•	Excellency, Volkan Bozkir, President of the General Assembly
•	Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
•	Excellencies, Heads of State and Government
•	Distinguished Delegates
The 75th anniversary of the United Nations falls at a moment of uncommon peril for our people and our planet. The Covid pandemic has claimed nearly one million lives and pushed hundreds of millions into unexpected hardship. It is not a time for doubt or hesitation. We have the tools to meet this test and prevail. We mark other important anniversaries this year.
Twenty-five years ago, the World Conference on Women in Beijing charted a transformative agenda on gender equality, which continues to guide us. The empowerment of women has made all of us safer and wealthier. But true gender equality has still not been attained in any country.
Five years ago, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was signed. Implementing this framework will slow the pace of global warming and give our economies time to adapt to new technologies.
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted four years ago, will play a major role by reducing the consumption of hydrofluorocarbons. Just over half of Member States have ratified the Kigali Amendment, which is now in force, and I call upon the remainder to ratify as soon as possible.
Five years ago, the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted, to define our ambitions for integrated global development. Ten years remain before 2030, but let’s not deceive ourselves about how difficult it will be to meet the targets on time. Most countries, especially in Africa, were already off-track before 2020. The pandemic has disrupted growth and revenue collection around the world, most likely for several years to come.
These milestones on gender, climate, and development demonstrate the achievements of multilateral action, while also reminding us how much remains to be done.
I commend the exceptional work being done by the World Health Organization, led by Dr Tedros Adhanom. We will continue to work to reinforce the W.H.O. and make it more effective.
The creation of the Access to Covid Tools Accelerator, including the COVAX Global Vaccines Facility, is of critical importance for Africa. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics will speed up the end of the pandemic for everyone.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of resilient national health systems and strong domestic health financing. The African Union is championing this agenda among its Member States, with emphasis on not just spending more, but spending better. The goal is for Africa to leverage its own resources to reinforce the impact of global health partnerships, such as the Global Fund and Gavi.
In the coming decades, prosperity will be closely linked to digital literacy and access to high-speed connectivity. The Secretary-General’s roadmap for digital cooperation is compelling and farsighted, building on the work of the Broadband Commission and other initiatives.
The global movement for racial justice and equality is not a passing phenomenon. What is required is action that builds public trust in the equal dignity of all citizens, as demonstrated in the treatment of those who have historically been most marginalised, and who continue to suffer mistreatment disproportionately.
Success depends on strengthening institutions, both national and international, including the work of scientists, innovators, and creators. That is not just a question of funding. It is about the positive human values that citizens and governments invest in those institutions, and for which they must be accountable.
Our descendants will look back and judge how this generation responded to these challenges, especially the leaders.
Did the collective accomplishment of three generations over 75 years in building a stronger international order disintegrate into recrimination and resentment? Or did we come together to once again secure global progress on a foundation of cooperation and mutual respect?
The choice is ours. I thank you.


Mr. President, Excellencies,
It is an honor for me to deliver my first statement after assuming office on 16 September as Prime Minister of Japan, at the United Nations which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
The novel coronavirus disease has pulled us into an unprecedented crisis, which in turn has brought the international community back to cooperation from its tendencies towards division and isolation. For the last 75 years, multilateralism has become stronger and made progress in the face of multiple challenges. I call on all of you to unite in solidarity so we can turn the current crisis into an opportunity to reinforce our cooperation.
Mr. President,
In our fight against the virus, Japan has been doing its utmost for the health and safety of the people of Japan and around the world, harnessing the wisdom of public and private sectors alike. Now we are at the stage of revitalizing socio-economic activities while maintaining measures for preventing the spread of infections. Let me share my thoughts with you based on Japan’s experiences.
The spread of the coronavirus is a human security crisis, posing a threat to the lives, livelihoods and dignity of people across the globe. The guiding principle for us to overcome this crisis must be “leave no one behind.” The concept of human security, which focuses on individuals, has been debated for many years at this very forum of the United Nations General Assembly.
Mr. President,
As we face the current crisis, and guided by the principle of human security, I think it is essential to set the goal of “leaving no one’s health behind” as we work towards achieving universal health coverage. I expect this to be our shared goal. On that basis, Japan will proactively lead international efforts with a focus on the following three perspectives in collaboration with other countries.
First, we need to safeguard lives from the novel coronavirus diseases. Japan fully supports the development of therapeutics, vaccines and diagnostics, and works towards ensuring fair and equitable access for all, including those in developing countries. Japan also works with international organizations so that relevant international frameworks will be able to deliver results. We are also proposing a framework of “patent pooling”. Public-private partnership is essential particularly in the health sector, and Japan is going to promote it steadfastly.
Second, we must prepare ourselves for future health crises. Japan is committed to expanding its efforts in developing countries to build hospitals as well as to assist strengthening health and medical systems through providing equipment and supporting human resource development. Working with the ASEAN, Japan is supporting the establishment of an ASEAN Centre for public health emergencies and emerging diseases. Japan has also been supporting the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. As a matter of fact, in Africa, we are witnessing the concrete result of our longstanding cooperation through the TICAD process for human resource development as well as for provision and maintenance of facilities in the health sector. Japan has provided support for the establishment of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Ghana and assisted in the training of its medical laboratory technologists. The Institute serves as the hub of the country’s response to the coronavirus and processes up to about 80% of PCR tests carried out in the country.
Third, we will take measures to ensure health security in an even broader context. We will continue to work with other countries to improve the conditions of water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and other environmental factors. In response to the current crisis, Japan has provided foreign aid of over 170 billion Japanese Yen or $1.54 billion to medical and health sectors.
Along with these initiatives, it is critically important to take steps towards revitalizing the economies hit hard by the crisis. To bolster economic activities in developing countries, Japan is implementing the COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan of up to 500 billion Japanese Yen or $4.5 billion over the course of two years. Reviving the economy rests on the safe movement of people. We will make our utmost efforts to ensure universal distribution of vaccines and therapeutics. Free trade should not stop even with the restrictions caused by the crisis. We continue to promote WTO reform and economic partnership agreements with other countries. Times of difficulty are in fact times of innovation. Japan, for its part, will work on digitalization as a matter of urgency.
Now we must look to the human security concept of the new era in responding to various challenges, accelerating efforts to achieve SDGs and to tackle global issues. To this end, I propose that we tap into the wisdom from around the world to deepen our discussions.
Mr. President,
Looking forward, we need to “build back better” from the COVID-19 pandemic and create a flexible yet resilient society where the SDGs have been achieved and a virtuous cycle of environment and growth is generated. The ongoing crisis is heavily impacting the education of children and the youth who shape the future. It is also affecting women among others. In order to create a better and more inclusive society, there are three points that I consider to be of paramount importance.
The first is the significance of the United Nations and multilateralism. The UN should be a forum where all stakeholders engage constructively to respond to crises and work together with transparency. While I greatly respect the activities and efforts of the UN thus far, I would also like to emphasize that the Organization is in need of neutral and fair governance more than ever. The WHO is key in our collective response to infectious diseases. Through its review and reform, I believe the WHO will be able to make even better use of necessary expertise at the right time, in the right manner. With this conviction, Japan stands ready to cooperate in the review and reform process. Likewise, UN reform, including the reform of the Security Council to reflect the realities of the 21st century, is an urgent task as the UN marks its 75th anniversary.
Second, I am convinced that the current crisis must not jeopardize international peace and security. UN engagement in peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding remains vital. Based on the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace”, Japan will continue to contribute to sustaining peace, drawing on its experiences, including through our role in the Peacebuilding Commission, and engaging in strengthening institutions and building capacities. We also remain committed to the capacity building of peacekeeping personnel in collaboration with African and Asian countries.
Third, we must not allow challenges against the rule of law in times of increasing uncertainties. The rule of law as we ourselves set forth in the SDGs is the foundation of order, both domestic and international, and the very spirit which the UN is built on. In March next year, using virtual platforms, we will host the 14th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Kyoto with the aim of advancing the rule of law. Japan continues to promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, the foundation of regional peace and prosperity rooted in the global rule of law.
Mr. President,
The issue of abductions by North Korea is a matter of serious concern for the international community. I myself have worked on this issue for many years. This year, two parents of the victims passed away. It is heartbreaking to imagine the pain of the family members who passed, after working so hard to rescue their dearest children and yet not achieving a reunion in the end. As the families of the victims continue to age, there is no time to lose before we resolve the abductions issue. Japan’s position remains unchanged. Japan seeks to normalize its relationship with North Korea, in accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, through comprehensively resolving the outstanding issues of concern such as the abductions, nuclear and missile issues, as well as settlement of the unfortunate past. As the new Prime Minister of Japan, I am ready to meet with Chairman Kim Jong-un without any conditions. Establishing a constructive relationship between Japan and North Korea will not only serve the interests of both sides but will also greatly contribute to regional peace and stability. I will miss no opportunity to take actions with all my dedication.
