Mr. President Excellencies the Heads of State and Government, Mr. Secretary General,
Distinguished delegates:
I extend warm greetings to you all from Nepal, the land of Gautam Buddha and Sagarmatha, also known as the Mount Everest.
I join with other leaders in expressing our profound grief and agony on the loss of lives around the world due to COVID-19, including in my own country.
I congratulate you, Mr. President, and other members of the Bureau on your election and assure you of Nepal’s full support.
The outgoing President deserves our appreciation for successfully steering the 74th Session of the Assembly.
We commend the Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his tireless efforts to enable the UN deliver at this difficult time.
Mr. President,
We are passing through an extraordinary time. The COVID-19 pandemic is confronting us as a crisis of epic proportion.
Be it the magnitude of public health crisis, impact on livelihoods and societies or global economic recession, the fallouts of the pandemic have been colossal.
We support the efforts of the United Nations, World Health Organization and the World Bank Group in leading the global response to the pandemic. In particular, we commend the UN Secretary General for launching the Comprehensive Response to COVID-19.
What matters most in the ongoing health crisis is an easy, smooth and affordable access by all to anti-COVID vaccines after they are developed; sharing of knowledge and experiences; and provision of timely supply of medical equipment and medicines.
Protecting lives of the people both from disease and hunger is the supreme duty of the Governments. While we have deployed all our efforts and resources to that end, international solidarity becomes equally important.
It is worrisome that the crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of an already uncertain international order.
Geopolitical tensions are resurfacing. Peace and stability still remain an unfulfilled aspiration in many parts of the world.
Challenges such as arms race, climate change, and disasters impede the prospects of peace and sustainable development.
The invisible virus has only made the severity of these maladies visible. This has further aggravated the trade tensions, global inequality, financial uncertainty, and debt crisis.
Multilateral cooperation has been an obvious casualty in the face of unilateral tendencies and protectionist policies.
The theme of ‘the future we want, and the UN we need’ resonates very well with the present situation.
It is unthinkable to talk about degrading the value of multilateralism at a time when its relevancy becomes more pronounced than ever. Larger global good, not the parochial national interest, should underpin multilateralism and the rules-based order.
This historic 75th anniversary of the United Nations is a time to muster stronger political will for an enhanced international cooperation and solidarity and envision a future that is safer, more equitable and just.
Only a collaborative, democratic, science-based and coordinated global partnership will help us face the difficult months and years ahead.
Mr. President,
As we embark on the decade of action and delivery to implement the Agenda 2030, the current crisis has pushed us to the brink of losing the gains made in achieving the SDGs.
The countries like LDCs, LLDCs and SIDs are facing limitation of resources, social protection, and requisite health infrastructures. The distress has been further compounded by the halt in tourism, remittances and disruptions on supply chains and trade.
Poverty is increasing, mostly in developing countries, for the first time in the last twenty years.
The current crisis threatens hard-earned achievements in key areas, pushing our plan to graduate from the LDC status in peril.
In order to prevent inequalities from deepening, timely realization of SDGs should be the fulcrum of our actions, compass of our aspiration, and the signpost of our recovery efforts.
We must reach to those who are at the bottom.
Excellencies
The Secretary-General’s opening statement rightly highlights the current challenges facing the world and provides a way-forward.
Nepal is deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situations in Libya, Syria and Yemen.
Protracted conflicts inflict painful miseries to the innocent civilians.
Nepal calls for peaceful resolution of all such conflicts, led and owned by the people of the respective countries.
We would like to see peace and stability in the Middle East with a twostate solution for Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security with secure and recognized international borders based on relevant United Nations resolutions.
Effective and sustainable peacebuilding efforts must ensure inclusive national leadership and ownership.
As a major troop and police-contributing country and a member of the Peacebuilding Commission, Nepal has unfailingly responded to the UN’s call for deployment without any caveat.
With over six-decades of partnership in UN peace operations, Nepal’s commitment to international peace and stability is stronger than ever. We consider the troops and police-contributing countries should have greater share of decisionmaking positions both in headquarters and in the field missions.
The safety, security and dignity of peacekeepers are vitally important as we increasingly engage in complex multi-dimensional peace operations.
Predictable, adequate and sustained resources are equally fundamental for the success of peace operations.
The global community needs to unite against the transnational problems such as terrorism, organized crime, illicit financial flows, human and drug trafficking.
Nepal condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; or other activities inflicting pain and suffering to the innocent people.
We call for an early conclusion of a comprehensive convention against terrorism.
Mr. President,
In 2019, the world military expenditure amounted to $1.9 trillion.
Even a fraction of those resources could bring respite to the millions of people suffering from poverty, hunger, and deprivation.
The arms race, weaponization of outer space, and cyber warfare inflict a huge cost on humanity.
We all know what is more important at present — nuclear weapons or accessible vaccine against COVID-19!
The world needs more masks, not muskets; more protective equipment, not destructive weapons; and more social spending to save lives, not military spending to destroy lives.
Even when disarmament related processes including the NPT Review Conference are postponed due to the pandemic, the concerned parties must continue to fulfill their treaty obligations to make the world safer.
We reiterate our call for a general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction.
Regional approaches to disarmament complement the global initiatives. As the host country to the UN Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, we underline the need to strengthen such regional approaches including the ‘Kathmandu Process’.
Mr. President,
Climate crisis continues to pose an existential threat. The silence of the large emitters should not lead to the failure of responsibilities.
Nepal has dedicated more than 60 percent of its territory to the service of ecosystem. Our forests and mountains work as environmental purifiers.
Our mountains contribute to the climate and ecosystem of oceans through hundreds of snow-fed rivers streaming down to the oceans. Nepal’s Himalayas function as natural climate stabilizer. They contribute to maintain natural cooling system as they lie in the hottest zone of the planet between the tropic of Cancer and Capricorn. Apart from this, they contribute to the natural recharge system ensuring continuous supply of fresh water essential for living beings.
There is an organic link between mountains and oceans in maintaining the natural climate cycle. In this sense, Nepal’s mountains are not only our assets, but they are of global significance in view of their vital contribution to the maintenance of health of the planet.
Our economic activities and mode of power generation are the most climate friendly. It is an unpleasant irony that we substantially contribute to sustaining ecosystem and emit negligibly, yet we bear the severest brunt of climate change.
Global warming has eroded the health of our high mountains and ecosystems. Global pollution and climate change have contributed to the fast melting of ice which must be a matter of serious concern for all of us. This may lead to the outburst of glacial lakes resulting in huge loss of lives and properties downstream.
We call for full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, robust climate action and easy access to climate financing.
We are concerned about the deteriorating health of overall ocean ecosystem due to the excessive human activities. We must preserve the common heritage of mankind. Prudent behaviour on the part of all stakeholders, specially the coastal states is critically important to maintain ocean ecosystem.
Nepal appreciates the progress achieved so far in the BBNJ process and looks forward to its successful conclusion.
Excellencies,
Global trading system has been pushed into peril. Reform of WTO has become urgent to ensure level playing field and rebuild trust.
