Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Heads of State and Government and Heads of Delegation,
Mr. Secretary-General of the United Nations,
At the start of my remarks, on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Macky SALL, President of the Senegalese Republic and People, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the Republic of Turkey, for the decision to elect Ambassador Volkan BOZKIR to lead the work of the 75th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
He has Senegal’s support and cooperation and I wish him every success in his august duties in the service of the Member States.
I also thank his predecessor, Professor Tijjani MUHAMMAD-BANDE, for his outstanding work in a most difficult context, marked by an unprecedented health crisis of Covid-19.
To the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, I reiterate Senegal’s support for his continued efforts to reform the United Nations system, as the bedrock of more inclusive multilateralism.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Although we had planned to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the UN in grandiose fashion, we find ourselves in a virtual environment, physically separated from one another because of the pandemic.
To paraphrase President Macky Sail, the infinitesimally small got the better of us. It is an unprecedented even in the Organization’s 75-year existence!
Accordingly, the theme chosen, entitled “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism — confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action”, could not be more timely, as it calls on us to take a clearer look at our shared challenges.
Even more so than a progress report, the commemoration of the anniversary provides a meaningful opportunity to critically examine the Organization’s 75-year history, including its achievements, as well as its limitations, which hinder achieving current objectives.
With that in mind, I will address three major topics. First, I will speak about the imperative of finding a collective and united response to the global health emergency brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secondly, given the uncertainty of the situation, I will discuss the need for the United Nations, whose mission is universal, to remain focused on its major priorities through its three main pillars of peace and security, sustainable development — in particular the climate emergency — and the promotion and protection of human rights.
Lastly, I am going to share some lessons learned from Senegal’s experience as a developing country, particularly in the context of its pandemic response strategy.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The year 2020 will undoubtedly be remembered as a dark time, indelibly marked by the pandemic, whose devastating effects on every aspect of our lives have demonstrated — as if there were any need by now to demonstrate — our collective vulnerability.
At this time, I pay tribute to the memory of the hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 victims and wish the millions of patients sick with the disease a speedy recovery.
Let us commend all actors who have taken up against this collective threat, in particular the health-care personnel, to whom I express my admiration and firm support.
To the international organizations, in particular the World Health Organization, which is responsible for coordinating the global response to this threat, I reiterate Senegal’s support.
Accordingly, my delegation calls for the effective implementation of the resolution adopted by consensus by the seventy-third World Health Assembly, particularly with a view to ensuring rapid, affordable, safe and quality access to essential health-care services and technologies, such as diagnostic tests, medicines and vaccines.
We firmly believe that any potential vaccine or treatment developed in the fight against COVID-19 should be considered a global public good and made available to all countries.
In addition, we must work together to ensure the availability of and access to essential health-care services, in particular quality primary care, which is key to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially Sustainable Development Goal 3.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The devastating impact of the crisis on our economies is indisputable! The collapse of economic growth and consequent dearth of sources of foreign exchange and shock to commodity prices, well as the decline in exports, investments and migrant remittances, have put the world economy in an crisis situation the likes of which have not been seen since the 1930s.
Although it had initiated sustained growth dynamics, Africa, like the rest of the world, is suffering the full impact of the far-reaching crisis.
Therefore, in order to ensure a proper recovery of our economies and ensure global sociopolitical stability, we will need to further focus on international solidarity and cooperation.
That is why His Excellency Mr. Macky Sail has called for the cancellation of public debt and the restructuring of private debt, as well as on developed countries to honour their commitments to official development assistance.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts made by the members of the G-20, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in support of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative.
What Africa truly requires is not a debt moratorium, but rather debt cancellation in order to foster economic and social resilience, as well as build effective health-care systems.
In that regard, the Secretary-General’s call for a large-scale multilateral response to marshal financial resources of at least 10 per cent of the world’s GDP deserves our full support, as it shows us the way to effectively address global challenges.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
During its 75-years existence, the United Nations — the quintessential symbol of multilateralism — has made great strides in promoting international peace and security, mutual understanding among peoples, sustainable development and respect for human dignity.
This is evidenced by the many peace operations throughout the world, decolonization and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as well as the support and assistance that the UN provides to all people in need in the world, regardless of their origins or background.
Undeniably, the Organization has contributed greatly to the realization of our shared goal of bringing about a world free from the scourge of war, poverty and exclusion.
We stand in need today of reinvigorated multilateralism and a reformed and effective universal Organization, as collective answers to our existential questions, so that no one is left behind.
Together, we can face the multiple challenges of terrorism, violent extremism, armed conflict, financing for development, illicit financial flows, migration, poverty, exclusion, public health and climate change.
In that regard, it is legitimate to ask why Africa remains the only continent that does not have a permanent seat on the Security Council, which devotes a large part of its agenda to the continent?
By hosting the ministerial meeting of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government, entrusted with representing Africa’s voice on the reform of the Security Council, Senegal reaffirmed its commitment to the issue which, more than a moral imperative, is a way to revive the founding spirit of the Charter and its ideals.
Admittedly, Africa continues to face political and security challenges, which hinder sustainable development efforts.
In the Sahel, for example, terrorism and violent extremism have found fertile ground, with their resultant death toll, destruction of infrastructure and looting, thereby maintaining an environment of fear. All of that is against the backdrop of political and institutional instability, poverty, exclusion, porous borders and illiteracy, among others.
That state of affairs, however, should not obscure the other Africa, which is entrepreneurial, innovates, invents, succeeds and is admirably dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in the face of the most alarmist forecasts.
The youth of the continent — 60 per cent of the population is under 24 years of age — and its immense natural resources and vitality all represent tremendous potential in terms of economic and social transformation. The time has therefore come to seriously look at Africa in this light.
As President Macky Sail recently recalled
“For a world economy that is running out of steam, building Africa represents
a source of opportunities and investments”.
Therefore, the decade of action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals, which we have just launched, is a fresh opportunity for us to work towards a revitalized post-COVID-19 recovery and the full implementation of 2030 Agenda.
Furthermore, in implementing the Declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, which Senegal fully endorses, we must renew our commitment to the agenda for UN reform in order to restore multilateralism to its rightful place with the United Nations at its centre.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The determination with which we are combating the COVID-19 pandemic must also inspire us to fight effectively against climate change and safeguard biodiversity.
Indeed, there is no need to recall that climate change is having a devastating effect on populations, particularly in that it increases poverty, rural exodus, social exclusion and intercommunal tensions over natural resources.
For example, like several countries in the Sahel region, Senegal recently recorded the equivalent of a month’s amount of rain in one day, which upended the lives of thousands of people.
If we want to avoid the apocalypse for future generations, we have no alternative but to implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In particular, developed countries must honour their financial commitments, including the Green Climate Fund.
Equally of concern is the challenge concerning the loss of biodiversity. As His Excellency Mr. Macky Sail noted,
“The loss of biodiversity is a global emergency that is of concern to all of us
[as part of the same ecosystem]”.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In order to address the COVID-19 pandemic, Senegal has launched the Economic and Social Resiliency Programme with funding in the amount of 1,000 billion CFA francs, or $1.6 billion.
Supported through the financing of partners and donors, the Programme has made it possible to meet emergency and material health-care needs, assist households and the diaspora population, support the private sector, including through tax incentives, and ensure an adequate supply of fuel.
The Programme, which incorporates the SDGs, prioritizes health and pharmaceutical sovereignty, the resilience of populations and macroeconomic and financial stability.
Within that framework, on the instructions of the Head of State, the Government has launched a 500 billion CFA franc investment plan for the period from 2020 to 2024 to ensure the health-care system’s resiliency and sustainability.
As a result of those efforts, Senegal was ranked second in the Global Response Index with regard to its response to the pandemic.