This year marks the 75th anniversary since the first use of nuclear weapons. Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. With this resolve, Japan will spare no effort in realizing a world free of nuclear weapons while firmly upholding the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which serves as the cornerstone of the international regime for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. I wish to emphasize once again the importance of maintaining and strengthening the Treaty. We, as the international community, need to stand united to work on arms control and disarmament of conventional weapons, or “Disarmament that Saves Lives.”
Mr. President,
In the summer of next year, Japan is determined to host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games as proof that humanity has defeated the pandemic. I will continue to spare no effort in order to welcome you to Games that are safe and secure.
I thank you for your attention.


Mr. President, dear delegates,
The world is facing many challenges. Seventy-five years after the establishment of the United Nations, we are more dependent on each other than ever.
We need more multilateralism and we need more cooperation.
We are facing a global pandemic. Threatening the lives of the most vulnerable people in our countries.
We are facing climate change that risks getting out of control.
We are facing an economic setback that may rob millions of people of a descent future.
We are facing terrorism, instability and increasing danger of cyber-attacks, disinformation and nuclear weapons.
All of these challenges have one thing in common. They can only be solved if we take action and if we work together.
Are we doing that today? In some areas we are.
But the truth is: we can do it much better.
Denmark is ready to play its part.
So far, we have allocated one billion Danish kroner to assist some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people in the fight against COVID-19.
We are committed to a reformed World Health Organization to ensure a stronger and a more resilient global health systems and plan to double our core support to the World Health Organization.
We insist on using the pandemic as a wake-up call. To build a better, greener and more fair future. To deliver on the Paris Agreement and on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr. President,
We are ready to take the lead on fulfilling SDG 7 as well.
Because energy transition must be at the heart of our efforts.
Green investments not only help the climate. They also create millions of jobs, providing better lives, and stronger societies and a future that we can believe in.
Political leadership and high ambitions in the run up to COP26 is urgently needed to achieve neutrality by 2050.
In the years to come, Denmark plans on reducing emissions by 70 percent.
Mr. President,
We must solve the global inequality that the virus has so brutally exposed.
The inequality of today — leads to the conflicts of tomorrow.
We need to invest more in conflict prevention.
And we, therefore, strongly support the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire in the face of the COVID-19 crisis to redouble our efforts to prevent and resolve armed conflicts and to build more peaceful societies.
And we need to bridge our humanitarian, development and peace efforts.
Denmark continues to work within the framework of international law and conventions regarding migration and refugees. But the asylum system of the past, does not fit the challenges of the future. We need an asylum system that is more fair and actually also more humane.
We must reduce incentives to embark on dangerous journeys — and put an end to the cynical business of human smugglers.
Countries along the routes of migration need more assistance to manage irregular migration and countries of origin need more help to create real alternatives.
Mr. President,
The UN was built on the ideals of human rights. But the current pandemic jeopardizes the progress we have made already on gender equality.
Every woman and every girl have the right to decide over their life, their body and future.
And Denmark stands with the Secretary-General and the vision behind his Call to Action on Human Rights. Rights and dignity must be at the core of all UN efforts.
Mr. President,
The world of today faces more global challenges than ever. I am hopeful that together we can deliver on the promises made 75 years ago. “We the peoples” we must act together.
Current and future generations expect nothing less.
Thank you.


Colleague Heads of State and Government;
UN Secretary-General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres;
President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Volkan Bazkir;
Excellencies:
Good Afternoon.
Mr. President:
Permit me at the outset to congratulate you on your election as President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, and to assure you of the unwavering support of the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas during your tenure.
I also wish to thank your predecessor, His Excellency Tiijani Muhammad-Bande, for his stellar efforts in guiding the work of the 74th Session of the General Assembly.
Mr. President:
I address this Assembly at a time when the world is still reeling from the seismic level shocks that the COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed on the global community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented crisis that has halted global economic activity and threatened global public health and social well-being.
The more than twenty-seven million confirmed COVID-19 cases across the globe continue to increase as we speak.
On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, I express solidarity with Member States who are fighting COVID-19 and extend our sincere condolences for the loss of life.
Mr. President:
When I addressed the Assembly last year, in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, I implored world leaders to treat the global climate emergency as the greatest challenge facing humanity.
Little did we know that just a few months later, an even greater challenge would emerge, forcing the world to come to a grinding halt, at a proportion not witnessed since the Second World War.
Hence, the theme for the 75th Session, The future we want, the United Nations we need reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism — confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action, is relevant and applicable to our current reality.
Mr. President:
Tourism serves as the main economic earner for The Bahamas.
Like other countries, we had to temporarily close our borders and regulate the movement of people to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our priority was, and will always be, to protect lives and ensure the safety of those within our borders. The temporary closure of our borders caused one of the largest declines in visitor numbers since the advent of modern tourism in The Bahamas.
The slowdown in economic activity in some areas of the private sector caused an unprecedented increase in unemployment prompting the activation of an Unemployment Benefits Programme and Self-Employed Assistance Programme, as well as other social safety programmes, including the National Food Distribution Program, the largest feeding program in our nation’s history.
Mr. President:
Small island developing countries like The Bahamas always appear to be operating in a vicious recovery mode cycle, having to deal with successive exogenous shocks and climatic events.
The Bahamas experienced major hurricanes in 2015, 2016, 2017, and in September 2018, Hurricane Dorian, the largest Atlantic storm in recorded history.
UN initial assessments valued the loss and damage incurred at $3.4 billion. Infrastructure and housing projects are ongoing, while we grapple the impact of COVID19, we continue to reach out to international partners for the much-needed assistance to restore and rebuild those islands.
A Donors Conference coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme was held in Nassau on 13 January 2020, for which I wish to express the heartfelt appreciation of my Government for all of the pledges of financial resources and assistance made at this conference. My government looks forward to the full realization the pledges made as they are essential to our ongoing recovery efforts.”
Mr. President:
The economies of small island developing states, including those of the Caribbean Community, are under constant assault from various external shocks beyond their control.
This group of countries is among the most disaster- prone areas in the world. Pandemics, hurricanes, or climatic events, do not discriminate between low-income countries, middle-income countries, and developed economies.
Hence the compelling question remains, as to why middle-income countries are still being assessed by international financial institutions using outdated methodologies that give no consideration to a country’s level of exposure, vulnerability and ability to recover from exogenous shocks.
It is to be noted that ECLAC’s review of the COVID-19 impact estimates that developmental achievements in the Caribbean and Latin America have been reversed by at least a decade.
World Bank projections point to at least 100 million people falling into extreme poverty.
I therefore reiterate the call for the institutionalization of a vulnerability index in the decision-making processes of the international financial institutions and international donor community.
I also echo the call of the Region for the capitalization of a Caribbean Resilience Fund.
The decision of the G20 group to suspend debt service payments for the least developed countries is commendable, and I offer that this concession should be extended to other economic groupings as well.
Mr. President:
Given the immeasurable stress and strain placed on global health care systems and supply chains, I commend the Secretary-General for his continuous efforts to combat the pandemic.
Mr. President:
While we remain cautiously optimistic for a viable COVID-19 vaccine in the not too distant future, we note the collaborative efforts of the COVAX facility to secure arrangements for developing countries.
Developing countries should be able to access vaccines via a transparent procurement process at affordable market rates.
We salute the doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers and all on the frontline, who have sacrificed their own health in order to assist tens of millions of people around the world.
They are the real heroes, to whom the global community owes immense gratitude.
Mr. President:
As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, we should not allow the pandemic to dampen our spirits and detract from the commemoration of this august institution and its extensive list of achievements and milestones.
Multilateralism has been, and continues to be, the most effective conduit through which small island states can have their voices heard and their policy requirements advanced.
Mr. President:
Globally, we continue to see unprecedented climatic and environmental challenges. Worldwide, there has been a decline of 85 per cent of the area of viable wetlands.
Scientific reviews reveal that sixty per cent of the ocean area is impacted by adverse human activity including overfishing, pollution and acidification from chemicals.
The Bahamas continues to play its role in the preservation of a healthy marine and land environment which includes the expansion of marine protected areas and heritage sites.
We therefore welcome the scheduling of a Biodiversity Summit on 30 September.
We will continue to remain actively engaged in the negotiations towards an international treaty to sustainably use and conserve marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
In this context, I am pleased to inform that the Bahamas will seek to renew its membership on the Council of the International Maritime Organization, and we count on the invaluable support of member states for our re-election.