The WTO should launch a renewed and revitalized global trading framework that enables the LDCs and LLDCs benefit equitably.
Aid for Trade has to be channeled for export competitiveness and resilience.
Progress in technology has been a major drive for development and change. Addressing digital divide and capacity constraints of LDCs is crucial for realizing a fair share of benefits of e-commerce and technology dividend. They must have an easy and affordable access to technology.
Mr. President,
Nepal’s commitment to human rights is total and unwavering.
Nepal’s democratic constitution guarantees the universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms and other principles such as multiparty democratic polity, pluralism, independent judiciary, separation of power, rule of law, proportional representation, periodic elections and social and economic justice.
Nepal does not condone impunity in serious violations of human rights. We are fully committed to concluding the ongoing transitional justice process in line with our commitment. Concerns of the victims will be addressed.
The year 2020 also marks the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. While we have made significant strides in ensuring rights and empowerment of women; we are also committed to address the gaps and challenges.
Currently, as a member of the Human Rights Council, Nepal continues to contribute constructively to promote human rights with an objective approach in a holistic manner.
With a view to contributing further, Nepal has presented its candidature for the re-election to the Human Rights Council for the term of 2021-2023. We count on the valuable support of all UN member States to our candidature.
Nepal attaches high priority to the safety, security and well-being of the migrant workers. Providing adequate safeguard from exclusion, xenophobia and discrimination against migrant workers must be a common agenda of all at this difficult time.
Wider ownership and implementation of Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is essential to make migration work for all.
Nepal has hosted thousands of refugees for decades on a humanitarian ground. Refugees’ right to return to their homeland in safety and dignity must be honoured by all.
Mr. President,
In my address to the 73rd UN General Assembly, I had outlined the monumental political transformation in Nepal and its consolidation through a democratic constitution written by the people’s representatives.
Having resolved the fundamental political issues, we are now focused in bringing economic transformation envisioned around the national aspiration of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’. This aspiration takes a cue from the 2030 Agenda, and the notion of comprehensive democracy that looks after not only political rights and freedoms of the people but also takes care of the economic, social and cultural rights and wellbeing.
We have created an investment friendly atmosphere with overall improvement in good governance. We need international support measures in the form of technical, technological, financial and investment.
Despite resource constraints, we have significantly increased investment in rural infrastructures and social sector.
The hazardous mode of river-crossing through tuins has been replaced by bridges.
We provide monthly social security payments to the elderly, single women, persons with disability and the destitute.
We have launched the provision of health insurance for elderly people further expanding its coverage.
Children from Dalits and marginalized communities in backward areas are provided with monthly scholarships at all schools. Basic education is made free for all with the provision of books and educational materials.
We have achieved nearly universal enrollment and gender parity of children in school, and significantly reduced girls drop out.
We have turned the country free from open-defecation. This way, we have started new era of decent way of life.
By extending social care and protection, we have made our cities free from street-children, street-people and beggars.
We have healed the wounds of earthquakes. We have reconstructed residential houses, schools, colleges, hospitals and heritage sites. We have also relocated people to safe areas.
All these achievements reflect the wider enjoyment of social and economic rights by our people.
Mr. President,
The Charter of the United Nations, non-alignment, the five principles of peaceful coexistence, international law and norms of world peace guide
Nepal’s foreign policy. We believe in ‘amity with all and enmity with none’.
Guided by these principles, the Government of Nepal is firmly committed to safeguarding Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and maintaining friendly relations with its neighbours and all other countries in the world.
We support an inclusive and fair international order founded on equality, mutual respect and justice.
As a believer in regional economic cooperation, we are playing our due role under the frameworks of SAARC, BIMSTEC and ACD.
Mr. President,
The United Nations has an unparalleled scope, legitimacy and normative impact.
Nepal reposes enduring faith in multilateralism with United Nations at the centre.
We underline the need to reform the UN Security Council to make it more representative, transparent, democratic, and accountable. The principle of sovereign equality must remain at the core of all reform initiatives.
We also underscore the importance of the ongoing processes of GA Revitalization and Review of Peacebuilding Architecture.
Reform must aim at making the UN more efficient, effective and transparent that complement national efforts to bringing positive change in peoples’ lives thereby ensuring equal dignity of all peoples.
We support the reform measures initiated by the Secretary-General and expect that the UN would make significant positive impacts on the neediest countries.
Compared to 1945, the founding year of the United Nations, the world has emerged with better knowledge, more advanced technology and many other advances in different fields. However, challenges of global scale still persist. This provides greater scope and reason for global partnership.
Contrary to this, it is unfortunate that we witness in some quarters lesser desire to work under the multilateral framework.
We, the Member States, must shoulder the responsibility to strengthen the UN and pursue the path of multilateral cooperation. There is no alternative to this.
Just as the United Nations was created in the devastation wrought by the Second World War to lead the world on the path of peace, security and development, why not we think in the same vein a more prosperous and healthy world in the wake of the invisible yet equally powerful enemy of COVID-19?
To conclude, Mr. President, the founders of the United Nations chose peace over war, cooperation over collision, development over deprivation and human dignity over denigration.
At this historic 75th anniversary of our Organization, let us recommit to uphold those values and work together in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity to lead the humanity to peace and prosperity.
Thank you!


Mr. President,
At the outset, on behalf of the Delegation of the Lao PDR, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Volkan Bozkir, on your election as President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I am confident that with your extensive and rich diplomatic experience, you will be able to lead the deliberation of this UNGA Session under the theme “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism”, which is most relevant to the current situation of the international environment, to a great success. Our delegation is ready to extend full support and cooperation to you in the discharge of your noble duties. Let me also commend your predecessor, H.E. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, for his successful presidency of the 74th Session of the UNGA, amid the advert impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ongoing work of the UN.
Mr. President,
75 years ago, the United Nations has been created from the ashes of the Second World War aimed at saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war that brought untold sufferings to our mankind one after another. Ever since its advent, the United Nations has evolved into a main mechanism for preserving international peace and security, which constitutes a significant prerequisite for the promotion of international cooperation and socio-economic development to be thrived. UN Charter has become a significant tool that identified mechanisms and principles for our joint collective efforts to achieve our noble common objectives. To date, 75 years have passed and we can say that under the UN auspices, the international community has made a number of significant achievements. Conflict resolution mechanism through peaceful means has turned into principle and prevailing trend. International laws and treaties have been gradually enhanced and served as a tool to prevent and resolve various issues in areas such as disarmament, racial discrimination, religion and cultural differences, promotion and protection of human rights, and gender equality, to name a few.
More importantly, multilateral cooperation under the flag of the United Nations has synergized collective efforts in responding to and addressing major common challenges that no single country can do alone, such as an issue of climate change, pandemic, terrorism and others. In addition, we have seen joint efforts in tackling challenges under the framework of MDGs, SDGs, Action Plans to help vulnerable countries, in particular least developed countries (LDCs), land-locked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDs). Those collective efforts have helped a number of millions of people to get out of poverty and hunger and to have access to education, health service and improve gender equality.