In that regard, the 2019-2023 Adjusted and Accelerated Priority Action Plan of the Plan for an Emerging Senegal Plan has been revised upwards from $4,098 to $14,712 billion, contributing to a sum of more than $26 billion in total investments.
The crucial issue of climate change has been prioritized within that framework, particularly through the implementation of the Green Emerging Senegal Plan.
In that regard, an investment programme is dedicating 50 billion CFA francs, or approximately $90 million, to the sustainable reforestation of the national territory, the establishment of a national forest research institute and the Senegalese Forest Protection Agency in order to strengthen current policies in that area.
Concerning foreign policy, in remaining faithful to its principles under the leadership of its Head of State, Senegal continues to advocate good neighbourliness, regional integration, the promotion of peace and human rights, and international cooperation and solidarity.
Accordingly, I renew my country’s continued commitment to a definitive return to peace and stability in Mali.
That is the entire motivation behind the efforts of His Excellency President Macky Sail, particularly within the framework of ECOWAS, with a view to supporting Malian stakeholders to come together in the best interests of Mali for the benefit of Malians and our entire subregion.
Senegal is pursuing those efforts within MINUSMA — a valuable contribution illustrating my country’s commitment to peacekeeping, with a view to promoting peace, security and stability throughout the world.
It is that same faith in human solidarity and justice that is driving Senegal in its role as Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
In that regard, we urge the international community to step up efforts to realize the right of the Palestinian people to an independent and viable State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, coexisting in peace and security with the State of Israel, with both living within secure and internationally recognized borders.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would be remiss if I failed to mention that the future we want continues to depend on lessons learned, particularly those relating to the health crisis. Despite our resilience, the pandemic has called into question doing business as usual, forcing us to break with past practices.
As we are all in the same boat facing the same vulnerabilities, Senegal is convinced that there is no alternative to working collectively and in solidarity.
Therefore, the sustainable development that we aspire to for ourselves and future generations must be centred on our shared humanity in harmony with the laws of nature.
That is what underpins the new world order advocated by President Macky Sail. It is an order based on justice, the rule of law and fair and equitable governance in full cooperation, solidarity and mutual respect — that is to say inclusive multilateralism, which will be quintessential^ embodied by a reformed and effective United Nations.
I thank you for your kind attention.


Mr. President,
Heads of State and Government,
Secretary-General,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me on behalf of the Government and good people of Nigeria, congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). I would like to assure you of Nigeria’s readiness to avail the United Nations all necessary cooperation needed for the fulfillment of your mandate.
I wish to also thank the General Assembly for the support accorded His Excellency, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande during his tenure as President of the 74th Session of the General Assembly.
We acknowledge the accomplishments of the Assembly under his able leadership, particularly his efforts on attacking global poverty through the Global Coalition on Poverty Eradication.
We also commend the tremendous efforts of His Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in steering the affairs of the organization during this challenging period of the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as his strong commitment to making the UN more efficient and responsive in its international responsibility.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
It is my privilege to use this opportunity to congratulate Member States on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations. Over the past seven decades, the United Nations, as the People’s Assembly, has helped to stabilize the global community.
In addition to international peace and security, the UN has undertaken programmes on poverty eradication, women’s empowerment, youth development and humanitarian emergencies.
The theme of this year’s General Assembly — “The Future We Want, The United Nations We Need: Reaffirming Our Collective Commitment To Multilateralism — Confronting Coronavirus Through Effective Multilateral Action”, is indeed most appropriate and timely, as it captures our common desire for a renewed and revitalized organization in need of multilateral approaches to the many challenges facing the world.
THE FUTURE WE WANT
As we reflect on the future we want and the United Nations we need, we must realize that the peoples of the world not only look up to us: they count on us. If the United Nations system cannot mobilize the world to marshal out a truly effective and inclusive response to the Coronavirus pandemic, then the United Nations would have failed in its core mission of giving expression, direction and solution to the yearnings of the international community.
Excellencies,
The future we want must guarantee human rights, human dignity, human prospects and prosperity. The principles of “Leaving No One Behind and Doing No Harm” must be expressed through accountability, strategic growth initiatives and elimination of threats of all kinds.
In our quest to provide a future of hope and prosperity for Nigerians, our administration has embarked on measures to ensure enhanced national resilience. We intend to achieve this through the implementation of the Economic Sustainability Plan and the Medium Term National Development Plans for the period 2020-2025 and 2026-2030. We expect that these ambitious initiatives will deliver sustainable economic growth and development to Nigeria.
THE UNITED NATIONS WE NEED
Predicated on the values that inspired its creation, the United Nations we need has to remain an agent of progress, by giving expression to the tenets of multilateralism, solidarity and international cooperation. It is within the context of this rules-based multilateral order that the world can find solutions to its many problems.
CONFRONTING COVID-19 THROUGH EFFECTIVE MULTILATERAL ACTIONS
The world is currently in the grips of the coronavirus pandemic. Regrettably, our communities and countries are losing lives. The coronavirus pandemic has devastated the world economy and strained the capabilities of the health system of many countries, including our own country.
In the aftermath of coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria, we prioritized vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons and the unemployed, in our efforts to provide medical and social assistance to cushion the socioeconomic effects of the disease.
Accordingly, we have expanded our National Social Register, to include an additional 1 million Nigerians. Our National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) has been the vehicle for reaching out to the poor and vulnerable members of the Nigerian population, as well as providing cover for over 22 million households.
I use this opportunity to commend the efforts of the United Nations and the World Health Organization in combating the Coronavirus pandemic.
I note, with appreciation, the $2-billion Global Humanitarian Response Plan launched by the UN Secretary-General to fund the Coronavirus response in the poorest countries of the world.
I also commend his call for ceasefire in conflict areas, to enable humanitarian assistance reach groups vulnerable to coronavirus .
Excellencies,
I should also state that Nigeria is committed to working with other Member States in the spirit of global cooperation and solidarity to promote human health and general well-being. Nigeria will continue to partner with the WHO and some countries to ensure accelerated development and manufacturing, as well as uninhibited supply of safe and effective coronavirus vaccines to all.
POVERTY ERADICATION
In order to mitigate its impact on Nigerians, our administration has commenced the disbursement of the sum of N10.9 Billion to households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as palliatives.
In addition, we have established a five hundred billion (N500 billion) fiscal stimulus package and sustained delivery of humanitarian and social interventions to poor and vulnerable households, while our Central Bank has launched a N3.5 trillion-stimulus package to boost manufacturing and facilitate import substitution.
The international community will need to cooperate in addressing the scourge of poverty, particularly in developing countries. It is in this regard, that we commend the President of the 74th General Assembly for launching an Alliance for Poverty Eradication in June.
We encourage global leaders, particularly leaders from the global North, to support the Alliance at this time when the COVID-19 pandemic is reversing gains made in the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and is pushing an additional half a billion people into extreme poverty.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Mr. President,
As we mark the beginning of the UN Decade of Action for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, Nigeria has made significant strides in domesticating the SDGs.
There is an ongoing re-alignment of the National Statistical System (NSS) with the requirements and indicators of the SDGs. This is expected to ensure effective tracking and monitoring of the SDGs and guide SDG interventions across the country.
Nigeria has also developed its home-grown Integrated Sustainable Development Goals model (iSDG Model) — an analytical framework for assessing how policymaking can better address the indivisible nature of the SDGs.
DISARMAMENT, INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
Excellencies,
Nigeria remains deeply concerned over the illicit trade, transfer, and circulation of small arms and light weapons, particularly on the continent of Africa.
We urge the international community to renew efforts to stem this traffic and promote the Arms Trade Treaty in order to codify accountability in the ongoing battle against trans-border crimes, including terrorism and acts of piracy.