Mr. President:
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred the accelerated utilization of and access to information communication technology especially for young people and economically challenged communities.
This trend must continue in a post COVID-19 environment, as well as promotion of STEM careers for young people as education has the potential to act as the great equalizer.
Mr. President:
The Bahamas is carefully formulating the gradual re-opening of the country to visitors. We hope to welcome some tourists this year.
However, as we adjust to this new normal, we acknowledge that no country can survive this pandemic alone.
Mr. President:
We also take this occasion to reiterate our support for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.
Accordingly, The Bahamas will join the international community by voting in favor of the General Assembly’s annual resolution on this agenda item.
Mr. President:
Please be assured of The Bahamas’ unwavering commitment to the United Nations and our pledge to adhere always, to the UN Charter of principles on which the organization was founded.
I thank you.


His Excellency President of the UN General Assembly,
His Excellency UN Secretary General,
Distinguished Leaders of the Member Countries of the United Nations,
This year...marks the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations.
75 years ago.. .the UN was born so that a great war ... the Second World War ... will not happen again.
75 years ago ... the UN was also established to create a world that is more peaceful, stable, and prosperous.
Because war will benefit no one.
There is no point of celebrating victory among ruins.
There is no point of becoming the largest economic power in the midst of a sinking world.
Mr. President,
In this 75th anniversary of the UN ... We must ask ourselves ... have we succeeded in creating the world that we dreamed of?
I believe all of us will have the same answer ... not yet.. Conflicts are still happening all over the world.
Poverty and even hunger are still suffered by many.
The principles of the UN Charter and international law are often neglected... including the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
All of us are concerned with this situation ...
Our concern grew even deeper...in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
At a time when we ought to unite... and work together to tackle the pandemic.... what we see, instead, is one of deep division....and growing rivalries.
Whereas in fact...we must unite and always promote a win-win approach in building relations among state that is mutually beneficial.
We all understand the negative impacts of the pandemic are tremendous... both on health ... and the social economy.
We are also aware that... the virus knows no boundaries across nations...
No one is safe until everyone is...
If division and rivalries continue to persist... then I am concerned that the pillars of stability and sustainable peace will crumble... or even destroyed.
A world of peace...stable and prosperous becomes more and more difficult to attain.
Excellencies,
This year, Indonesia also celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence.
It has always been our commitment... Indonesia will continuously contribute to world peace...as mandated by our constitution.
Indonesia will continue to play a role as bridgebuilder... as part of the solution...
Consistently, this commitment is continuously upheld... including throughout Indonesia’s membership at the UN Security Council.
The spirit of cooperation will continue to be promoted by Indonesia ... the spirit which provides mutual benefits to all parties...and leave no country behind.
No one...no country should be left behind.
The respect for equality... was also emphasized by Indonesia’s founding father... Soekarno... Bung Karno during the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung in 1955... that gave birth to the Bandung Principles.
Until now...the Bandung Principles are still relevant... including in peaceful settlement of disputes... promotion of cooperation... and respect for international law.
Palestine becomes the only country... attending the Bandung Conference... that until present has not enjoyed its independence.
Indonesia consistently supports Palestine... to gain its rights.
In our region, along with other ASEAN member countries, Indonesia continues to maintain South East Asia... as a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
On its 53rd anniversary... on 8th of August 2020, ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to continue maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The same spirit of cooperation and peace was put forward by Indonesia to a wider region... the Indo-Pacific region...through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
Excellencies,
Against this current global situation...allow me to convey a few thoughts.
First... the UN should continue to improve itself... through reforms, revitalization...and efficiency.
The UN needs to prove that multilateralism delivers...especially during the time of crisis...
The UN needs to be more responsive and effective... in tackling global challenges.
And all of us bear the responsibility to further strengthen the UN...
So that the UN remains relevant and contributive... in keeping with the challenges of time.
The UN is not a mere building in the city of New York... rather it represents an ideal and shared commitment of all nations... to realize world peace and prosperity for our future generations.
Indonesia has an unwavering faith in the United Nations and multilateralism.
Multilateralism is the only way that could guarantee equality. 43. Second... collective global leadership has to be strengthened.
We are all aware...that when it comes to relations among countries... in international relations... every country always protects their national interests.
However, we must not forget ... that all of us have the responsibility to contribute... to be part of the solution...for peace, stability, and prosperity of the world..
This is where the UN should play a role... to strengthen collective global leadership.
The world needs the spirit of collaboration and a stronger global leadership... to create a better world.
Third, cooperation in tackling COVID-19 must be strengthened...in terms of the health aspects...as well as the socio economic effects...
Vaccine will be the game changer in the war against pandemic.
We need to work together to ensure... that all countries have equal access to a safe vaccine...with affordable price...
In the long term...the management of resilient global health system needs to be further improved.
The resilience of global health system.... which is based on the national health resilience...will determine the future of our world.
From the economic perspective.... revitalization of economic activities gradually needs to start .. .by tackling the limits of our global supply chain today.
Revitalization of the economy must prioritize the health of all citizens of the world...
A healthy world...A productive world...needs to be our priority.
All of these will only be achieved if all of us continue., to work together.. .work together.. .and work together.
Let us solidify our commitment and consistently carry out our commitment to work together.
That is all from me.
I thank you.


Thank you very much. It is a pleasure and an honour to share the Assembly Hall with all of you.
At no other time has Latin America seen more clearly that it must choose between the two roads that lie before it.
The two roads do not lead — as many intellectuals in the region have asserted — either towards the left or the right; statism or neo-liberalism; or socialism or capitalism.
The two roads, one of which we must choose, are simpler. One is the road of freedom and the other is the road of oppression.
In other words, we are once again faced with the dilemma that arises between the choices of democracy or dictatorship. In short, we are faced with the dilemma of modernity.
Did we create the State to oppress or to guarantee freedom? Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to choose.
Let us admit that, in general, Latin America has not overcome the threat of authoritarianism.
And let us concede that very important people in Latin American politics remain in the thrall of authoritarian temptation.
And, consequently, let us accept that many of our societies are at risk of surrendering to new forms of authoritarianism and oppression.
And what are these new forms of authoritarianism that threaten several of our nations?
They are simply the pursuits of caudillismo and authoritarian populism.
They encourage the appropriation and, if necessary, kidnapping of public life by a caudillo and his caste.
It is not matter of parties, the armed forces, unions or ideologies. In sum, it has nothing to do with any organization or institution conceiving of the common good.
It is about individual pursuits of power.
Those pursuits aspire to see the Caudillo and his caste gain complete control of the political sphere, culture, the economy and ultimately the freedom of the people.
They are founded on the idea of privilege. And, for that reason, run contrary to the idea of rights.
It is the system of the few. It is the system of castes. It is the system of the political elites. It is the system of the political clan.
In short, Latin America has before it the road offered up by caudillismo and authoritarian populism. But it also has another path, which is different and opposed to caudillismo and authoritarian populism, respects the people and is based on democracy. In effect, after having lived through the populist era, Latin America has the option of building political coexistence, based on the republican tradition — which is the tradition of freedom.
That is the road we are building in Bolivia. It is the road leading towards returning power to the people. It is the road leading towards validating the rule of law.
It is the road leading towards overcoming more than a decade of populist and authoritarian caudillismo. It is the road leading towards restoring the freedom of the citizens.
And it is precisely in order to build that road to freedom that we are supporting fair and transparent elections on 18 October.
And we are supporting them despite the fact that the proponents of caudillisto populism attempted to stop and sabotage them with brutal and violent actions a few weeks ago.
Those actions included blocking highways so that oxygen intended for patients who had fallen ill to COVID-19 would not get by. It was an extraordinarily inhuman and cruel way of sowing chaos and terror. Such actions led to death and damage, which under the eyes of the law can clearly be seen as crimes against humanity.
The Bolivian people, however, courageously and determinedly stopped the organized and systematic attempt to overthrow democracy and reinstall the dictatorship in Bolivia. We are a people who have decided to turn the page and leave behind the populist dictatorship.
We are a people who no longer want to see Governments building palaces or museums dedicated to the caudillo. We are a people who want democracy, health care, employment, education and opportunities.
And that is why the decision of the current Government to invest 10 per cent of the national budget in health care has been a very important step for Bolivia.
And that is also why the efforts we have made in health care have been very important in achieving in three months what had not been achieved for decades in our country. They involved thousands of health-care jobs and other initiatives to equip hospitals and treat free of charge thousands of citizens who contracted the coronavirus disease.
Similarly, in keeping with the purpose of establishing the Republic — the Government of the people, the Government under the law for all and the Government devoted to political freedom — we have established in Bolivia a support system for the people, which is unprecedented in our history.
