading the value of multilateralism at a time when its relevancy becomes more pronounced than ever. Larger global good, not the parochial national interest, should underpin multilateralism and the rules-based order. This historic 75th anniversary of the United Nations is a time to muster stronger political will for an enhanced international cooperation and solidarity and envision a future that is safer, more equitable and just. Only a collaborative, democratic, science-based and coordinated global partnership will help us face the difficult months and years ahead. Mr. President,