TERRORISM/COUNTER-TERRORISM
Excellencies,
The litany of sophisticated terrorist attacks across the globe is a harsh reality of the challenges the world is facing today. We must therefore redouble our efforts to ensure collective security.
In Nigeria, we are still facing violent extremism from the insurgency of Boko Haram and bandits. We continue to count on our strong cooperation with UN Counter- Terrorism bodies and neighbouring countries to overcome the terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel Region.
We will vigorously sustain the rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of victims of terrorism and insurgency in the North-East. The North-East Development Commission has been established for that purpose.
NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT
Mr. President,
Nigeria is commited to universal nuclear non-proliferation. In this connection, we recall the adoption of the landmark Treaty on The Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which opened for signature on 20 September 2017. Nigeria participated actively in the processes leading to its adoption and was an early signatory and ratifier.
With less than ten ratifications needed for the TPNW’s entry into force, we urge other member states who have not done so to quickly ratify the Treaty for the actualization of its important objective.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Excellencies,
Climate Change is an environmental crisis which requires urgent action. Our Administration is conscious of the fact that the attainment of national development targets would be greatly impeded unless the consequences of climate change are addressed holistically in line with the Paris Agreement.
To this end, Nigeria has intensified climate action through the upward review of reduction in greenhouse gas emission under the Nationally Determined Contributions, which are climate change targets under the Paris Agreement.
Nigeria remains steadfast in our commitment to the revitalization of Lake Chad. We are convinced that recharging the Lake will improve the living conditions of our people in the area, promote inter-state cooperation, strengthen community resilience, and assist in addressing environmental and security challenges threatening the region and its resources.
Let me, therefore, reiterate the call for international support for the sub-regional efforts to raise the $50 billion required to actualize this initiative.
MIGRATION
Excellencies,
Nigeria experiences high internal and external migration due to the size of its population, economic situation and climate. We are therefore fully committed to migration management and prevention of irregular migration and human trafficking.
I enjoin the international community to also communicate the positive contributions of migrants, particularly in countries of destination, in order to combat racial discrimination and xenophobic attacks, and facilitate the social integration and protection of migrants.
ILLICIT FINANCIAL FLOWS
Mr. President,
The global aspiration to recover from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic will not be fully met without addressing existing structures that make it more difficult for countries to generate and retain their financial resources.
It is in this regard that I thank the immediate past Presidents of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, Ambassador Tijjani Muhammad- Bande and Ambassador Mona Jul, respectively, for jointly launching the High-Level Panel on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity for Achieving the 2030 Agenda.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Mr. President,
In the area of human rights, Nigeria has passed a number of human rights- related bills into law. The bills include: the Anti-Torture Act, the Comprehensive Treatment and Care for Victims of Gun-Shot Act, as well as the National Senior Citizens Centre Act. In addition, Nigeria has launched a National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism.
This measure is designed to strengthen institutions, coordinate the prevention of violent extremism, enhance the rule of law, access to justice and human rights as well as engaging communities and building resilience and integrated strategic communication.
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT/GENDER PARITY
Mr. President,
The United Nations has made progress in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through initiatives such as the Beijing Declaration and Programme of Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The creation of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), in July 2010, was an important milestone.
Nigeria acknowledges the importance of gender equality and recognizes the critical role that women play in development. We also recognize that the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and other International-Agreed Development Agenda depend largely on the empowerment of women. Nigeria will sustain its affirmative stance through women empowerment initiatives.
QUALITY EDUCATION
Mr. President,
Quality education for all is the cornerstone of sustainable development.
In this connection, I am happy to announce that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be hosting the 4th International Conference on Safe Schools in 2021.
I invite You all to Nigeria to participate in the Conference which aims to advocate for the protection of education from attack as we work together towards the future we want.
UNITED NATIONS REFORM Mr. President,
As we urge and strive for inclusion within our societies, we must also ensure inclusion prevails in our collective action as members of the International Community. Nigeria supports the expansion of the UN Security Council to reflect the diversity and dynamics of the 21st Century. Africa deserves permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.
CONCLUSION
Mr. President
I will conclude by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to promoting international peace and security and sustainable development, as well as strengthening partnerships and cooperation with international and regional organisations.
I thank you.


Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Heads and Members of Delegations,
Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me begin by congratulating His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande for his leadership of the seventy-fourth session and salute Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his continued efforts in promoting peace, security and development during these challenging times.
Mr. President,
The General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session is being convened at a time when the global community has been galvanized in pursuit of impartiality, respect and justice for all in the face of a pandemic that presents global economic uncertainties unlike any we have witnessed in recent history.
Distinguished Delegates,
Moments like these, as difficult and challenging as they appear, also provide us with an opportunity to temper a culture that must now find new meaning through the reconnection to all ideals. Indeed, we must pursue an economic construct that responds to community and conscience. The United Nations must ensure that the appropriate response addresses the inconsistencies of every nation at all levels and must not be seen to favour the more developed and powerful. This response must not only make for a greener planet and cleaner oceans, but must also provide hope for growing diverse generations that stand to congregate at all levels across the globe to dialogue on issues of mutual importance in the interest of this generation and future ones.
History will record the seventy-fifth session as a historic one. The impact of COVID-19 continues to redefine our very existence and test our resilience. It has reshaped how organizations, such as this united body, continues to function and how all countries do business. The reality is that small island developing States like Dominica already face several inherent challenges, and the added consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have further exacerbated those difficulties, including the limitation to protect the health and well-being of our citizens.
Mr. President, Fellow Delegates,
The Commonwealth of Dominica recorded its first case of the dreaded COVID-19 virus on 20 March, and we have been fortunate so far to have only 30 confirmed cases of which only six are currently active, with no recorded deaths.
Mr. President,
When Dominica recorded its first active case of COVID-19, the Government immediately imposed responsible measures in accordance with World Health Organization standards and protocols. Our Government adopted a series of containment measures, which included the enforcement of curfew hours and the closure of all ports of entry, educational institutions, non-essential businesses and public services for a period of three months. As a result of those actions, with the support of every citizen, we united in a collective fight against the pandemic, which resulted in the Commonwealth of Dominica being ranked very highly among countries that have remained steadfast in their goals of reducing and eliminating all active cases of the pandemic over the past eight months. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, health-care experts have now informed us that we must ready our populations for a second wave. It is therefore the sober, moral and ethical duty of us leaders, who appreciate the work of the experts, to serve notice to our citizens.
Mr. President,
For small States like ours, the potential second wave has drastically raised the stakes, and if we do not rise to the occasion, we could lose an entire generation.
Mr. President,
At every level of our response to COVID-19, we have respected the fundamental rights and freedoms of all of our citizens. The Government remains committed to ensuring that all citizens who have been infected are properly treated and cared for, while, at the same time, continuing to provide our regular services to all citizens. Students have returned to their schools, and businesses are operating once again in their new number. The crisis has however resulted in job losses for many of our citizens, particularly those working in our tourism industry. That threatens to undermine the development gains that we have made and plunge many of our citizens into poverty.
Distinguished Delegates,
In our role as leaders of our respective Governments, the task is always to provide guidance and hope to our populations. That is a greater challenge for small States like Dominica that must simultaneously battle the effects of climate change, the recent shocks and our inability to access concessionary financing to build the resilience needed to counter the natural and economic shocks that are way beyond our control.
Mr. President, Fellow Delegates,
The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica will continue to use platforms, such as the General Assembly high-level debate, to highlight the inequality and inadequacy that continue to permeate our generation, and, to that end, we will call on the United Nations to assist small States like ours in unlocking funds that have been made available to small island developing States to fight climate change and be resilient.