The pandemic reminded us of the enormous importance of helping one another.
It reminded us of our Christian value to care for one another. And it reminded us of the ethics of mutual help as a path leading towards healthy coexistence among people who consider themselves to be brothers and sisters, free and equal.
The support and assistance system that we have established is based on the providing cash vouchers to the population — directly to all Bolivian families, with special emphasis on the people and families who are most in need.
Well then, in view of the two roads of freedom and oppression, which I took the liberty of expounding upon, it is a pleasure to say in the Assembly that Bolivia has chosen the road of freedom.
But I would be remiss if I did not conclude my statement without condemning before the world the systematic and abusive assault that the Kirchnerist Government is carrying out from Argentina against the institutions and republican values in Bolivia.
We have nothing against the noble Argentine people. Moreover, it is a nation that we esteem and love like a brother. We have nothing against Peronism, which we value as a political tradition — the national popular tradition — and has been the driving force behind enormous achievements in the social modernization of Argentina.
It is a tradition that we are familiar with in Bolivia where the 1952 Revolution, which exemplified the national popular tradition, set the stage for extraordinary progress with regard to equality and social justice.
Nor do we harbour any bitterness towards other Governments, such as the Government of Havana, with which we do not agree ideologically. But we maintain the due respect and courtesy that characterize the relations between two sovereign States and between two brotherly peoples, who share a common history.
But the case of the Argentine Government is different. It involves behaviour that I described earlier when I spoke of the populist castes, which do not hesitate to use frankly abusive methods to carry out their plans, obtain power and take stands that run contrary to promoting freedom.
What is the Argentine Government’s authority to make interference the key to its foreign policy towards Bolivia? And what is its authority to protect a violent conspiracy by Evo Morales against Bolivian democracy from Argentine soil?
And even worse, what is the authority of the Argentine Government to offer impunity to Evo Morales in cases as serious as the national and international investigations that are under way against this former dictator, for human rights violations, for sexual violations against girls or underage women, or for complicity in political murder?
Kirchnerist populism knows that the Bolivian nation is not the private property of any caste. We are a sovereign and respectable people.
Bolivia is respected. Bolivian democracy is respected. The Bolivian people respect themselves.
Nor can I fail to mention the maritime issue in this speech. I call on the international community in these new times to resolve through negotiation and fraternal understanding the critical and pending problems between States, such as the Bolivia’s lack of sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Bolivia has chosen freedom. She has chosen the republic. And no matter who your enemies are, the important thing is that democracy, freedom, institutions and republican values have come to stay in Bolivia.
We invite the world to look at our electoral process, which, unlike that promoted by Evo Morales last year, will be clean and free of fraud. We invite the world to look at our system of aid, bonds and solidarity, which has launched in Bolivia a historic stage of assistance to those who need it most.
We invite the world to visit us, because we are a people that, despite so many political, social, economic and health difficulties, now looks forward with courage, freedom and joy.
Thank you very much. God bless you.


Mr. President,
It is an honour to participate in the opening of this historic 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly. On behalf of the Republic of Nauru, I would like to congratulate Your Excellency on your recent assumption of the Presidency. Let me assure you of my delegation’s full cooperation and support as you steer our important work during this session.
I would also like to thank His Excellency Mr. Tijiani Muhammad-Bande for his exceptional leadership during this unprecedented time as our outgoing President.
Mr. President,
In light of the current global challenges that face the international community, it is more critical than ever to have a United Nations that is fit for purpose. Many countries were caught off guard when a tiny virus exposed systemic vulnerabilities in our global and national institutions on how we protect and care for our people. Your chosen theme for this session “The Future We Want, the United Nations We Need: Reaffirming our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism — Confronting COVID-19 Through Effective Multilateral Action,” is timely and appropriate.
For a country like Nauru, as one of the smallest UN member state and most vulnerable, we looked to the leadership of the World Health Organisation mandated to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
Before the outbreak of the pandemic, we heard cases of a new virus spreading across the globe and we waited in anticipation for the WHO’s guidance and assessment of the situation.
Following WHO’s declaration of the outbreak as a pandemic, Nauru responded immediately by declaring a State of National Disaster for the Management and Preparedness of COVID-19 in March of this year. This action enabled this government to address our national emergency responses to the pandemic. Our goal like many of yours, is to protect the people and citizens of Nauru.
We also recognised that WHO played a leading role in managing the Pacific region’s response which later led to the formation of the Pacific Humanitarian Pathway for COVID 19 (PHP-C). This new modality - developed for the purpose of consolidating donor funding into a regional mechanism proved onerous, confusing and thus ineffective. At the height of any crisis we should not alienate further the people we are supposed to help. We should not miss out simply because we did not do it right or because we lack the capacity to navigate our way through new modalities of operations.
While we recognise these are unprecedented times, we believe that the UN has the capability, the expertise and the know-how to deliver effectively in times of crises and taking into account the challenges faced by the smallest members.
Our experience is that access to, support and assistance in a timely manner, is critical to ensure the effectiveness of the PHP-C. We also found ourselves competing against each other for much needed resources and those of us who have had far greater experience in engaging with the United Nations system was better placed to access the support required.
Mr. President,
Fortunately, I am pleased to share that my small island country, Nauru remains free from COVID. For us this is truly a milestone achievement.
This government took steps to enact national laws to support new policies and measures to deal with the pandemic. We created a national COVID Taskforce to ensure that our responses are coordinated and coherent taking a whole-of-government approach working with the private sector, civil society and the community at large. We took measures to secure our borders by implementing travel restrictions with quarantine protocols while at the same time have an open and controlled border policy in place. We used the borders of other countries as our bulwark. This is our capture and contain policy.
Mr. President,
Why does this government place such importance on the effectiveness of our national and multilateral responses to the pandemic?
Allow me to put this into context. Nauru has a land area of 21 square kilometres and a circumference of 19 kilometres. The population is estimated roughly at 11,000 and the expected growth rate of 4.5 per cent, which by 2050 will make us 27,000 people.
Taking this into account Nauru has had a history of population decimation. In the 1920’s the population was ravaged by the influenza epidemic and again by the scourge of the Second World War. These external factors threatened the very survival of our people and nation with the population falling dangerously below 500. We struggled to bring the level up to 1,500 to gaining independence in 1968 and become a sovereign nation.
Our history therefore reminds us that an outbreak in one part of the world can produce a catastrophic and devastating effect on this tiny country. The lessons of the past cannot go unheeded.
Through the Grace of God — we remain COVID free today.
Mr. President,
Our experience has shown us that the World Health Organisation was slow in declaring the pandemic. This tells us there is much room for improvement. We must ensure that every country regardless of size is not left behind. We must do more.
At the regional level, Nauru is one of the 10 countries covered by the United Nations Multi-Country Office in Fiji and benefits the least. The pandemic exposed the weakness of the UN Development System and the disconnect between a coordinated regional response to meeting our national needs and priorities. The pandemic has also taught us the need to be better prepared next time. Greater investment needs to flow into our public health systems to build our capacity and capability for future pandemics.
Allow me to applaud the efforts of the Secretary-General in spearheading the reform of the United Nations development system to be more effective and fit for purpose, in particular, we look forward to the early establishment of a new multicountry office in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). We view this as a positive step that will enable a responsive, focused and targeted support coordinated between the North Pacific small island developing States (SIDS) and the United Nations.
Mr. President,
Despite the sometimes-dour commentary on the current state of multilateralism, I think it is important to acknowledge the strikingly prolific decade we have just concluded here at the United Nations. Our commitment to multilateralism has delivered historic agreements on sustainable development, climate change, disaster risk reduction, and development finance, just to name a few. This body of work, which reflects the views of every UN Member State — from largest to the smallest — has the potential to deliver a more resilient, more just, and more equitable world.
Your challenge, and ours, is to bring these agreements to fruition as a matter of urgency. This will be the test of multilateralism going forward — Let’s not fail this.
Mr President,
One of the core pillars of Nauru’s sustainable development strategy is economic sustainability, consistent with this objective this Government launched its Desperate Imagination Vision this year. The vision is one of innovative thinking towards a financially sustainable and resilient Nauru. We placed emphasis on boosting all partnerships and identified the need for strengthening these networks to help us realise our vision for a financially sustainable and stable future.
No longer can sustainability be brushed aside as an issue and that in the language of Nauru “will take care of itself” because alternate means to sustain the economy are now more important than ever. Sustainability of the nation must be front of mind now and always.
And in this regard, this country holds a dubious distinction as the only country denied access to concessional financial resources from the World Bank. Nauru is currently ineligible for International Development Assistance (IDA) grants and concessional loans, because our GNI per capita exceeds the current threshold for small island economies. We are also barred from receiving loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) because the World Bank has determined that our economy does not generate sufficient revenue to service new loans. Why are other countries given access to these financing tools and not Nauru?