Those are some significant achievements of the United Nations. But of course, the regional and international environment in the past 70 years is definitely different from the current setting. Therefore, the United Nations has to be adapted and strengthened if it is to effectively deliver its mandates on maintaining international peace and security as well as promoting development cooperation. Against this backdrop, the United Nations should be reformed to fit the current environment in our joint efforts in addressing the unfolded significant obstacles to peace and development, such as lasting resolution to the Middle East problem, in particular the Palestinian issue and the call for lifting of economic embargo on Cuba and so on. Cooperation for development should be further enhanced and prioritized. Without development, people will remain poor and hungry, as a result peace cannot be sustained, and social problems, such as crimes, drugs, human trafficking and refugees will remain unresolved. This requires the international community to actively address the pressing challenges together.
Mr. President,
As we all know, the world is currently facing serious outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, which is an immediate and long-term challenge for us to respond and recover from its impact on economic development. Over the past decades, the world has never seen the pandemic on this scale, more than 30 million people infected and nearly 1 million people have died. Besides, it has posed huge impact on socioeconomic development in many countries leading the world economy to recession, many companies went bankrupt and unemployment skyrocketed. Achievements and efforts to eradicate poverty and progress in the implementation of SDGs has been severely impacted. Therefore, the most immediate task for us is to jointly contain the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to implement strict preventive measures. For the Lao PDR, we have adopted very strict preventive measures and achieved quite a good result, with only 23 confirmed infected cases and no fatality. This achievement is partly due to the cooperation and assistance provided by our friendly countries and international organizations. On this note, I would like to take this opportunity to express our high appreciation to our friendly countries and international organizations for such valuable assistance accorded to us.
I am confident that, with the committed joint efforts and with the progress being made on the research and development of vaccine of which some are in the final stage, we will find the vaccine that is effective and safe to prevent COVID-19 soon. However, universal access to the vaccine is another important matter that needs to be considered. Otherwise, we will not be able to respond to the pandemic effectively. In this regard, I would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt congratulation to the efforts made by international organizations, in particular the World Health Organization and all countries for the assistance extended to other member states who are facing difficulties, which enables us to control the outbreak of the COVID-19 at a certain level, including the initiative to establish a project to promote and ensure global access to vaccine without discrimination. If we can do so, we then will be able to meet the slogan “leaving no one behind”.
Another important task is the post COVID-19 economic recovery. How are we going to revitalize our world economy and stimulate economic growth. I believe that the international community has to collectively address the issues that are obstacle to the international trade, funding and technology access and build mutual trust for a win-win cooperation, only this then that it will bring benefit and prosperity to the international community. Thus, the international community must enhance a policy of open trade and cooperation, integration and connectivity, as well as addressing the debt issue in order for the world economy to be able to thrive.
Mr. President,
Today, climate change has induced more frequent and severe natural disasters that brought huge impact on development, particularly food security and infrastructure development. Therefore, building society with climate resilience and adaptation is very important. In this connection, it requires that international community provides financial support and technological know-how to the least developed countries in order for them to be able to respond to the natural disaster. On the same note, it also calls for concerted efforts from all countries around the world to consume natural resources in a sustainable manner, employ more alternative energy and follow the commitment under the Paris Agreement on reducing the greenhouse gas emission that contributed to the rising of world temperature.
What is more important now is the fact that we have only 10 years left for the fulfilment of SDGs by 2030 with the slogan “leaving no one behind”. In the past years, although many countries have actively implemented SDGs and many achievements have been made, in particular on poverty reduction, but with the impact of COVID-19, achieving SDGs will be a challenging task. I am of the view that in order to meet our lofty goals, the developed countries including development partners must honor their obligation on ODA to vulnerable countries, such as least developed countries (LDCs), land-locked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). Otherwise, it will be very difficult for those countries to achieve SDGs on their own.
For Lao PDR, we have integrated SDGs and its targets into our 8th 5-year National Socio-economic Development Plan (NSEDP) for 2016-2020 and will continue to further streamline SDGs into our next 9th 5-year Plan. In addition, we have carried out outreach public awareness campaign on SDGs at central and local levels so that all sectors of the society are well aware of its importance and take part in its implementation. Lao PDR plans to present our second Voluntary National Review at the High-Level Political Forum in July 2021 to report and evaluate progress made on the implementation of SDGs. In general, through the implementation of our National Socio-economic Development Plan, as well as the SDGs, Lao PDR has made many significant achievements. The country continues to enjoy political stability, social order and continued economic growth, which has significantly contributed to the poverty reduction and improving living standard of all multi-ethnic people. We have been able to reduce poverty rate from 46 per cent in 1992 to around 18 per cent to date. Nonetheless, due to the impact of natural disasters and COVID-19 pandemic, the economic growth is expected to go down in 2020, but may not be negative. In our upcoming 9th Five-year National Socio-economic Development Plan for 2021- 2025, Lao PDR will continue to develop our economy in line with sustainable and green growth strategy, integrate SDGs into our NSEDP, as well as to build a strong foundation and necessary condition for the country to graduate from the LDC status in the future.
In the regional cooperation context, the Lao PDR continues to support commitment and efforts of ASEAN in the promotion of peace, stability and security of the region. We also embrace our efforts for regional and sub-regional economic integration through ASEAN cooperation framework, ASEAN dialogue partnership and cooperation with other countries, including the ASEAN-UN cooperation framework aimed at achieving ASEAN Vision 2025 and other priorities. We also support ASEAN in the collaboration with WHO and countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and seeking solution to economic recovery from the pandemic.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, I have a strong confidence that multilateral cooperation, conflict resolution by peaceful means and cooperation for development under the UN Charter remain a relevant mechanism in our efforts to synergizing and unifying us for maintaining international peace and security and our concerted efforts in addressing our common challenges lying ahead. Lessons from history remind us that unilateralism and the use of force to solve the problems always led to war and ushered in unwanted disaster to our mankind. In this respect, we have to try to avoid any emerging elements causing disunity so we can prevent disaster from ever occurring again to our humanity.
Lao PDR has put great efforts in its national development, as well as efforts to eradicating poverty and lifting the country out of LDC status and we found that cooperation under the UN auspices is very important in assisting developing countries in this regard. We stand ready to fulfil our obligations and actively contribute in such cooperation mechanism.
In this spirit, Lao PDR decided to present our candidature for membership of the ECOSOC for the term 2023-2025. It is my hope that as the Lao PDR seeks a membership in this important UN body for the first time, we would highly appreciate the valuable support from all member states. I promise that, if elected, Lao PDR will actively contribute to the work of the Council.
Thank you.


Distinguished Mr. President,
Your Excellences! Ladies and Gentlemen!
On behalf of Ukraine I have the honour to congratulate you, Mr. Bozkir, on your election as President of the 75th UN General Assembly session. You are steering the Assembly in hard times when even traditional international instruments and formats may not work. That is why I want to assure that Ukraine has been and will continue to be a reliable partner for you and the United Nations, even despite the fact that we are separated by thousands of kilometers.