Fellow Delegates,
Despite our many challenges, we have not sat idly by. As a response to the complete devastation of our island by Hurricane Maria in 2017, we developed a national resilience development strategy. The strategy has since been translated into a climate resilience recovery plan, which will guide us on our journey towards becoming a climate resilient nation. It is an ambitious, but very achievable, plan. And we are confident that, with the support of our development partners, it can serve as a pathway for other small island developing States, which share similar challenges and experiences, to ensure their continued survival.
Fellow Delegates,
The situation is dire. The situation is urgent. We welcome any support that could influence the provision of adequate financial support in a timely and equitable manner.
Mr. President,
With regard to financial matters, I would also like to assert before this body that small economies like ours run the risk of being crippled if banking restrictions and inequalities are allowed to continue in their existing form. In that regard, the support of the international community in the achievement of fiscal and financial resilience is paramount. It is therefore in the interest of all of our nations to explore more adaptable solutions to de-risking, which would involve broadening the revenue base of States.
Distinguished Delegates,
Dominica extend its congratulations to the Republic of Cuba on the nomination of the Henry Reeve international contingent of doctors specializing in major diseases and epidemics for the Nobel Peace Prize. That is a fitting recognition of the sterling work that Cuba has done in providing support throughout the world to countries confronting pandemics and natural disasters. The Cuban medical Brigade has been an example of health diplomacy, genuine internationalism and the true embodiment of the term, “being our brother’s keeper”. We sincerely hope that the world is taking note. We salute Cuba for its humanitarian assistance to more than 40 countries, including Dominica, which has received an immeasurable benefit from the supportive work of Cuban doctors, nurses and health-care professionals, particularly during this critical period of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the light of that, we reiterate our call to end the 60-year-long unfair and unjustifiable blockade against the Cuban Government and people. Despite being substantially disadvantaged by the blockade, Cuba continues to reach out to support others. If this crisis has shown us nothing else, it has shown us how vulnerable we all are and that our life as we know it can change in an instant. We therefore call and will continue to call for a change of policy on the matter.
The Government of Dominica also salutes the Government and the people of the People’s Republic of China and the Government and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela who, notwithstanding their own challenges, have both made significant contributions to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the Caribbean region. We also express our sincere gratitude to the The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization for their exceptional guidance throughout the pandemic.
To our global partners and supporting agencies that continue to assess our vulnerable Caribbean region during these challenging times we say, “Thank you”.
Like every other small island developing State, The Commonwealth of Dominica remains hopeful that its population size and small economy will not place it at a disadvantage with regard to accessing COVID-19 vaccines and other medications in the coming months, but that small States like Dominica will be allowed fair and equitable access to global supplies.
Mr. President,
Dominica remains committed to collaborating with the United Nations and all its agencies, as well as Member States, to strengthen the mission of this noble body that, notwithstanding its imperfections, is critical to maintaining world peace and security. We affirm our confidence in the United Nations system as the ultimate negotiating and deliberative body for addressing major challenges confronting the world. Our populations far and wide are being impacted by every decision that we make, and they are depending on us to do the right thing. Notwithstanding our many challenges, limitations and differences, we owe it to them to rise to the occasion.
I thank you.


In the name of God the clement and the merciful,
Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Your Majesties, Honours and Excellencies
Allow me to convey to you our greetings of peace from the city of peace, Baghdad.
I am delighted to greet you on behalf of the Republic of Iraq, a founding Member of the United Nations. I wish the General Assembly every success in its current session.
This is the first time in the history of the United Nations that the General Assembly is meeting virtually. It is a consequence of the current COVID-19 pandemic — a cross-border threat that threatens our life and means of life, as well as our economies and communities in general. This virtual meeting is a real symbol of the radical changes in our way of life and how we communicate.
We are amid a historic paradox as we meet and communicate at a time when we are called upon to socially distance. We are hindered by the pandemic but our persistence to live makes us work hard to face it. The pandemic in any city or village on the globe is a continued threat to the entire world. It compels us to work in solidarity and cooperation among States and communities regardless of our differences. That will enable us to eradicate the pandemic or, at least, to curb its effects.
This pandemic also behoves the developed nations to cooperate by sharing experiences and information in order to combat it. Developed nations must help developing nations in order to create a healthy environment that will allow them to combat the pandemic and limit its harmful effects on our communities and our lives.
Moreover, we are all responsible for combating misinformation about the pandemic. Indeed, ignorance and misinformation jeopardize the lives of millions. Early planning plays a crucial role in guaranteeing equity in the distribution of a vaccine when it becomes available. We will need to prevent its market distribution from becoming a purely commercial act in order to allow the poorest countries to have access to the vaccine for all their citizens.
Given our limited resources owing to the circumstances in which we find ourselves, Iraq is combating the pandemic and trying to curb its effects with a series of measures and precautions. Despite these efforts, we still have much more to do, notwithstanding our limited capabilities and weak infrastructure, in the realm of medical care and medical services.
Before and after the emergence of the pandemic, Iraq faced another scourge that is no less dangerous — that of terrorism and corruption. We succeeded in vanquishing military terrorism, while liberating our cities with strong will power and sacrifices made by our army forces, the popular crowd and the Peshmerga, with the support of the international coalition and our neighbours.
Nevertheless, the fight is still going on against terrorism, transnational extremism and sleeper cells in the deserts of our country.
We cannot underestimate the threat posed by terrorism and the possibility that it may re-emerge or that the terrorists may reorganize. We believe that any relaxation in our response to terrorism or any preoccupation with regional conflicts would allow obscurantist forces to regroup and gain strength. Similarly, if we surrender in the fight against rampant corruption or with regard to interference in the domestic affairs of our sovereign States, that will hinder efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.
Against this backdrop, we hope to receive aid from all friendly countries in the international community in order to locate smuggled funds and identify corrupt people who smuggle money for financing outlaw and extremist groups. Corruption is a scourge suffered by many countries. It has stripped many Iraqis of their country’s resources. For many years, corruption has contributed to the destruction of Iraq. The Iraqi people are bitter and angry about the impact of corruption.
Last year, when I spoke before the General Assembly, I called for the creation of an international coalition against corruption and for the recovery of pillaged money. It would be a coalition similar to the International Coalition Against Terrorism. Today I reiterate that same appeal. We cannot eradicate terrorism if we do not dry up its financing. That is the only way to do it. We also need to eradicate corruption, which is the very basis of policies related to violence and terrorism. Corruption destroys State economies and hinders our people in their efforts to achieve progress and prosperity.
We must now address the crime of genocide and the massacres of the Yazidi people in Iraq. These acts were aimed at ending that people’s existence. For this reason, the international community must stand shoulder to shoulder with Iraq to ensure that such crimes are not committed again in the future.
A few days ago, I attended a meeting of Iraqi women — more specifically Yazidi, Shi’ite Turks of Iraq and Shabak citizens — who survived barbaric acts and the atrocities of terrorism. I heard them express the pain they continue to endure more than three years after the liberation of their cities. These women continue to endure the psychological and physical trauma caused by genocide, forced displacement and physical and moral torture to which they are subjected. They continue to live in camps. That is why we must strive to ensure the return of displaced persons and refugees to their towns and villages. It will require great effort on our part and on the part of our friends and the international Organization.
Iraq has experienced more than 40 years of war, suffering, blockades and terrorism. We have suffered more recently from the sharp drop in oil prices on the global market and from the impact of the economic havoc caused by COVID-19. The drop in oil prices has coincided with the pandemic threat. As a result, we have had to suddenly face major challenges.