Nauru may be an extreme case, but it is well in line with the experience of many developing countries which, despite the best of development plans, cannot access the financial resources to actually implement them. This state of affairs was shameful before the pandemic, but it is now a crisis in its own right. Years, perhaps decades of economic gains across the developing world could be at risk without a rapid response from the Bretton Woods Institutions to relieve countries of unsustainable debt burdens and provide fiscal resources for a robust economic recovery.
We need a global financial system that is more responsive to the urgent needs of developing countries, and I strongly urge you to take on this issue as part of your effort to reaffirm multilateralism.
Mr. President,
Many have compared the humanitarian impacts and economic disruption of COVID to what we might expect from climate change. Therefore, I think it is important that we recognize foresighted leaders on this issue. Today, I would like to specifically thank the Government of Germany for continuing to place the issue of climate change and security before the United Nations Security Council.
The most basic responsibility of any Government is to protect the safety and security of its citizens. Failure to do so risks social and political unrest. It is now uncontroversial that climate change will make it more difficult to fulfil this most basic responsibility of government by undermining food and water systems, increasing competition over declining natural resources, disrupting global supply chains, and displacing communities. Most of these challenges exceed the capacity of any one nation to address alone. Therefore, addressing the security implications of climate change requires a multilateral response.
We believe these functions are best taken up by a new Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Climate and Security.
However, we will only succeed in protecting the security of vulnerable countries and communities if our political system shows the courage to make the fundamental changes that the climate crisis requires.
We want a United Nations that addresses the climate crisis by taking urgent action, safeguard us from an economic regression and depression that will further exacerbate the existing inequalities among nations.
Mr. President,
Limited land space is an overarching challenge for us.
Nauru will need to accelerate efforts on the Higher Ground Initiative which is reclaiming the 80 per cent of mined-out land located at the central plateau of the island. Climate Change exposes environmental risks for coastal dwelling. We have begun preliminary scientific assessment on our physical environment to collect data that will contribute to informed decisions. We are still in the very infant stages and recognise this is only the beginning of a very long journey. Laying the right foundation is critical for future generation to continue the work we have started.
With innovative planning and the incorporation of sustainable best practices, we are confident that the Desperate Imagination Vision can bring about jobs, cultivate new business trade and investment opportunities, and also restore our natural environment. Combined with construction of the new, GCF-funded port facility, our new shipping line and our national carrier, Nauru can become a regional hub of commerce, including our aspiration for a regional health and sports tourism industry. This is our pathway to achieving our Sustainable Development Goals.
However, we cannot do this alone. And this is where our renewed commitment to multilateralism must focus — on mobilizing the means of implementation for those that need it.
Mr. President,
It would be remiss of me to not to recognise that Nauru is a big ocean state. We are highly dependent on marine resources for its sustenance and economic development.
UNCLOS as the constitution of all ocean activities had the foresight to provide opportunity for developing States like mine to participate in the new seafloor mineral industry and balance the historical disparities that exist between the North and South.
Specifically, I am speaking to the important work of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), as the international body tasked with organizing and controlling all mineral resource-related activities in international waters for the benefit of mankind as a whole, while ensuring the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep seabed related activities.
It gives us the confidence in the development of the new regulatory regime for the collection of seafloor minerals, the ISA will ensure that this new industry will be managed responsibly while providing benefits for all mankind. Moreover, this will help us achieve SDG Goall4, namely Targets 2 and 7, on the sustainable management and protection of marine ecosystems and increase economic benefits to SIDS, respectively.
I encourage ISA members to continue to work towards a timely development of the regulatory regime. I also commend ISA’s capacity-building development programme and in particular the Abyssal Initiative for the Pacific Sponsoring States.
Mr. President,
Our efforts in responding and containing the coronavirus would not have been possible without the valuable support rendered through our development partners and for this we are truly grateful to our genuine friends Australia, Taiwan, New Zealand, India, Japan and the United States.
We also ask our friends the United States to not forget the people of Cuba who are also struggling like us under this pandemic.
Mr. President,
Seventy-five years ago, the nations of the world came together to draft a charter that would stand the test of time. It was created on the principles of universality and equality, respecting the worth of every individual. It is not enough to proclaim the virtues of multilateralism if we fail to strengthen our commitment to upholding the core principles of the Charter.
We therefore call on the United Nations to fulfil our commitments to the human family and ensure that the 23.5 million people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) enjoy the same rights as the peoples of other nations. While the world grapples with the COVID pandemic, the people of Taiwan must not be left behind, nor should its exemplary response to the global pandemic be ignored. Taiwan is an important partner in the world’s response to this pandemic. More than ever today we need inclusivity and solidarity in responding to the global challenges we face.
Mr. President,
As we forge ahead in a future that is covered with COVID-19 and other things that we really do not know, ‘Let’s hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder as Scripture tells us, walk forward to meet the challenges of tomorrow’.
Thank you, Mr. President.
May God bless the Republic of Nauru and may God bless the United Nations.


Mr. President, I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Mr. Kais Saied, as His Excellency’s contribution to the general debate of the seventy-fifth session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In the name of God, most compassionate, most merciful,
Mr. President of the United Nations General Assembly,
Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Your Majesties and Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me pleasure to begin by congratulating Mr. Volkan Bozkir and the sisterly Republic of Turkey on presiding over the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session. I wish him every success in his tasks.
I would also like to express our great appreciation for Mr. Tijjani Muhammad- Bande for his able leadership of the seventy-fourth session.
I also reiterate my appreciation for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and express our continued support for his work and initiatives to strengthen the role of this international Organization.
This session coincides with the seventy-fifth anniversary of the creation of the United Nations. It is an opportunity to review the Organization’s work and explore the ways to develop it further so that its organs become more effective and flexible in order to meet the aspirations of the peoples of the world to peace, security, democracy and development, and to embody the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations.
This session also coincides with a very critical international situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has raised unprecedented challenges and has had serious repercussions on international peace and security and on the socioeconomic conditions around the globe. These challenges and threats highlight the urgent need to promote international cooperation and human solidarity while energizing multilateralism further. That would contain their effects, lead to establishing collective and proactive strategies and constitute the core of international action.
I reiterate on this occasion Tunisia’s commitment to the United Nations Charter. We believe in the importance of this international Organization and we are ready to maintain our contribution to its activities and the pursuit of its goals. As a member of the Security Council, Tunisia continues to shoulder its responsibilities and actively participate in our collective efforts to consolidate international peace and security; prioritize preventive diplomacy; promote political settlements of conflicts and disputes; mitigate the effects of humanitarian tragedies; and support international efforts to address the various challenges and threats posed to our peoples. Tunisia also renews its commitment to participating in peacekeeping operations around the world.
Resolving the Palestinian question based on the resolutions of international legitimacy, the terms of reference of the peace process and the Arab Peace Initiative is an urgent priority and main entry point to restoring regional and world peace and security.
The situation in our sister nation Libya is a source of deep concern. We again underscore that military action and foreign intervention cannot be a solution. Such choices further complicate the crisis, deepen the suffering of the Libyan people and threaten security and stability in Libya and the wider region.
Tunisia once more welcomes the ceasefire agreement in sisterly Libya and underscores its firm commitment to doing its utmost to assist our Libyan brothers in reaching a political settlement through inclusive Libyan dialogue, under United Nations auspices. We also call on the international community to uphold its responsibility to establish security and find sustained and comprehensive solutions for the various disputes and crises in our region and the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the crises on our African continent. Tunisia stresses its commitment to continuing to work with our African brothers and international partners to achieve sustainable and comprehensive development and overcome the challenges we face together. In this context, we reiterate our support for silencing the guns in Africa. This initiative is an ongoing effort that needs greater international support in order for the African continent to be free of conflict and to focus on construction and development.
Terrorism and violent extremism continue to represent one of the most serious threats to our nations and peoples and to international peace and security. The scourge is worsening and exploiting ongoing crises and the activities of organized crime in certain countries and regions. That threat now targets States themselves, social cohesion and their efforts for development and democracy.
While there has been important progress on the issue of counter-terrorism through national, regional and international efforts, the threat persists and requires us to coordinate our efforts at all levels. We must intensify cooperation to counter plans of terrorist organizations and extremists in order to protect our societies and our people, in particular the young.
May peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.


President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The United Nations was founded on hope — the hope for a better tomorrow in the aftermath of war. As we meet today, 75 years later, COVID-19 is putting us all to the test: Will we tackle the largest global challenge since the UN was established?