A year ago, in New York we discussed threats to the future of the world, we devised plans, we made forecasts. But could anyone has imagined back then that the year 2020 would stage such a crush test for the planet? The countries lock down their borders, the Summer Olympic Games postponed, and the session of the UN General Assembly is held online. A year ago, we would say that this is a script for the apocalyptical blockbuster, not the realities of 2020.
In such uneasy for the world times it makes sense to recall the feelings of the leaders of the United Nations founding states 75 years ago. The humanity just survived the most horrendous war. The world resembled a soldier who was strolling across a blood-drenched field a minute after the explosions stopped. Emaciated, hollowed, at a loss but alive.
The Second World War became a “global earthquake” that claimed tens of millions of lives. Yet humanity managed to recover. And on 24 October 1945, at the conference in San Francisco, the UN founding nations, with Ukraine among them, put aside all contradictions and got united to build a better world together.
Undoubtedly, during these 75 years numerous achievements were made in terms of economic development, poverty eradication, minimization of wars and cataclysms that could have happened was it not for the United Nations. The humanity conquered the Space, and even can hold UN sessions remotely thanks to modern technologies.
Speaking the language of these technologies, the UN has become a software that saved the world from critical errors.
At the same time, we have to acknowledge that the system is getting glitched more and more. It is being attacked by new “bugs” or “viruses”. And their containment is not always efficient.
I am saying it as the Head of a state in which in the 21st century the Russian Federation annexed the Crimean Peninsula. Head of the state, which is containing Russia’s military aggression in Donbas for the seventh year in a row.
What feelings would the founders of the United Nations have, had they known that 75 years later, in the center of Europe, there would be a war? That in Crimea human rights would be flagrantly violated, that persecutions of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars would be taking place. That militarization of the peninsula and water areas around it would be building up, which would undermine security balance of the Black Sea region. Would they change something in the UN Charter and mechanisms of the United Nations had they known that 75 years later, as a result of the war in Donbas, there would be 14,000 killed and almost 1.5 million people would lose their homes?
Undoubtedly, over the last year we proved that Ukraine really strives for peace. We managed to unblock the dialogue, we resumed meetings of the Normandy format leaders, we made substantial progress in mutual release of the detained persons. And starting from 27 July, there is a comprehensive ceasefire in place, which, despite attempts to disrupt it, still gives hope for achieving sustainable ceasefire. And it is badly needed to keep moving towards genuine peace.
The next steps on this way should become the withdrawal of unlawful military formations and armaments from the occupied territories, return of control over the state border, and, finally, restoring territorial integrity of Ukraine within the internationally recognized borders.
We are grateful to our international partners for the help and support on this difficult way. We hope for further unity of the international community on this cause. I’m convinced that it is the United Nations that should play an important role in restoring sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, along with respect of the international law. We need to improve the existing mechanisms to this end.
It is unacceptable when sovereignty of the independent state is violated by one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council. It ultimately proves that the mechanisms of the 1945 do not work today to the full extent. All this can bring about further depreciation of the Security Council. Ukraine will actively participate in its reform. This body should become more representative, balanced, transparent and efficient. It is in the United Nations’ vested interest to have an effective instrument if somebody is violating and abusing the veto right and the status of the permanent member.
In addition, availing myself of this opportunity I want to invite our friends to participate in the establishment of the international Crimea platform for concerted actions to protect the rights of the Crimeans and de occupy the peninsula.
I also call for support of the updated resolution “Situation with human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine” that will be presented to the General Assembly by the end of this year.
And what is the most important — the cases of Crimea and Donbas should not become customary elements of the international landscape where only reports, conferences and protocol statements on the anniversaries of occupation will be taken as sufficient form of the international reaction.
On the contrary — until the wound in the center of Europe is bleeding, the pain will be felt all over the world. And the only recipe for the efficient treatment is the de-occupation of Crimea and Donbas.
I understand that from 2014 on this message is heard at the UN every year. But this is exactly where the biggest problem lies. And it is not only about the Ukrainian case; it is about all global threats to the planet, reports on which are getting longer and longer with every passing year.
And what is the most terrifying is that calamities have become a new normal. The world got accustomed to horrible news. They still shock but are quickly forgotten once a new information bomb explodes on the global agenda.
At the last year’s Assembly session, I said: “There is no more a notion of somebody else’s war. Our planet is not that big anymore”.
It is proved by the MH17 case. It is proved by the environmental threats. By problems with access to food and drinking water.
It is proved by information threats to the world. When disinformation and fake news can influence world markets,stock exchanges and even electoral processes.
Ukraine, being one of the countries that from 2014 on actively counteracts the propaganda and information attacks, stands ready to initiate the establishment in Kyiv of the headquarters of the international office to counter disinformation and propaganda.
The fact that our planet is not that big anymore was finally proved by the year 2020. Fires in Australia that shook the world. Or downing of a Boeing 737, when Ukrainian aircraft carrying the citizens of Ukraine, Canada, Iran, Afghanistan, United Kingdom and Sweden was struck down over the territory of Iran.
And of course — COVID-19 pandemic, which spread at a lightning speed. The mankind did not even manage to google “Covid” and “Wuhan” when coronavirus was already knocking on the door of every house.
Consider also this. Coronavirus spares no one. It does not care whether the country has nuclear weapons or what is the level of its GDP, whether the state is part of G7 or G20, whether Christianity, Islam, Judaism or other religions are professed in this country. All of it matters nothing for COVID.
The COVID-19 showed that global world is not just the world without borders. It is also about global responsibility, when counteracting joint threats should involve not 7, not 20, but at least 193 countries.
Today we are coming to understanding that the fight against COVID-19 will not take just one year. It is hardly the last pandemic that we will have to see through. That is why we have to emerge from the existing crisis stronger and well prepared.
This is the test for all countries. A race for limited resources will only exacerbate the problems. What we need is sincerity in dialogue and active solidarity, because this is where the value of multilateralism lies.
We have to overcome together the most serious economic crisis of the last years. The expected figures of GDP fall are sometimes double-digit. This is not just the statistics interesting for selected experts. This is the reduction of quality of life of billions of people, looming rise of a threat of hunger for millions.
To unite efforts of all the countries is a must of our time. Ukraine cannot stand aside and is ready to make its own contribution in ensuring, in particular, the food security of the mankind.
Mr. President,
Every year the call for actions instead of talks is getting louder and louder in the General Assembly. It testifies to the crisis the United Nations, the security architecture, the health of humanity, our economies and the world as a whole find themselves in.
The 75th anniversary of the UN foundation should become an impetus for transforming our Organization into a more dynamic and efficient body.
I really want to start my speech in 2021 by saying that the 75th General Assembly session will come down in history as an example of returning to active multilateralism and efficient international solidarity.
A session which did not only recall the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter but started to permanently and unwaveringly follow them.
A session which revived the truth that was fundamental when the UN was established: we don’t have a planet B. We live here and just once.
And this is exactly the future we want, and this is exactly the UN we need. I sincerely wish you, Mr. President, to achieve this goal, along with all stakeholders. I am convinced that these are 193 UN Member States.