Approximately one year ago, Iraq also experienced a popular uprising, during which all citizens clamoured for change that would enable the aspirations of Iraqis to be met. They called for active dialogue with regard to the State’s foundations, managing the country’s affairs and their rights. Reforms have started in the country but we need time to achieve the desired results. Measures already under way which demonstrate that peaceful and constitutional change away from violence. That is what the Iraqis want.
Against this backdrop, a new Government was formed this year. It is led by Mustafa Al-Khidimi. The Government was formed in response to the calls for reform heard during the popular uprising. Following our experience of authoritarianism in Iraq, we can now say that the current situation, the status quo, cannot continue. The Iraqi people wish to usher in a new political era so that they can combat the structural imbalances in Iraqi power mechanisms that have existed since 2003.
Iraqis want good governance. In response to the public will, the new Government shoulders heavy responsibilities. First, we need structural reforms in the political, economic and management spheres. We must combat corruption and corrupt individuals — another facet of terrorism.
Among the basic tasks the new Government must discharge is the holding of early elections next year. These elections must be fair and transparent based on new electoral law. They must be more representative and fairer and meet the demands of major national popular uprisings. They must meet the legitimate aspirations of Iraqis and their desire for democracy. Iraqis aspire to a life of freedom and decency. Power must belong to Iraqis. They must speak up. The Government must emanate from them and safeguard their interests and meet their demands.
The Government is also called upon another task that is not less important — that is, to have monopoly over weapons by preventing their possession and use in unlawful contexts. Weapons must remain in the hands of Iraqi State institutions. We must also pursue our inquiries into crimes committed against protesters and members of the security forces. The fight against groups operating outside of the law and the issue of arms control are part of a tireless struggle waged by the Iraqi State against anarchists and extremists. This is not an easy task. However, we must continue work towards peace within our societies and ensure Iraqi sovereignty.
The latest communique released by the Shi’ite supreme authority, Ayatollah Ali Sistani, following his meeting with the Representative of the Secretary-General in Iraq, clearly outlined these various duties to reform the course of the ongoing political process and rid it from corruption and weaknesses. With that in mind, we hope to receive the support of the United Nations in its coordination with electoral authorities. We also hope to receive technical assistance, which will guarantee fair elections and ensure the prevention of manipulation, forgery and extortion. Iraqi citizens must not be influenced in their electoral choice.
Our national goal is to establish a strong State capable of imposing the rule of law and upholding the rights of its citizens. We do not want Iraq to become an arena for conflicts or the settling of scores of others on its territories. We have endured enough wars, siege and terrorism with attacks on our sovereignty. An independent and sovereign Iraq will be a meeting point for the common interests of the peoples and countries of the region based on economic and security cooperation in order to combat terrorism and extremism.
We look forward to enjoying the effective support of our neighbours and the international community for our national endeavour, which will have a great impact on the future of Iraq, the region and the world.
In that context, Iraq stresses its position on the need to resolve the Palestinian question. The rights of the Palestinian people must be achieved by establishing its independent State. That would help to achieve stability of the region and the entire world.
Today I recall our martyrs, who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and for the fight against terrorism. I commend our young people who, day after day, demonstrate their determination to live a free and decent life. We optimistically look towards the future. Let us continue to support our young people as they walk the path of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and justice.
In conclusion, I reiterate our gratitude to the United Nations as we mark its seventy-fifth anniversary. There is no alternative to the Organization, which brings us together despite all our differences, especially at a time when we face transnational challenges, such as pandemics, climate change, food security-related problems and the issue of migration. All of these issues can be addressed only through the United Nations and its Charter.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the global order has failed over the past 75 years. We recall such bitter experiences as the genocide in Rwanda, the wars and massacres suffered by the Iraqi people and the ongoing crises in Syria and Libya. We must learn from the past. We must ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals can evolve. We must strive for reform within the United Nations so that the Organization can meet the peoples’ aspirations.
Thank you for your kind attention. We pray to Almighty God that our next meeting will be held in a pandemic-free world but also in a world free of any other virus, such as hatred, corruption, war or terrorism.
May peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.


In the name of God the Merciful and the Compassionate,
Your Excellency, President of the United Nations General Assembly,
Your Majesties and Excellencies,
I would like at the outset to sincerely congratulate the President of the United Nations General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session and to wish him continued success in his endeavours. I would also like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for his efforts in leading the Organization towards playing its role in protecting international peace and security and realizing its noble mission. That will be reflected on all peoples and countries, including the Republic of Yemen.
The United Nations, thankfully, has spared no effort to reach a lasting peace in Yemen, and sought tirelessly to address the challenges that we are facing, in particular the humanitarian challenges.
It is my honour also to sincerely congratulate the great people of Yemen, those living in the country or living abroad, on the celebrations of the glorious and eternal Yemeni revolution in September and October. That coincides with the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly.
This year’s session of the General Assembly is the sixth being held as we in the Republic of Yemen endure difficult and harsh circumstances as a result of the war imposed upon our people by the Houthi coup militia, backed up by Iran, which is its regional supporter. This militia hatched its plans following the execution of the Gulf Initiative, with its Implementation Mechanism, and coinciding with the successful holding of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, which established a road map for the future of the Republic of Yemen, with the participation of the entire political spectrum.
The Houthi militia, which sent its representatives to the NDC, did not welcome these developments. It started at the same time to prepare for a coup d’etat against the country. It began to mobilize its forces to ensure the collapse of towns and cities and displace citizens from their homes and regions. It even invaded the capital, Sana’a, in September 2014, took State institutions hostage and undermined the elected legitimacy and the political climate. It suppressed freedoms, raided houses and blew up schools and places of worship. It suppressed dissenting voices and harassed citizens. This militia transformed Sana’a, a city steeped in history, civilization and a tradition of coexistence, into a great prison while putting our people behind bars.
The United Nations played a pivotal and outstanding role in overseeing the political transition process in Yemen, which has been ongoing since 2011. According to the Gulf Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, that was the start of the transition period. A national Government was formed and presidential elections took place. The National Dialogue Conference was held with the participation of all strata of Yemeni society. A new Yemeni Constitution was drafted in accordance with the outcome of that dialogue. It was supposed to be subjected to a referendum by the Yemeni people and then adopted to allow for elections to be held in line with the new Constitution. However, the Houthi coup d’etat disrupted the transitional process and led to a war against the people of Yemen.
This war imposed on us has caused a humanitarian catastrophe, destroyed our society and led to waves of collective displacement. It has also caused repression, forced disappearances and the worst cases of poverty ever seen by our people for decades. We extended our hands for peace. We have done our utmost to support and facilitate the efforts of the United Nations and its current Special Envoy, Mr. Martin Griffiths, as well as those of previous Envoys, with a view to saving our country and establishing a lasting and comprehensive peace. The goal is to stop the bloodletting in Yemen and the Yemeni catastrophe because our Yemeni people will not accept the Iranian model on its territory, regardless of the circumstances and challenges.
Let us recall the concessions that we have made in the quest for peace over the past five years. We had a commitment a few months ago — alongside our brothers in the coalition to support Yemeni legitimacy, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — to establishing a unilateral ceasefire and supporting the efforts of Mr. Martin Griffiths for a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire that would allow the political process to be resumed. However, these efforts regrettably failed because of the obstinacy of the Houthi terrorist militia and its sponsors from the Iranian regime. What is even worse is that this militia took the opportunity to mobilize and attack governorates and cities, causing more massacres among civilians in several regions and cities in Yemen.
What you see today is a ruthless escalation by these militias, particularly in the governorates of Ma’rib, Al-Jawf and Al-Bayda, where the Houthi militia has engaged in an indiscriminate military campaign for several months. It attacks residential areas with ballistic missiles, with no concern whatsoever for civilian lives or the millions of displaced people who have fled the regions under the militia’s control. These terrorist militias repeatedly target civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All this clearly demonstrates their true intentions and how they view peace.