Building on the lessons from other crises and infectious diseases, Norway continues our unwavering commitment to the UN and multilateral solutions. In response to the pandemic, we took the initiative to establish a UN COVID-19 response and recovery fund, and we are co-chairing the global effort on access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines — the ACT Accelerator.
We stand firm in our conviction that global problems need global solutions.
President,
The goal of the UN is a world of peace and security. A world ruled by justice and respect for human rights. A world that acts decisively to reduce inequality, poverty and hunger. Acts to stem climate change. And acts to build resilience against pandemics and other global threats.
We celebrate 75 years of the United Nations. In the next seventy-five years, how many new conflicts will emerge? How many new refugees will flee from destruction and persecution? How many girls will attend school? How many children will be vaccinated?
Whatever old challenges remain and new challenges arise in the next 75 years, the UN must be at the centre of our coordinated efforts.
This is why we continue to invest both financially and politically in this organization.
I would like to pay tribute to the many deeply committed women and men who represent the United Nations across the globe. Civilian as well as uniformed. You deserve our gratitude and respect.
President,
In June, Norway was elected as one of five incoming members of the UN Security Council. We are grateful for the strong vote of confidence from the Member States. We are preparing for this assignment fully aware that it is one of the most important and demanding tasks in international politics.
Throughout our campaign, we strengthened bilateral bonds with all UN Member States. We pledged to listen and engage. To be open for dialogue with all countries. We will honour that commitment.
In addressing country situations on the Security Council’s agenda, Norway will focus on four thematic areas in particular.
First, we will use our experience from peace diplomacy to help fulfil the UN’s untapped potential to prevent and resolve conflicts and sustain peace.
Second, we will build on the women, peace and security agenda and promote women’s participation in peace processes. Only an inclusive process can lead to sustainable peace for all.
Third, Norway will focus on the protection of civilians, including children, based on international humanitarian and human rights law. We will give special priority to preventing and combating sexual violence in conflict.
Fourth, Norway will bring climate-related security threats into the discussion. We must acknowledge that people living in conflict zones are among the most vulnerable to climate change, and that climate change in turn increases the risk of conflict.
The Security Council has a primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The Council should investigate any dispute or situation that might lead to international friction. And the Council should apply appropriate measures to stop aggression or prevent escalation of conflict.
This is at the heart of the Security Council, and at the heart of the UN. Because there can be no development without peace.
President,
Human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles are the building blocks of just, peaceful and prosperous societies. Societies where citizens are protected and leaders are held accountable.
Today, we are witnessing a different trend towards more authoritarianism and populism. Civil society, human rights defenders and media workers are increasingly coming under attack. The basic human rights of women are being undermined. Minorities are being targeted and vilified.
The pandemic is amplifying this negative trend. We have seen examples of the pandemic being used as a pretext to weaken democratic principles and human rights.
The pandemic is an exam in practical governance for all states. The report card will be open for the world to see.
We must ensure that human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and gender equality are at the core of our response and recovery efforts.
Only then can we hope not only to soften the fall, but to build back better.
President,
I am shocked and saddened by the increase in violence against women and girls as a result of ongoing lockdowns across the world.
Women are bearing the brunt of the pandemic in many societies. Women are on the front line as health care workers. At the same time, women’s own access to health care is heavily affected. Denying women access to sexual and reproductive health services can lead to more maternal deaths, more teenage pregnancies and more child marriages. We must ensure that women and girls are protected. That they have access to health care. And that women have access to financial incentives for response and recovery.
Norway has a long tradition of promoting women’s rights and gender equality. We know from our own experience that it is not just the right thing to do — it is the smart thing to do. Gender equality is well worth the investments. If we are to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, gender equality must be integrated in all our efforts. We must invest in girls and women. In their education, in their health, and in their participation in the labour market. Increasing their opportunities and levelling the playing field pays great economic dividends.
President,
Eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our plan of action for people, for the planet and for prosperity.
There is a danger that this pandemic may reverse years of progress on the SDGs. It has laid bare the weaknesses in our common systems. Extreme poverty is increasing, jobs are being lost at an unprecedented scale, and children are being deprived of their education. We have no alternative but to take decisive action now, and redouble our efforts to reach the sustainable development goals.
In our continued quest to achieve these goals, national ownership and resource mobilization is crucial.
Progress requires financing. We acknowledged this in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development. Funding sustainable development is more critical now than ever. The pandemic has exposed and compounded structural inequalities in all countries. Our response must focus on helping those furthest behind. The Addis Agenda highlights the importance of domestic resource mobilization in order to provide basic public goods and services.
Yet public goods and services, such as health care and education, remain underfunded. We need to stop the drain on public resources. We must prevent corruption, tax evasion and other financial crime.
To this end, Norway in its capacity as ECOSOC President launched a High- Level Panel on Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity — the FACTI panel — together with the President of the 74th General Assembly. The Panel will review current challenges and offer recommendations related to illicit financial flows.
It is a common responsibility of all Member States to make sure there are no safe havens for the proceeds of crime, corruption or tax evasion.
President,
We need a healthy planet to fulfil the SDGs.
Many Member States are facing climate related disasters — more frequent and more dangerous than ever before. The most vulnerable among us are hardest hit. The threat to small island states is existential. The people in the Sahel are among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Yet they are among the world’s lowest emitters of CO2. It is our common obligation to invest in resilience, especially in the parts of the world most adversely affected by climate change.
2020 remains the crucial year for countries to update and strengthen their national climate targets under the Paris Agreement. In February, Norway submitted an enhanced climate target for 2030. I encourage other countries to enhance their ambitions, especially the large economies. We must also give priority to further development of rules and cooperation under the Paris Agreement.
Norway is actively speeding up the green shift in our economy, making it cheaper to be green, and more expensive to pollute.
President,
The oceans are a vital factor if we are to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. The COVID-19 crisis has underlined the importance of the ocean economy. We need to build back not only better and greener, but also bluer.
A sustainable ocean economy holds benefits for health and society, as well as for the global economy and environment. Every dollar invested in key ocean actions yields 5 dollars in return, often more. Actions include increasing sustainable seafood production, decarbonising international shipping, scaling up offshore wind power and conserving and restoring mangroves.
Responsible resource management increases the potential for economic growth.
Two years ago, I convened the High-level Panel on Building a Sustainable Ocean Economy, together with the president of Palau.
The panel is comprised of fourteen distinguished members. On December 3rd we will present ways forward to better protect our ocean and release the enormous economic potential it holds.
Our recommendations are based on the best advice from more than 150 international scientists and a wide network of business and NGOs. We will invite the international community to join this call for ocean action leading up to the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon next year.
President,
I would like to draw attention to the challenges seafarers are facing in this crisis. Around 500,000 seafarers currently await to disembark or embark ships and vessels globally.
Almost 80 per cent of the world’s trade is transported by ship, including food, medical equipment and energy products. If the crisis persists, it can lead to major disruption of global trade, supply chains and the world economy. I encourage all Member States to designate seafarers as key workers and to implement the International Maritime Organisation's protocols for crew changes.
President,
COVID-19 is putting us all to the test. Information, research, treatment and vaccines must be shared in a way that leaves no-one behind. If not, we all stand to lose.
I started by saying that the United Nations was born out of hope. While we can always do better, I find hope in the way we have come together in this race against time. We are united against a common enemy. We have been reminded of a simple fact: We are in this together. There is no stronger argument for our continued support for the United Nations.
Thank you, and stay safe.


Mr. President
Mr. Secretary General
Excellencies
Distinguished Delegates
I would like to present warm greetings of His Majesty The King, Her Majesty The Queen and the people of Bhutan, from the land of Gross National Happiness.
To begin with, we express our solidarity with the international community as we cope with COVID-19. We offer prayers for lives lost to the pandemic and we wish strength to their loved ones.
Mr. President, I would like to congratulate you on your election as the President of the 75th Session of the General Assembly. I assure you my delegation’s full support in the discharge of your important responsibilities. I also commend your predecessor’s exemplary leadership in steering the 74th Session of the General Assembly.
COVID-19 and Bhutan’s unique story
Like never before, at least in our lifetime, we are witnessing a pandemic that has heavy bearings on our lives and livelihoods.
But, it is comforting that the UNGA is happening around this time. It provides us a platform to share and learn from each other in these extraordinary times. And I know all nations represented here are always ready to lend their ears on matters of global concern.
We are tackling COVID-19 as a single global community. We came this far sharing knowledge, information, experiences and evidences on the disease. I thank you all for the support. Bhutan has learned a lot in this exercise.
And today, I seek your attention as I share the COVID-19 story of our small Himalayan Kingdom. This story revolves around a compassionate, wise and an astute 21st century King. A King we view with divine reverence and yet is so learned about every modern detail.