Thank you for attention.


Mr. President,
First of all, please allow me to extend my sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election as President of the 75th session of the General Assembly.
This year is one of the utmost significance as the United Nations marks its 75th Anniversary. The organization has symbolised solidarity and cooperation and has inspired the world’s humanity to trust in the unity of purpose of its Member States in building peace and well-being for all people on earth.
Throughout the past 75 years, the United Nations and its Member States have relentlessly overcome global challenges. This year, the world has been facing a health crisis from the spread of COVID-19 which has widely affected the living conditions of our people as well as economic and social systems — overshadowing the special nature of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations. Indeed, this great challenge shall be the litmus test that faith in multilateralism and the unity of Member States can provide sustainable solutions to overcome this threat.
To do so, every country must renew its trust in international cooperation, which must remain steadfast and not be shaken by nationalist sentiments or antiglobalization tendencies. Instead, it should motivate us to unite as one to overcome this crisis together, since it has been proven that no nation can face the challenges alone. Such is the future we want.
I take this opportunity to express Thailand’s solidarity with all affected countries. We wish all the patients a speedy recovery, and to the medical personnel, public health workers, volunteers and other sectors around the globe who are at the forefront in the fight against COVID-19, we wish you success in this challenging mission, and please keep safe.
Mr. President,
The Royal Thai Government is committed and determined to control the spread of COVID-19. It has established the “Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration” (CCSA) headed by myself to take full command in all aspects of pandemic control. Thailand’s comprehensive measures in combatting COVID-19 are implemented in accordance with the International Health Regulations 2005 and the World Health Organization’s guidelines. They encompass “upstream, midstream to downstream” measures including: health screening and risk assessment for all inbound and outbound travelers; the “stay home, save lives for the nation” campaign to apply social distancing in public spaces; and the provision of comprehensive, timely and transparent information on the pandemic situation while strengthening efforts to combat fake news and disinformation.
Over 1 million Village Health Volunteers throughout the country have played a vital role and all patients, regardless of nationality, have been guaranteed equal access to medical treatment. Furthermore, the Royal Thai Government has also fully supported the strategy on COVID-19 vaccine development. Thailand has started its vaccine research programme since quite some time and has also fostered collaboration with international partners. In this regard, I urge that COVID-19 vaccines and medicines be considered as ‘global public goods’ which can be accessible to all. And the United Nations must play an important role in this matter.
Furthermore, the Royal Thai Government has also introduced economic response packages to relieve the financial burden on the people and business operators, whether low-income groups, women entrepreneurs, farmers, or vulnerable groups and ensured that they are guaranteed equal access to government assistance. Efforts have focused on boosting financial liquidity for entrepreneurs so that they can sustain their businesses. In this regard, I have set up the “Centre for Economic Situation Administration” (CESA) to act as the main mechanism to formulate comprehensive policies for economic and social rehabilitation by synergizing efforts between the public and private sectors.
As a democratic society, Thailand places people at the centre. The people have provided the vital social synergy that helps drive the national agendas, integrating all the sectors in the country. With the cooperation and generosity of all Thai people in this time of crisis, the impacts of the outbreak have been minimized and the situation brought under control. And on this note, I wish to thank the World Health Organization for recognizing Thailand as one of the countries which has provided the most effective response to COVID-19. However, I continue to remind all sectors and the public not to underestimate the situation and to remain vigilant to prevent a second outbreak.
The key factor behind Thailand’s achievement in pandemic control and role as a model of effective healthcare management has been the determined political will to develop a robust healthcare system through the Universal Health Coverage scheme. This recognises that a healthy population is an important force in driving national development towards security, prosperity and sustainability. In this regard, Thailand has been sharing our knowledge and experiences with interested countries through the Foreign Policy and Global Health (FPGH) initiative.
In this time of hardship, I trust that all countries will provide mutual support and exhibit solidarity at both regional and global levels. I commend the SecretaryGeneral for calling on Member States to show global solidarity in overcoming this crisis in a sustainable manner and for his initiative to establish various Funds to assist affected countries. Thailand is proud to have contributed to the “UN COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund”, while at the regional level, Thailand is gratified that the leaders of ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners agreed with Thailand’s proposal to set up the “COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund” to address the public health emergency and to support research and development of medicines and vaccines to strengthen ASEAN’s resilience in the long term. Indeed, a strong ASEAN will provide a good partner for the United Nations and the international community. Moreover, in order to prepare for the post-COVID scenario and to respond to other future challenges, Thailand stands ready to cooperate with all countries in other areas such as food and energy security as well as sustainable development.
In our efforts to revive the economy, Thailand launched the “Stop COVID, not the Thai economy” policy and embraced the new business model of the “Bio- Circular-Green Economy” or “BCG” which places emphasis on the Bioeconomy, the Circular economy, and the Green economy. Thailand has also applied the concept of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), recognized as a locally driven approach towards sustainability, building strength from within, connecting Thailand to the world, and moving forward leaving no one behind.
Mr. President,
On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations, we should take this opportunity to assess our previous successes and failures. Although the United Nations has not been able to solve all global problems we have faced, it has become clear that multilateralism that is inclusive can prevent large scale armed conflict, and protect the world from the arbitrary exercise of power. We should therefore commit to further strengthening the multilateral system and cooperation under the framework of the United Nations in order to respond to the changing world situation, new global challenges, and live up to the expectations of the new generation. And this is the United Nations that we desire, and the United Nations that we need.
Throughout 75 years of our membership in the United Nations, Thailand has continuously and consistently played a constructive role, adhering to our international obligations and respecting the principles of the UN Charter.
On peace and security, for 75 years, the United Nations and the international community have been recognized for the success in peaceful dispute settlement, as well as in providing assistance to the population in post-conflict areas. On our part, apart from a strong commitment to disarmament, over 27,000 Thai military, police and civilian personnel have proudly served in more than 20 UN peace missions around the world since 1958. And Thailand’s contribution to peace operations continues amidst the current pandemic crisis. The Thai peacekeepers have attached importance to the sustaining peace agenda and introduced the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) as a development approach to address the root cause of conflict and prevent a recurrence, which is in line with SDG 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions). Furthermore, I would like to reiterate our commitment to strengthening cooperation with friendly countries to enhance ASEAN’s constructive role in maintaining peace and security in the region. On this occasion, I wish to thank Member States for supporting Thailand’s candidature to be a member of the Peacebuilding Commission for the term 2021-2022 and wish to affirm that Thailand intends to discharge its duty as a member of the Commission for the benefit of the international community.
On development, we have ten years remaining to accelerate our actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is one key factor delaying such achievement. We must, therefore, work harder, cooperate closer and further promote the development path with people at the centre. We must also prioritize the participation of all stakeholders and emphasize utilizing technology for development.
As the co-host of the Global South-South Development Expo 2021 in Bangkok next year, together with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and as a member of the ECOSOC, we stand ready to share our experiences and best practices in sustainable development as guided by the principles of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP).