The international community must play its role to end the Houthi arrogance and the people’s suffering. It must exert effective and decisive pressure on the putschists and their sponsor in Tehran to ensure that they implement Security Council resolutions and refrain from bloodletting, sowing destruction and giving access for humanitarian assistance to all Yemenis.
I would also like to take this opportunity to speak to the world and shed light on the suffering of our patient people, who have endured tragedy and torture of all kinds amid difficult living conditions because of the putschists’ war. We thank all our brothers, friends, organizations and donor countries for their efforts and support. They too have been unable to escape blackmail, constraints and siege when attempting to mitigate the multifaceted suffering of the Yemeni people as the war continues. Economic challenges are on the increase, in addition to the obstacles that face the Government and State institutions in their attempt to discharge their duties by providing the citizens with services and restore normalcy in liberated areas.
I call on the international community to support Government efforts to address economic challenges and policies and plans to strengthen the national currency with a view to ensuring household stability. The international community should not allow the Houthis to manipulate humanitarian aid or blackmail the Government by looting funds earmarked for the payment of salaries. They continue to undermine United Nations efforts in this regard.
I call on the international community to make a serious and urgent commitment to ending the imminent catastrophe surrounding the FSO SAFER oil tanker. The Houthi militias refuse to grant the United Nations access to the oil tanker for repair and maintenance.
With the unlimited support from our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we have made much progress in implementing the Riyadh Agreement, which is aimed at establishing stability and enabling us to address the regrettable events that took place in the provisional capital, Aden, in August 2019. We have done our utmost to facilitate the implementation of the agreement because we believe that we must pool our efforts to ensure reconstruction and development, under the auspices of the State. We reiterate the trust in our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to continue to implement this agreement.
In conclusion, I hope that this session will be successful, and that the United Nations will be more advanced and effective in its efforts to support humankind and realize happiness. I hope that the United Nations resolutions will help us meet the major challenges before us. I wish development and prosperity for all Member States and their populations. I also wish happiness, well-being and prosperity for humankind as a whole.
May peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.


Honourable President of the Assembly, Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentleman,
It is a great honour and privilege to address you all on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. On this special 75th anniversary of our multilateral global union for peace, progress and prosperity, it is fundamental to recommit ourselves to the UN Charter and its broad-based consensus on effective cooperation for common sustainable international development. Consensus, cooperation and targeted common action have never been more important than at this time, where the world is challenged politically, socially and economically by the COVID-19 health pandemic.
In assessing the way forward to achieving the agreed Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we must also re-examine the future we all want and the United Nations we need to attain it. COVID-19 has been a devastating lesson and the loudest possible wake-up call in the need for global cooperation, effective partnerships and the firm commitment to multilateralism to confront it together. COVID-19 recognizes no borders, nationality, gender or economic status of nations or individuals — we are all equally victims. Therefore, a unifying solution must be found to protect every human being from it.
In Somalia, our government and people have worked closely together to mitigate the worst effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like most governments across the world, we prioritized the health of our citizens and did as much as possible to save lives. Through direct medical provision and consistent, updated and effective public health information, our government did its utmost to keep our population as safe as possible. COVID-19 cases, which were rising quickly at the early stages of the pandemic, have fallen steadily as a result of our government’s swift actions.
Again, this successful response would not have been possible without the effective partnership between our government, citizens and international partners. I want to pay special tribute to all of our courageous and dutiful health personnel who risked their lives to save others. I also recognize the patience and contribution of the Somali private sector, which worked with the government to keep the economy functioning, providing vital services to the Somali people at the most critical hour of need.
Yet, the success of our common efforts in Somalia does not mean that we are unscathed. According to official statistics, over 3,000 Somalis were infected by the virus and around 100 tragically lost their lives as a result. Many more who were diagnosed had to live with the pain and the suffering of COVID-19 and others still remain vulnerable given the weakness of Somalia’s overstretched health systems and infrastructure.
Given the grave health challenges posed to the world, in particular the most vulnerable nations like Somalia, I feel confident that with greater public health collaboration, information sharing and an equitable distribution of the potential COVID-19 health treatments currently in development, we can permanently reverse the deadly impact of the virus for every human being on the planet. This is the only way we can secure our common future and, therefore, it is a must that we, as a community of nations, reaffirm our collective commitment to multilateralism and confront COVID-19 through effective and coordinated multilateral action.
Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentleman,
Across the world, economies of all sizes have been severely impacted by COVID-19 with the most vulnerable affected the most. In Somalia, like everywhere else in the world, we are challenged by a painful contraction of the economy, job losses and the need to continue investing in our essential basic public services to protect our citizens from the deadly virus. You can all appreciate, this is a huge task for a recovering post-conflict state like Somalia but our government will remain steadfast in rising and responding to the diverse challenges that lie ahead.
Our government’s economic policy response to COVID-19 has, once again, been to put our people first with tax relief for most key staple food items. Now, hoping that the worst is behind us, we are cautiously starting to open up our economy to ensure that normal life can resume for our people. However, we also understand the huge challenge that building back better, stronger and more equitably from the COVID-19 impact will be for Somalia.
In reiterating the importance of confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action, I want to recognize the enabling economic and financial support provided to the Somali Federal Government to mitigate the worst of the COVID-19 economic pressures by the International Financial Institutions and many other multilateral institutions after Somalia successfully reached the Decision Point and attained debt relief from many of its major international creditors. As we progress towards achieving debt cancellation through our enabling economic reforms, we remain cognizant that Somalia’s economic future and the prosperity of its people are closely interlinked with that of the rest of the world. In this regard, the future we want in Somalia is one which promotes greater partnership for international trade, enhances foreign direct investment in key productive sectors which has the potential to feed the world and the development of human capital to create further opportunities for us all. The United Nations we need is an inclusive global multilateral platform for propelling not just the ideas and aspirations of change but their realization too. COVID-19 has economically challenged us all and if the Sustainable Development Goals are to ever be realized, the world must recover better, for all, and together.
Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentleman,
Global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic provide both an opportunity for renewal and a challenge to overcome. We have seen the devastating health and economic impact of the virus and we are all feeling and living with the painful results. No nation, no matter how well resourced, is immune. Yet, despite our common suffering and pain, I am fearful that COVID-19 has, and will continue to, exacerbate the already existing gulf between the developed, developing and fragile states that make up the UN family. This is something that must be avoided at all costs as tackling today’s major global challenges, including insecurity, climate change, poverty and the increasing inequality, which is the driver of much division and discontent across the world, depend on effective cooperation and multilateral actions which bring the Sustainable Development Goals to fruition.
Somalia is working through, and with, the UN to create a better future for Somalia and the world. We are taking the lead in delivering development to our people and working with our valuable international partners to ensure we rebuild a democratic, inclusive and economically prosperous Somalia. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we are still working hard to undertake inclusive national elections where the Somali people can determine their future. We are firmly committed to promoting and instilling a strong tradition of democracy and accountable governance which serves the Somali people first and foremost.
We are also successfully defeating the menace of global terrorism with the efforts of our brave armed forces in collaboration with AMISOM and other international partners to make the world a safer place. I am confident with our government’s efforts and the continued support of our important international partners, Somalia will not only confront COVID-19 but it will contribute positively to the multilateral effort required to make the world a better, more resilient and equal place for all.
Looking forward, it is fundamental that we fully realize the Sustainable Development Goals for each and every citizen of this world. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind. This means that the United Nations will also have to improve further, innovate faster and deliver better for the most fragile nations and vulnerable communities. The UN can do this by supporting national and personal development through assisting and strengthening national institutional frameworks, systematic knowledge transfer and investment in human capital. These are real long-term investments that will actually contribute to poverty alleviation and the creation of opportunities for all.