His Majesty The King has always been the symbol that held Bhutan together in its purpose and pursuits. It was always his Royal priority to protect the people of Bhutan at all times.
And in this pandemic, our King spearheads the battle to guard the country from the virus, making sure all Bhutanese, home and abroad, are safe and their spirits uplifted.
And then, we have Her Majesty The Queen, so passionately complementing all of His Majesty’s efforts.
Under direct supervision of our King, we have meticulous surveillance systems in place. Which includes close monitoring of our international entry points and timely institution of 21 days quarantine, which is mandatory for everyone entering Bhutan and fully sponsored by the government. Reliable and free testing facilities are also set up across the country.
We have a professional health minister leading the team to execute every detail of the royal guidance. All these are being ensured without any compromise on routine health services like vaccination, MCH and NCD packages. And as I share this with much sense of achievement on this forum. I cannot help but thank all our frontline workers.
Reciprocating the royal initiatives, all Bhutanese have gladly embraced the new practices of wearing face masks, maintaining physical distance, hand washing and avoiding unnecessary crowding to complement the efforts of the government. I am very grateful to the Bhutanese people for their support.
It is through this act of unity that we managed to keep the number of cases low. As of today, we recorded 261 positive cases, of which 192 have recovered. Mortality from COVID-19 remains zero.
On all occasions, His Majesty expresses appreciation to the people for their hard work and solidarity. And in turn, people have their hearts filled with gratitude and devotion for our King. This unconditional unity under His Majesty’s leadership is the most distinct winning factor in our fight against COVID-19.
COVID-19 and GNH
For anything to thrive, we need a fertile ground. For Bhutan, to display innate qualities of harmony, we have the ambience of Gross National Happiness. It builds around the intrinsic values of interdependence, humanity and compassion.
As a key component of GNH, our visionary monarchs emphasised on protection and preservation of our environment. We have the Constitutional mandate to ensure 60 percent forest cover at all times and to maintain ‘inter-generational equity’ of our natural resources.
So today, when the world is dealing with issues of climate change, we are grateful for the wise decisions that kept Bhutan carbon negative.
Similarly, our Constitution mandates free healthcare and education for all Bhutanese. Our monarchs have always insisted on strengthening the social sector saying it is an investment not an expenditure.
Despite being a resource constrained country, access to these sectors is not an issue for the Bhutanese people. Which is why our existing public healthcare system needed only minimum adjustment to cope with the pandemic.
I personally feel this pandemic brought out the very essence of GNH, which seeks wellbeing of the people, not just of oneself but everyone around us. This disease, being highly contagious, requires us to act responsibly, so that our actions don’t compromise the safety of those who are more vulnerable.
Understanding the pathophysiology of COVID-19, as a medical person, I am convinced that until we have effective vaccine the combination of professionally designed and well implemented physical distancing (which in extreme sense is called lockdown), and easily accessible and reliable testing is the best approach.
Our lockdown template elaborates three phases that adds up to three weeks, followed by 10 days of gradual unlocking phases. Bhutan experienced our first lockdown last month. To break the chain of transmission, people cooperated by staying home all through, allowing front-liners to do their jobs day in and out. (COVID-19 and social, economic interventions)
Even before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, His Majesty expressed concerns that Bhutan will not be spared by this outbreak. He reminded us that if we are not strategic, the health crisis could easily lead to economic problems and subsequently to social crisis.
Which is why, all interventions to look after the livelihood of the people , are designed within the magnanimity of our King. The conventional fiscal and monetary measures attend to the affected entities and individuals. Special teams are formed to look after both informal and formal sectors.
However, His Majesty’s biggest concern is for those who could fall into the cracks within the system, which happens particularly in times of crisis. Thus, the King’s Relief Fund ensures no one is left behind.
The royal intervention goes to the extent of taking care of the interest payment on all loans of the citizens for a year. A special package is designed for the elderly and people with co-morbid medical conditions. Besides other social supports, essentials are delivered at their doorsteps. This unique feature is designed particularly to protect the most vulnerable group.
His Majesty has always commanded that we should not lose even a single person to the disease. Hopefully, with all these interventions, we will be able to live up to our King’s expectations.
75th Anniversary of the UN
We all know UN has come a long way and achieved major milestones. When the UN celebrated the 25th anniversary, it was on the theme of Peace, Justice and Progress. Despite challenges, we have seen so much improvement in these areas.
Twenty-five years later, on its 50th anniversary, it committed to the theme of poverty eradication. Had it not been for the pandemic, we were well on track.
And the theme for the 75th anniversary on “multilateralism” cannot be more relevant. Like climate change, COVID-19 also knows no borders, and similarly affects developing countries disproportionately.
We do not know what is coming next. We also do not know when SARS- CoV-3 will hit us. In that sense, are we not interconnected? Is there a second option to multilateralism? These are questions we must keep asking ourselves frequently peaceful coexistence among ourselves and with the nature around us is the best vaccine for humanity to thrive on this planet.
In this small, intricate world, while fighting a highly infectious disease, it will be a big blunder if we do not help the developing world to have access to all the critical resources including vaccine when it actually becomes available.
I emphasize on the global message of no one being safe until all of us are safe. This is so true that for a highly contagious disease, you can never be safe until everyone else is safe.
2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Now let me touch a bit on the SDGs, the universal goals for our sustainable future.
For us, the SDGs resonate well with our developmental plans based on the principles of GNH. For the same reason, Bhutan was on track to become an early achiever of the SDGs, as shown by the voluntary review in 2018.
But these were the goals set before the pandemic. Our planning commission is closely studying the impact of COVID-19 on our developmental plans. Even otherwise, trends around the world and back home offer evidence enough that we will now be falling short of the targets.
All 17 SDGs are interconnected, and not a single sector will be spared by the consequences of this pandemic. Most obvious ones are the goals on health, education and our economy.
If individuals or agencies or even governments are re-aligning with the realities of COVID-19, shouldn’t we revisit SDGs too? I feel it is time to field a special team to work on a new framework of SDGs, which should encapsulate all elements that will help us walk the path of new normal with more prudence.
LDC graduation
Just as we see the need to review the whole SDGs, this pandemic has also derailed us off the LDC graduation track. Our current plan was designed to help Bhutan graduate from LDC category in 2023. Now everything has changed, as our focus has shifted to saving lives and livelihoods from the challenges posed by this pandemic.
We know millions are pushed back into poverty, and more lost their jobs. We would have gone back by decades. Bringing our developmental achievements back on track will not be easy. And for some developing countries, it will be almost irreversible.
Therefore, I would like to request the UN to reset this global developmental path and help us regain our grip for smooth transition from the LDC category.
UN Reform and Peacekeeping
Mr. President, at a time when the relevance of multilateralism is often questioned, Bhutan’s faith in the Organisation remains unwavering and firm. The challenges we face as a global community are numerous and multifaceted for individual states to tackle on its own. From our perspective, there is no alternative but to work together.
At the same time, the UN must also evolve and match the changing realities. In particular, the existing structure and composition of the UN Security Council do not reflect the current realities and circumstances of the world.
Bhutan has also long supported the aspirations of the G4 to serve as Permanent Members to an expanded Security Council, of course, with Africa also appropriately represented.
As a peaceful country, we have enjoyed the benefits of the UN membership for almost five decades. We joined the fraternity of troop and police-contributing countries in the year 2014. Since then, our engagements in peacekeeping operations have gradually increased. We stand ready to be deployed at all times. (Conclusion)
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, with health and education being the priority of this government, may I remind you that last year I shared with you all, the gratifying news of making our teachers the highest paid civil servants in my country.
With such historic initiatives, my government was excited to redefine our education system that was not just about school enrollment and conventional teaching. We were going all out to engage our children in learning process that is meaningful, and built around relevant skills and innovation.
But it is disappointing when we have to opt for online and distant learning due to circumstances. This robs our young minds of opportunities to play and eat together with peers and teachers on the same campus.
In the process, they are deprived of all the values of human connection, which we all know, have huge psycho-social impact. We may not realize it today but will have to bear the brunt down the line. It could impact an entire generation of our children if we are not mindful of that today.
The COVID-19 has revealed a stark fact that our investments in these social sectors are far and lacking. No one can be sure when SARS-CoV-3 might trigger another pandemic.
Therefore, we must redesign our developmental path and double up our investment in these social sectors. Going forward, relevantly educated and healthy global citizens will have to be at the heart of the new normal.
If we all are convinced that spending more on health and education is an investment and not an expenditure, if we live by this commitment it would be a different ball game hereafter.
That way, when we celebrate UN’s next milestone, the 100th anniversary, we would have achieved 100 per cent literacy rate, which empowers everyone with relevant skills and knowledge for a meaningful life.