On human rights, international agreements and instruments have established principles and obligations on the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and good governance, with the emphasis on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, low-income earners, as well as migrant workers. It is therefore our responsibility to remain committed to these obligations and continuously ensure progress on implementation. As for Thailand, we are currently implementing the 4th National Human Rights Plan with a results-oriented mindset. I am also proud that Thailand is the first country in Asia to enact a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, which we have been implementing since 2019.
This year further marks the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action on gender equality. For its part, Thailand continues to drive the implementation of the Beijing Declaration by integrating cross-cutting issues to realize gender equality, women’s empowerment, and women’s rights.
Crisis necessarily brings suffering. But at the same time, it teaches us useful lessons that help us develop stronger and more effective responses to future challenges. What the “new normal” and the future social landscape will look like does not depend solely on our generation, but also on the youth and the new generations. Together we must create a space for all generations to join hands in collaboration in order to plan for a future that we want.
Finally, I take this opportunity to reaffirm Thailand’s commitment to support the agendas of the United Nations, be they peace and security, development, climate change management, commitments to human rights, and the promotion of partnerships between various sectors. This is because multilateralism will guide us out of this crisis together, as it has done so throughout 75 years, for a future where peace prevails and a better world for this and for future generations.
Thank you.


Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of State and Government,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The particular circumstances of the general debate at this 75th session of the General Assembly are anecdotal when, for months, families, communities and countries have been caught up in the turmoil of the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences.
I would like to commend here the leadership of His Excellency Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande. He was able to stay the course in particularly difficult times and allow the General Assembly to pursue the crux of its work.
I would also like to warmly thank the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and through him all the United Nations staff, who have never ceased to mobilize the United Nations system even in areas of conflict in order to protect the most vulnerable.
Development activity reforms have enabled the effective coordination of teams on the ground and highlighted the skills, dedication and courage of those women and men who work on a daily basis to honour the mandates we have entrusted to them.
Mr. President Bozkir, you have given pre-eminence to consultation and coordination, so that member States can stand up to the immense challenges in a spirit of mutual aid and efficiency.
You know that you can count on the full cooperation of my delegation as the Principality of Monaco assumes one of the Presidencies of this 75th session.
Mr. President,
In recent years, the world has endured a succession of crises that we have had to confront in this forum: the rise of terrorism, the intensification of migratory flows, climatic shifts, the financial crisis of 2008 and now the pandemic that is generating an economic and social crisis.
Despite these major obstacles, we have adopted innovative guidelines: the 2030 Agenda for development and its SDGs in 2015, as well as the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2016 and the global Compact for safe migration in 2018, to name just a few.
The international system is nevertheless destabilized and multilateralism is being called into question. In a context where nationalist and protectionist tendencies are resurgent, it is vital that we mobilize in a coordinated and united manner.
No State, regardless of size or military or economic power, can meet the current international challenges on its own.
The interconnectedness of our States demands a coordinated response to transnational threats that undermine hard-won progress and weaken international peace and security.
The sudden shutdown imposed on our economies by the necessary lockdown has impacted our resources.
Monaco, resolutely committed to multilateralism and its institutions, has fulfilled its statutory commitments and will continue to comply with its obligations. Faithful to its tradition of solidarity with the most vulnerable, the Principality has consequently joined in the collective effort to fight the pandemic, in particular by responding to the global emergency plea launched by the United Nations.
Mr. President,
The Secretary-General has called for building a multilateralism of networks by bringing together all agencies, organizations and entities at the local, regional and international level. It is indeed by being more inclusive, listening to all, that we can be assured “of leaving no one behind”.
As such, women and girls can no longer be excluded from such a movement in this year marked by a triple anniversary: 25 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 20 years since the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 on “Women, Peace and Security” and 10 years since the creation of UN Women.
That means equality between women and men has been on our agenda for 25 years and yet women and girls are still the main group affected by inequalities.
Despite some progress, the situation in the world is changing extremely slowly.
Moreover, the 2020 report on the sustainable development Goals underscores the heavy toll women are paying in the face of the crisis, making the achievement of SDG 5 increasingly distant.
It is women who are most involved in the fight against COVID-19 and therefore the most exposed to contamination, and at the same time, a strong and intolerable increase in cases of domestic violence is to be deplored, as well as a particularly high school dropout rate for girls.
My Government is resolutely committed to defending the interests of women and will continue its efforts, through the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, created in 2018, to reduce inequalities and fight against discrimination and violence, of which women are still too often the victims.
It is also by listening to and trusting young people that we will build a more robust and sustainable future.
Political inclusion is a central demand of youth. Over the past year, many of us have praised the commitment that young people have shown on the climate issue.
Today, although young people are less affected by the COVID-19 virus, it is they who are bearing the full brunt of the resulting economic crisis. Many of them are affected by precarious status that does not provide them with social protection. Others find themselves cut off from any means of access to education. It is essential that we establish specific provisions in order to prevent our young people from finding themselves permanently stuck in the poverty trap.
Mr. President,
While new technologies have largely contributed to the development of our societies, they have unfortunately contributed to the rise of a new context of insecurity. The past few months have accelerated the digital transition on a tremendous scale, but these advances have also been accompanied by an explosion of cyberattacks.
Cyberspace is now an area of conflict in its own right, just like the land, sea and sky.
What becomes of sovereignty in the digital age, when security, law, the economy, taxation and currency are called into question? In my view, it is important to agree on common rules in order to adopt a framework of appropriate measures and proper conduct. That is not only to guarantee a better functioning of our institutions, but also to ensure the preservation of States’ sovereignty and individual freedoms.
At the same time, the wave of disinformation has intensified, particularly via social media in recent months. Our societies are vulnerable to these manoeuvres. Also, I welcome the awareness campaign launched by the United Nations to combat fake news.
Monaco has undertaken to acquire strong digital skills, on the one hand, to seize the many opportunities offered by digital technology in economic and environmental spheres and, on the other hand, to ensure sustainable development that is respectful of people.
Therefore, the responsible and sustainable digital model that I wanted for my country is accompanied not only by significant investments in infrastructure, training and business support, but also by the enactment of legislative rules.
Mr. President,
We cannot discuss this new context of insecurity without mentioning the gravity of the climate crisis. Large-scale natural disasters will intensify and, as we know, cause emergency humanitarian situations and the displacement of populations. These disasters will have an impact on access to natural resources. These phenomena are vectors of political instability and conflict.
The current pandemic has demonstrated how vulnerable we are when we destroy the planet’s ecosystems. Scientists are clear on this, and we should expect an increased risk of these types of epidemics if we do not change our behaviour.
The slowdown in our activities as a result of the pandemic has not changed the curve of rising temperatures nor reduced nature’s destruction.
Meanwhile, the postponement of major environmental meetings does not mean indefinitely suspending our commitments but calls instead for a redoubling of our efforts. The urgency is still there and, more than ever, it is necessary for us all to mobilize.
In this regard, I would like to commend the Secretary-General’s initiative to convene a Biodiversity Summit, thereby granting it its rightful place at the heart of our political agenda. The collective decision to go ahead with the event on 30 September, despite the current health context, confirms this commitment to which I fully subscribe.