In conclusion, the United Nations and the family of nations which comprise its membership must work together through renewed partnership to confront COVID-19. We must also continue to engage each other positively to create the inclusive and prosperous future we want with and through the United Nations we need. In this regard, we, in Somalia, reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism to overcome all common global obstacles and to capitalize on every opportunity to create a better, safer and equal world.


Your Excellency, Mr. Volkan Bozkir, I extend congratulations on your election to the Presidency of this 75th Session of the General Assembly.
I also commend your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, for maintaining the focus on social justice and climate action as critical elements of the Decade of Recovery.
Your Excellency, during your term of office, you can be confident of Jamaica’s continued commitment to the global recovery effort through a multilateral approach to finding viable solutions to the pandemic.
Mr. President,
Jamaica welcomes the significance and timeliness of this special theme to commemorate the 75th UN General Assembly. Indeed, the future to which we aspire is contingent on an effective and renewed multilateral system, in which the United Nations must play a pivotal role.
Prior to the advent of the pandemic, Jamaica had been recording significant progress in our pursuit of economic independence, through macro-economic stability, reduction in our high levels of public debt, poverty alleviation, human capital formation and increased employment opportunities, while protecting the vulnerable in our society.
This placed us in a position to implement an initial social and economic stimulus programme, in addition to our early response to control the spread of the coronavirus and to treat those infected.
However, our economy now faces the triple challenges of reduced revenues, increased health and social expenditures, and an ongoing climate crisis, which threatens to undo years of hard-won development gains.
Mr. President,
The pandemic has highlighted pre-existing vulnerabilities and multiple structural weaknesses within our economies - large and small, rich and poor - and clearly demonstrated the systemic nature of risk worldwide.
The great differences lie however, in our respective abilities to mitigate the development reversals arising from the multi-faceted impact of the pandemic, and to recover stronger.
Developing countries must therefore devise strategies to respond effectively. We must rebalance our economies and rethink the nature of global cooperation so that we not only recover stronger but position ourselves to become more resilient to future systemic shocks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness and interdependence of our world. It has underscored the need for strengthened and renewed multilateralism. As we strive to respond and recover stronger, we must re-imagine the way nations cooperate. Persistent global problems require consistent cooperation to achieve strategic global solutions.
Small Caribbean States, which are designated as middle-income countries, but whose small economies are largely dependent on one or just a few industries, are most deeply affected by this crisis. They urgently need increased access to concessional and non-concessional financing, given their limited fiscal space, reduced availability of public resources for investment and the struggle to attract private investment.
We see access to international development finance and the establishment of special funds to complement our response, as an imperative and we endorse the Secretary-General’s call for solidarity. I therefore, convey Jamaica’s sincere appreciation to the United Nations for establishing its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund and encourage donor countries to contribute.
This Fund represents an excellent example of the effectiveness of multilateralism at work. Its inclusion of vulnerable middle income countries recognizes the reality that if one member of the global community fails, the potential exists for all others to be impacted. The entire international community will therefore reap benefits from the support provided.
An area which requires particular support from such a fund or similar cooperation mechanism is the “digital divide”. The pandemic has forced schools and workplaces to close and people to practice social distancing. The internet has become our public square to meet and access critical information. However, approximately half of the world’s population is still not connected to the internet. With school, work, healthcare, commerce and religious worship going online, persons without access to a reliable internet connection may be marginalised and disconnected entirely. Now more than ever before it is imperative that the “digital divide” not only be closed, but that countries are enabled to provide universal access to connectivity as well as the tools to allow their societies and economies to capture the power of digital technologies.
Universal, secure and affordable connectivity is essential for greater participation in the global digital economy and for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable development. The pandemic has greatly accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and has provided developing countries in particular with an opportunity to leapfrog to a more digital economy. We call on the global community to respond with increased bi-lateral and multi-lateral cooperation in this area which promises exponential increase in human capacity and economic dividends.
We are heartened by the understanding, cohesion and clarity for action displayed by the G20 Digital Economy Ministers in their July 2020 Declaration, the UNSG’s High Level Panel on Digital Cooperation and last month’s Report of the Task Force on Digital Financing of the SDGs. All hands and ideas must be on deck for our national and collective digital resilience.
Mr. President,
Myself as co-convener of the High Level Event on Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond, along with Secretary-General Guterres and Prime Minister Trudeau, remain committed to facilitate the process of developing concrete global solutions and actions to enable countries to respond and recover better from what the Secretary-General refers to as the world’s first “development emergency”. On September 29, when we convene the Second High Level Event, leaders will have an opportunity to highlight the collective measures they deem most effective for resolving the crisis and to also put forward recommendations for United Nations support. We look forward to hearing the actions proposed, including, those related to the closure of the “digital divide” with a view to enabling robust and resilient recovery.
Mr. President,
We note with grave concern, UN reports that women and girls continue to face discrimination globally, and that there are persistent gaps in their participation in economic activity, decision making and political leadership. We have seen that the pandemic has deepened socio-economic inequalities and disproportionately impacted women and girls, leading to increased exposure to domestic violence and loss of livelihoods.
We are taking measures to ensure that our national recovery efforts include a gender perspective and harness the full potential of all members of society as leaders, innovators and agents of economic, social and environmental change.
We are committed to furthering our engagement with the UN and our international partners to implement the Spotlight Initiative and to increase our advocacy through mechanisms such as the Groups of Friends on: Women’s Economic Empowerment, Gender Parity, and Women, Peace and Security.
Mr. President,
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has propelled the United Nations to a critical crossroads. It has exposed and exacerbated the gross inequalities that still exist. It has further reinforced the need for the international community to scale-up cooperation to respond to the growing and deepening health crisis.
The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus is exerting immense pressure on health-care systems globally, many of which were already under stress. It has compounded existing disparities in health, and increased the risks for the vulnerable, particularly the elderly and persons requiring medical care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Given our limited fiscal space we have adopted a whole of government approach to the pandemic, while mobilizing the support of all our citizens.
The pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of investing in NCDs prevention and care. Bridging the investment gap for prevention and treatment of NCDs must therefore be an essential pillar for our response to the pandemic and health security. We thank our bilateral and international partners including PAHO/ WHO, for their invaluable support and advice in our efforts to address this health crisis and its socio-economic impact.
As the international community works in earnest to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, Jamaica welcomes efforts aimed at accelerating the equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. We believe that the ambition to expedite development of these tools must be matched with a determination to ensure that they are safe, effective and accessible to all.
Mr. President,
In keeping with our commitment to the full realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Jamaica is deeply invested in finding solutions at the national, regional and multilateral levels to respond effectively and decisively to this pandemic. The immense challenges demand that, as a global community, we combine our efforts in a sustained and coordinated manner to identify opportunities for effective remedial action.
As we seek to create the future we want, we must summon our energies, talent and resources, to combat this global crisis with fortitude. We must, Mr. President, act collectively, decisively, and immediately. Our decisions now will determine the kind of future we create. Let us, together, do the right thing!
I thank you.


Mr. President,
Secretary General,
Excellences,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to address you today on behalf of Montenegro and to reaffirm our strong, unequivocal support and commitment to the mission of the World Organization, 75 years long.
We welcome the election of Volkan Bozkir as President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and wish him success in performing this duty. We assure him of the full support of the Montenegrin delegation along the way.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to his predecessor, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, for his leadership and for ensuring smooth functioning and fulfilment of the United Nations General Assembly mandate.