This would also enable everyone to be 100 per cent digitally competent to help them derive advantages of technology from all corners of the world.
And as a medical practitioner, it would be wish fulfilling if our health system improves so much that our life expectancy touches 100 years when UN turns a century in 2045.
Finally, in wishing the 75th session of the UNGA every success, we send prayers for good health and happiness of every living being on this planet.
Thank you and Tashi Delekl


Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Distinguished delegates,
Let me begin by warmly congratulating His Excellency Ambassador Volkan Bozkir of Turkey, on his election to the prestigious post of General Assembly President.
Mr. President, Albania is honoured to serve, under your leadership, as Vice- President of the 75th session of the General Assembly, representing the Eastern European Group.
You can fully count on our committed support and partnership, throughout this historic session.
Mr. President,
During the 75 years of existence of the United Nations, we have had plenty of reasons to be proud of. As a result of global cooperation in the framework of the UN, we have managed to prevent major military conflagrations and reduce human suffering.
The 75th anniversary of the United Nations is a historic milestone and should serve as a time of reflection on how to strengthen the UN and make it more effective in addressing the global and unprecedented challenges that our societies are facing.
Mr. President,
The COVID-19 pandemic has plunged the world into a deep health and economic crisis. Its socio-economic consequences will certainly play out for many years to come, with unpredictable consequences for global peace and security.
The current crisis threatens to slow down and even reverse the progress on the new Sustainable Development Goals.
Food security, poverty eradication, economic development, climate change and gender equality are at stake, exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities and inequalities within and among countries.
How we respond will determine how fast the world recovers, and will shape our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and manage other global challenges.
The global response to the coronavirus pandemic has tested multilateralism and exposed the limitations of existing international institutions. But it has also demonstrated the alarming consequences of faltering global cooperation.
The pandemic has shed a new light on humanity’s need for a strengthened multilateral system, based on the principles and ideals enshrined in the UN Charter and the international law.
The United Nations should be at the centre of an inclusive and effective multilateralism, where international organizations, financial institutions, civil society, the business community, and other stakeholders, operate through closer institutional links.
In this regard, we strongly support the vision and the ambitious reform agenda of the UN Secretary-General. Albania is convinced that a reformed United Nations will deliver a more integrated and system-wide approach to achieve the 2030 Agenda and make sure no one is left behind.
Distinguished delegates,
At this critical moment, we must respond to the fears and hopes of the people we serve.
In order to flatten the curve of the pandemic and prevent a global economic crisis, we must react collectively, in the spirit of unity and solidarity.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the United Nations for mobilizing support in terms of personal protective equipment and other medical supplies to more than 130 countries, as well as to ongoing efforts to accelerate research and development for a vaccine, which should be affordable and accessible to all the people across the globe.
Mr. President,
2019 was a difficult year for Albania. We were struck by two powerful earthquakes, which left more than 50 people dead and a billion of US dollars in damages.
We are grateful to those friendly nations who helped us in our time of need, and provided financial and in-kind support to our ongoing reconstruction efforts.
We are also grateful of the support that we have received from the United Nations, that proved to be a true partner.
Its agencies were engaged from day one. Rescue and relief experts were deployed immediately, supporting our national authorities alongside partners from Europe and elsewhere.
And then COVID-19 hit. The World Health Organization has accompanied our response every step of the way. Jointly, the UN has also prepared a socio-economic response plan to ensure coordinated action across the UN, and efficient support to the national response.
Albania is working hard to achieve the United Nations global goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent in the next decade, and to net zero emissions by 2050, in accordance with Paris Agreement.
In addition, we have adopted the Strategy on Climate Change and the Mitigation Action Plan of greenhouse gas emissions.
As Albania strives to make full use of its economic potential, we have aligned our national priorities and objectives to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the National Strategy for Development and Integration.
Very important objectives of this Strategy are the protection of Roma and Egyptians communities, persons with disabilities, and other potentially vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Progress has also been made in terms of gender equality, with the number of women working in state institutions and public administration growing by the day.
Mr. President,
We need to pay special attention to the needs of the most vulnerable groups, especially to those of young people. The economic effects resulting from the pandemic will lead to increased numbers of unemployed young people, prompting them to flee their country of origin.
This is undoubtedly a global threat, affecting especially those countries with fragile economies.
Distinguished delegates,
Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship 2020 is a tangible demonstration of our steadfast commitment to promote international peace and security through dialogue and multilateral co-operation, at a time of raising tensions and polarisation.
In its capacity as Chair of the OSCE, Albania has strongly supported the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for a global ceasefire.
In order to continue to actively participate in creating stability and security, Albania has presented its candidature for election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, for the mandate 2022-2023.
Albania firmly believes that multilateralism is key in tackling global challenges. We will offer a proactive contribution to international peace and security through our own regional experience, as a key factor for peace, stability, and security.
We will take an active, constructive, and mature approach and we will act with responsibility to strengthen multilateralism through partnerships and cooperation.
I seize this opportunity to call on all the esteemed nations of the General Assembly to support Albania’s Security Council bid for 2022-2023.
Mr. President,
In today’s complex and interconnected world, modest countries like Albania may not be expected to compete with their economies and material assets.
They can, nonetheless, contribute in enriching the world with what they have most precious: identity, history, culture, traditions and values.
One of the traditions that we value and cherish the most it’s the unique interreligious harmony that reigns in Albania.
Although Albanians traditionally belong to different religious — they have peacefully lived side by side, since times immemorial. When Pope Francis visited Albania in 2014, he spoke of “religious fraternity”.
Last year, we organized in Albania a regional conference, “Religion as an Instrument for Peace”, in collaboration with the US State Department, with the aim to advance religion freedom as a fundamental human rights issue.
This precious heritage of interreligious and cultural tolerance defines who we are as a nation. The exceptional story of how Albanians risked their lives to protect and rescue the Jews during the Holocaust is a remarkable expression of our spirit of tolerance, compassion and respect towards our fellow human beings.
Albania is proud to offer the world a message of co existence and dialogue between religions.
It’s a message that can serve as a powerful antidote against rising intolerance and violent extremism that undermine peace and security.
Distinguished delegates,
European Union accession continues to be Albania’s most important strategic objective.
Earlier this year we welcomed EU Council political decision to open accession talks with Albania.
We are fully aware that we need to fulfill the pending benchmarks before the first intergovernmental conference.
This process requires a concert of efforts at national level, with a determined government leadership heading the way towards genuine and sustainable reforms.
Renewed commitment is expected to deliver concrete results in key benchmarks related to democratic functioning and rule of law, which will have to reflect crossparty political consensus and serve to the overall stability of the country.
We have expressed our sincere gratitude to European institutions and member states for their assistance in recovering from the earthquake that struck us and the COVID-19 pandemic repercussions.
Albania continues to fully align itself with EU foreign policy in the region, taking pride of our firm European and Euro-Atlantic alliance of shared values.
Mr. President,
Albania is aware of its obligations as a responsible member of the international community.
In its ongoing efforts to build peace and security, Albania has contributed with troops, under the umbrella of UN, EU and NATO, in different peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, Kosova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mali and Afghanistan.
Our primary goal and interest are to ensure lasting peace and stability in our region, the Western Balkans.
Our region has had a tragic history of dictatorships, oppression and military conflicts. Despite the difficult legacy that still haunts the region, significant progress has been made over the past two decades, largely thanks to the cycle of reforms triggered by the ongoing NATO and European Union enlargement processes.
We encourage and welcome the fact that the Albanian factor continues to support the European and Euro Atlantic course throughout the region, strengthening at the same time regional cooperation and ownership of ambitious projects.
We welcome the agreement on economic normalization between Kosova and Serbia, brokered and guaranteed by the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
We remain hopeful that this agreement will inject new dynamism in the relations between Kosova and Serbia.
Both countries should seize this opportunity to conclude a final and legally binding agreement of mutual recognition and full normalization of their relations, with the mediation of the European Union.
Albania strongly believes that the Republic of Kosova is an exporter of security and stability in the Balkans.
Kosova has established a solid constitutional and legal framework that provide for unprecedented protection of the rights of minorities and their cultural heritage. This is fully in line and often exceeds the relevant European acquis in terms of human rights protection.
Kosova is today a member of many international organizations and regional initiatives.
The membership of Kosova to all the international organizations, United Nations included, would not only benefit Kosova, but also the whole international community.
In concluding Mr. President, I would like to reaffirm once again Albania’s committed support to a reformed and reinvigorated rule-based order, with the United Nations at its centre. We, Member States, must do our part in upholding and strengthening the multilateral system in order to benefit from it.
Thank you for your kind attention!