Monaco is, and shall remain, resolutely committed to environmental protection and sustainable development. Whether by pursuing the energy transition, accelerating the development of soft mobility, or promoting the circular economy, the Principality has placed the development of consumption and production methods at the heart of its vision of society. Each aspect of the Monegasque Government’s action must form part of the demands of sustainable development. This is the line that I set for it in 2005.
Mr. President,
While the current crisis has focused much of our global attention on growth figures and economic recovery, there is a significant risk that we will deviate from the other pillars of sustainable development.
It is therefore essential that we seize the opportunity before us to rethink our economic and social models based on principles that respect the environment.
Now more than ever, the road map that we established in 2015 must guide us during this period of great uncertainty. Now more than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic is demonstrating that it is crucial to achieve the goals defined by the 2030 Agenda for development, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
To do this, greater ambition and mobilization are necessary, not only to defeat COVID-19 but also to adapt our multilateral cooperation instruments.
The period of social distancing we are currently living through should prompt us to echo the message “To leave no one behind” that we placed at the heart of the SDGs and the opening words of the Preamble of the United Nations Charter “We, the peoples of the United Nations”, so as to increase our solidarity.
Thank you for your attention.


Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to start my intervention by congratulating His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir on his election as President of the General Assembly, and I would also like to congratulate the Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and the Secretariat of the United Nations. The celebration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and of this great Assembly of all the peoples of the world, which was created with the primary objective of constructing multilateralism as way of implementing a system of values and a code of conduct based on cooperation, will undoubtedly be remembered as the year that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic shook the very pillars of our societies.
The magnitude of this public health emergency has required an unprecedented mobilization of resources. Governments and institutions, civil and social organizations have all invested great energy in the fight against COVID-19. However, the first response and the most heroic efforts have come from all our health professionals. Therefore, I would like to take advantage of this general debate at the United Nations to vindicate their work. Not only have they demonstrated their professional value, but they have also shown their immense human quality, because, unfortunately, this virus has often deprived us of contact and the accompaniment of persons near to us, who are so necessary in moments of difficulty. However, in spite of all, the men and women of the health services have provided constant support to the people and families that have had to live through such adversity.
All of our countries are suffering the consequences of this pandemic; the virus knows no borders. I want to pass on my affection and extend my sympathy to all those families that have unfortunately lost loved ones.
In 1945, the United Nations emerged from the ruins of the most devastating war in history. The organization has led the way in tackling universal challenges and created an institutional framework that has made significant progress in areas of such importance as human rights, poverty eradication, the consolidation of democratic institutions, the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainable development, and it has also provided protection for the most vulnerable in armed conflicts. Thanks to multilateralism, the United Nations has often been able to reach areas where traditional diplomacy has not. Even at times such as the present one, in which the pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of States, the United Nations has continued to see cooperation as an antidote to confrontation. From this perspective, I would like to highlight the work that the organization has carried out, especially under its Secretary General, within a context as fragile as the present situation which, unfortunately, shares many common points with the scenario that led to the founding of the United Nations.
On 23 March, the Secretary General called for a ceasefire to put an end to all hostilities throughout the world, and he asked us to join forces against this pandemic and to facilitate the work of humanitarians. “The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war... Silence the guns... Let us take inspiration from the coalitions and dialogue slowly taking shape among rival parties to enable joint approaches to COVID-19”, Mr. Antonio Guterres urged. This was an appeal to our good sense which we hope will be permanent, and Andorra aligns itself fully with his call.
In a similar way, the United Nations has spared no effort in planning and offering a response to help pave the way for the recovery of those countries where the pandemic has wreaked most havoc, those countries where the massive destruction of broad sectors of the economy will be long-lasting. This response must underpin a more sustainable and inclusive type of development that leaves nobody behind.
The United Nations has continued to broaden its sphere of action in recent years: ranging from improvements to people’s living conditions to development-related matters that have become key elements of the multilateral agenda. Development has been viewed as a formula to eradicate poverty, to fight against inequality and injustice, and to initiate climate action. It is clear that the pandemic has worsened the situation, but it must also serve as an incentive to push for a paradigm change, and the Government of Andorra is convinced that now is the right moment to build a better and greener world, both at a national level, by approaching sustainability in a transversal manner and as a main line of political action, and at an international level within the area of cooperation; because the world must be sustainable or it will cease to be.
This requires the involvement of everybody, public authorities, civil society and private initiative, science and knowledge, all inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of Human Rights that should lie at the core of all our actions.
In specific terms, the world cannot be sustainable, nor can there be sustained growth without the active participation of women at every level. It is now twenty-five years since the Beijing Platform was adopted, and many elements still need to be built on that base. We can no longer tolerate the vulnerabilities endured by women, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic, ranging from the violence they suffer to discrimination in basic rights such as access to health and education. We must use all the means that are necessary to prevent the global disorder caused by COVID-19 from being used to roll back rights. We need to move forward with agendas that are not regressive for women. Now is the time; this is our opportunity to give full meaning to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most ambitious plan for the promotion of women’s rights established thus far. And, accordingly, we must take advantage of this moment to rebuild and approach this crisis from a gender perspective whereby all women and girls can exercise their freedoms, realize their rights and participate in decision-making.
On the other hand, when rebuilding after COVID-19, children must be protected in all governmental actions, and especially within the area of education, understood as the fundamental, universal and indivisible right that it is. Surely, there is no better weapon to help overcome discrimination and prejudice than to make sure that all our children have access to education. This education should take the form of training inspired by the principles of human rights, diversity and integration, and respect for and alignment with nature. We need to understand that the function of education is a responsibility of society as a whole, a responsibility of all adults who live and interact with our children and young people.
There are many situations that need to be considered and observed in a transversal manner; gender equality, attention to children and young people, the participation and protection of the elderly, non-discrimination of people with disabilities. The realities of the present, the uncertainties of the future and the experience of the past have shown us the need to teach values and invest our efforts to ensure that schools are able to apply themselves to meeting increasingly greater demands. The success of our societies is based on this growth in human capital through education and training.
Once again, I would like to reaffirm my country’s commitment to the international community as we all seek to build up the momentum that is necessary to promote quality education as a mechanism for guaranteeing equal opportunities.
Mr. President,
The fight against climate change continues to be one of the priorities of Andorra, a country with a special awareness of the natural environment. This year was to be a significant year for climate action through the plan for a new scenario of understanding, marked by the ratification of new objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, within the framework of the Climate Change Conference COP26 that was to be held in the United Kingdom. Andorra approved the Paris Agreement of 2015 without any doubt or hesitation, and we passed a law on Energy Transition and the Fight against Climate Change that reflects our contribution to the Paris Agreement. Indeed, we were one of the first countries to establish a plan to reduce emissions because we have experience in working towards becoming a sustainable country since we are aware that we must preserve our resources and our natural environment for future generations. For this reason, we will spare no effort in the fight against climate change.