Mr. Chairman,
The topic of this year’s debate faithfully depicts one of the key challenges international community is facing, upon which we must work together in order to devise an effective and a comprehensive response. 75 years have passed since the founding of the World Organization, which today is more needed and relevant than ever before. In the conditions of various threats to international peace and security, changed and fragmented geopolitical realities, as well as unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to preserve and nurture unity and multilateralism, as the only possible modality of action and addressing global issues and challenges that overcome national borders. Indeed, today and in the future, we need the United Nations that stands behind what is written in the founding document and that inherits the highest civilizational values (on which the universality and timeless character of the Organization rests) — precisely those that brought us together in San Francisco in 1945.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The COVID-19 pandemic and its multiple, devastating consequences on the lives of people around the world, loudly warn and remind us of the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in the process of creating global solutions to the issues that affect us all — no matter how big or small we are. I firmly believe that we can draw something good out of every difficulty, and in this case particular, I am certain that is the need for stronger joint action, based on trust, common values and interests, which must have no alternative in the period to come.
At a time when we are witnessing a negative trend of strengthening unilateralism and protectionism, and increasing deviation from multilateralism, Montenegro has no dilemma. Even more motivated, we remain committed to multilateralism based on universal values and principles, with a World Organization in its centre, capable of providing an adequate response to global crises, challenges and threats.
It is in this context we welcome the principal role of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has effectively and responsibly coordinated a comprehensive response of the United Nations since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, in cooperation with all the interested stakeholders.
The response and recovery mechanisms created by the UN have made it possible to raise the necessary funds to provide assistance to the most vulnerable areas and countries, while his reviews of the pandemic impact on the economy, global conflicts, population, especially women and children, and regions and countries most affected by poverty and conflicts, continue to guide the activities of the UN system in order to effectively address the crisis and remedy its consequences.
Increasingly frequent regional and local, but also international conflicts, with historical, political and economic causes and consequences, threaten to destabilize the international order and the world as we know it. The United Nations must act as a defender of peace and stability., keep pace with the new realities and go through the path of adaptation in order to be able to perform their role even more efficiently.. Along that line, Montenegro strongly supports the necessary reforms of the United Nations system, including a comprehensive reform of the Security Council and the revitalization of the General Assembly, with the aim of building a more efficient, transparent, democratic and accountable United Nations, in which all parts of the world would be represented evenly.
Montenegro is recognized as a pillar of peace and stability, a country of interethnic and interfaith harmony, committed to building partnerships and friendly relations not only with its closest neighbours, but also with the wider community. Multilateralism is one of our key foreign policy priorities, which is confirmed by our continuous aspiration to be part of societies that inherit the values and principles of togetherness and solidarity.
Therefore, in the world of increasing geostrategic competitions, growing intensity and complexity of crises, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, we must emphasize the importance of promoting peace and security. We strongly support the Secretary General’s call for a global ceasefire during the current pandemic, in order to give diplomacy a chance and create conditions for delivering humanitarian aid and support to the most vulnerable population.
Responding after the outbreak of a conflict or crisis is often not enough, or it is not timely enough. We have to invest more attention to prevention — prevention of conflict, radicalization and violent extremism. In order to achieve such a thing, it is necessary to work on building unbiased and more inclusive societies that would offer equal opportunities for all, and to protect marginalized and most vulnerable groups, primarily women and youth. Montenegro strongly supports the implementation of two agendas — on women, peace and security, as well as on youth, peace and security, which we demonstrate continuously, with a large number of activities undertaken and implemented at the national level.
We face serious challenges to international security and stability, caused by a number of factors, such as the expiration of some of the most important agreements on limiting and controlling conventional and weapons of mass destruction, the return of Cold War tensions — now further complicated by the lack of constructive dialogue between key actors. Montenegro fully supports the implementation of relevant international instruments in the field of disarmament and arms control, as well as the Secretary General’s Agenda for Disarmament. We emphasize the importance of universalization of the most important documents in this area, in order to preserve international peace, security and stability, and to create preconditions and conditions for a world without weapons of mass destruction.
At a time of growing challenges to human rights, democracy and the rule of law, Montenegro will continue to promote and support the integration of human rights and gender perspectives into all aspects of the functioning of the United Nations, and strive to preserve the universality of the international human rights law, as well as the independency of the UN human rights system as a whole. Montenegro is committed to bringing the agendas of Geneva and New York closer, and creating a better synergy between the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly and the Security Council.
We remain strongly committed to improving national human rights policies and frameworks. We have demonstrated this through excellent cooperation with key United Nations mechanisms, special procedures and treaty bodies, as well as with the Human Rights Council. I believe that the results achieved, as well as our continued strong commitment to further improving the position of women and girls, protection of the rights of children, the elderly, people with disabilities and LGBTI people, protection of media freedoms, civil society action, anti-discrimination on any grounds, impunity, as well as for unhindered access to international legal and human rights protection mechanisms, strongly recommended us for membership in the Human Rights Council (2022-2024) in the 2021 elections.
When we talk about sustainable development goals, five years after their adoption, we can see that progress has been made in some areas. However, there are many clear indications that we need to do much more than it has been the case so far, that is, to redouble our efforts and move from words to actions. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a serious challenge and will undoubtedly affect the dynamics in achieving the set goals. The pandemic has slowed down our economies and taken us steps back. While the international community is assessing its consequences, it is also an opportunity to draw on good lessons and practices, in order to respond more effectively to possible challenges in the future.
I wish to emphasize that Montenegro is one of the first countries to fully translate the goals and tasks of sustainable development into the National Strategy for Sustainable Development until 2030. Three years after the adoption of this document, we are recording positive trends on the way to achieving the set goals. However, at the same time, we are aware that these dynamics need to be stronger and that we still have a lot of work to do to reduce the risk of poverty and achieve a balanced development of all our regions, which we will work on with dedication.
As a member of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Montenegro actively participates in its work, strongly emphasizing the importance of cooperation, solidarity and multilateralism as the best solution to the current crisis, and better recovery in the times to come. I believe that we will continue at this pace, and that we will work dedicatedly to mobilize the widest possible range of partners in order to address the multiple consequences of the COVID-19 crisis on countries, communities and people.
The current pandemic has also confirmed that full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement are key to preparing the world for future systemic shocks. In the coming period, we must use the Decade for Action in order to achieve the set goals by 2030. In addition, efforts to achieve universal health coverage and ensure access to a quality, affordable, inclusive and resilient health system must be intensified, with the World Health Organization at the forefront.
In order to build more inclusive, greener and sustainable economies, we need to focus policy solutions on those models of economic recovery that have the greatest potential for transformation and sustainable development. Acknowledging the significant economic and social potential of digitalization, Montenegro supported the Global Declaration on the Digital Response to COVID-19, as well as the Secretary General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, which represents an important milestone on the road to exploiting the potential of digital technologies.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Montenegro, as an independent state, a multi-ethnic and multiconfessional democracy, remains on the course set in 2006, when we restored our independence — and that is a Euro-Atlantic future and the nurturing of good neighbourly relations and multilateralism. We are on our way to the European community, affirming the capacities of the Montenegrin society and its institutions to successfully create all the necessary preconditions for such a thing. We firmly believe that our, but also the future of the entire Western Balkans region, is in Europe, and that only by consolidating such a position can we be responsible partners to the international community.
We are resolutely and continuously adopting and implementing reforms in various spheres, all with the aim of improving the quality of life of our citizens. As a country of rule of law and intensive economic growth, which is an example of the peaceful coexistence of different nations and religions under one roof, in harmony and tolerance, strongly committed to respecting human rights and freedoms and preserving the uniqueness of all of its peoples, we believe that only with a responsible and mature policy of tolerance and solidarity, we can be a credible factor in regional and international relations.
Montenegro will remain committed to this path and will continue to actively and wholeheartedly contribute to the achievement of the goals of the United Nations.
Thank you for your attention.