Another action that removes any doubt there may be about our conviction and our commitment to the fight against climate change in all its areas is the role we have been playing heading the Pro Tempore Secretariat of the Ibero-American Summit for a period of two years under the motto “Innovation for Sustainable Development- Objective 2030”. The joint declaration adopted by the Environment Ministers at the Environment Conference on 16 September last, is one of the high points of our presidency and it will allow us to build an environmental agenda among the 22 Member States of the Ibero-American Conference.
The crisis triggered by COVID-19 is having a profound impact on the daily lives of many families, and our country is no exception. The sense of responsibility and duty that we feel towards our fellow citizens has led the Government of Andorra to review the road map envisaged by this legislature, and we have developed an action plan based on our conviction that the decisions we make must increase the potential of our country as it moves towards the development and preservation of sustainability in the medium and long term.
This realistic plan builds on the strengths of our country, such as our health and social protection system, the educational model and the country’s high level of public safety, its historical uniqueness, cultural diversity and privileged natural environment. However, the plan also identifies, as one would expect, some aspects that need to be improved and this is based on our belief that sustainability — understood in the transversal sense — has to be the main guiding line of any political action. For this reason, we have developed a roadmap because we are aware that the impact of any actions taken at this moment will have an effect that will endure way beyond the present time. All these actions are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, because as government institutions we must be the main catalysts of the change that is being promoted from the United Nations.
These initiatives are supported by three pillars: welfare and cohesion, economics and innovation, and alliances for change, and we want to achieve these with transparency, participation, proximity, efficiency and equality.
Your Excellencies,
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced us into unimaginable situations. The world was brought to a sudden halt only a few weeks after the first victim of COVID-19 was announced: schools, factories, offices, roads, stadia etc. all felt silent in order to fight an invisible enemy and this also allowed us see that the world would never be the same again.
We have seen digitalization take giant steps in a matter of weeks, and we have also seen how teleworking has become the norm and education non-presential, obliging millions of people to become technologically literate. But we have also seen cracks appear in this process; we have had to reconsider some of the values of our system of caring for the elderly, who have been the main victims of this virus; we must remember that teleworking does not bring a better work-life balance when home spaces are not appropriate or adequate; we have seen how distance learning has highlighted deep inequalities among families that cannot access services, and we have suffered an overexposure to information which, apart from reducing human contact, has sometimes created manipulable and unsafe environments.
But there is also hope, because, more than ever, we have seen a flourishing of values such as solidarity and empathy, sincere recognition of all our health and healthcare professionals, a sense of civility and the responsibility of the population in favor of the common interest, as well as an increased ecological awareness.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, in the year that we are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, Andorra wants to add its voice to those that support an organization that represents the very essence of multilateralism, and which in recent years has managed to preserve its initial spirit while evolving at the same time. Now, more than ever, we must appeal to and recognize the spirit and vision of the UN’s founders, who were able to overcome the obstacles of a terrible war as well as difference of opinions in order to preserve mankind.
Far from being an ideal world, we know we must face up to challenges such as the persistence of conflicts that have still not been resolved, bloody scenarios, an imbalanced world from which poverty has not disappeared, where famine is on the increase, where access to health is not universal and where climate change is the clearest sign of structural deficiencies; in short, a world where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has several readings and applications. But we must pull together to revert this situation, and work from an open, integrated, participative and inclusive position such as that created by multilateral organizations.
We need to make progress in many areas. We already know where we want to go, but getting there is always the most complicated part. This is why we want to recognize the work carried out by the Secretary General in reforming the development system, and the contributions that States have made to the resolutions and proposals for improvement. However, it is undeniable that we have no time to lose, and we must build up our knowledge about procedures and work with experts in efficiency if we want to respond to our commitment to the Charter and obtain the results of peace and security, rights and development.
Andorra would like to use this Assembly to firmly reiterate its commitment to the United Nations, its agencies and multilateralism, to cooperation, inclusion and the solutions that this unique organization offers us. Its values all come together in the form of solidarity as a way to help us overcome a phase of humanity that is still full of uncertainties.
Now more than ever, our country, true to its record of commitment to peace, stands beside the United Nations as it seeks to reshape a multilateral order that can help us meet the remaining challenges and deal with any possible changes, and we see this health crisis as an opportunity to put an end to a model of development and unsustainable globalization that has run its course.
Now is the moment to make sure that solidarity can prevail in all its aspects. Seventy-five years on, we need to be more aware than ever of the spirit that led to the birth of the United Nations.
Thank you very much.


In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful Peace, mercy, and blessings of God
Mr. President, we would like, at the beginning, to congratulate you on your election as President of the General Assembly for its current session, and we wish you success in managing its work.
We also thank the previous President for his efforts in conducting the work of the last session with great efficiency and skill.
It is a pleasure to join you in celebrating the seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations, which over the past decades has contributed to the reinforcement of international cooperation and preservation of world peace for the benefit of all mankind.
We are also pleased to commend the tireless efforts of His Excellency the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, in strengthening the role of the Organization, settling disputes and proposing solutions and initiatives, in order to reach a global order based on consolidation and protection of human rights, and the achievement of the highest levels of development with equality and full participation of all the member states of this esteemed international system.
In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain stresses its adherence to and respect for its international obligations, as represented in preserving the strength and stability of the international system and the continuation of its role in achieving peace.
We also share with the United Nations its proper vision underlining the importance of effective collective action to face all challenges and dangers, foremost of which are the difficult conditions and severe developmental and human repercussions the world is experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This emerging challenge has proven that the international community is in dire need to put aside differences, to strengthen areas of human solidarity, to stand united in the face of these health threats, and to improve our future readiness to prevent such risks and properly fortify our societies.
We hail here the call of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for a ceasefire in all conflict areas in the world to confront the pandemic, a call that has gained widespread global acceptance.
In this important context, the Kingdom of Bahrain has been keen, since the first moments of the pandemic outbreak, to extend a hand of cooperation, solidarity and coordination with the countries of the world and its specialized organizations, such as the World Health Organization, in facing such difficult circumstances. We have formed a national team, headed by our Crown Prince, to develop and implement an integrated emergency plan, implementing many national measures, in line the best preventive and remedial practices, in order to preserve, first and foremost, the health and safety of citizens and residents alike. We have taken into account the urgent need to mitigate the economic and social impacts, and we are tirelessly working to diversify our supporting programs in that regard, with the aim of safeguarding the prosperity and stability of our dear people, and for a speedy recovery of our national economy.
From of our keenness to preserve the security and stability of the region, and as an embodiment of our resolute approach to openness and coexistence with all, we have announced the establishment of relations with the State of Israel, sending a civilized message affirming that our hand is extended for a just and comprehensive peace, as it is the best guarantee for the future of all peoples of the region.
The courageous step taken by the brotherly United Arab Emirates to revive the hope of peace and stability in the region is a successful and blessed step. In reaching “historic peace agreement” with Israel, under the auspices and efforts of the United States of America, in exchange for stopping Israel’s annexation of the Palestinian lands, the UAE has enhanced opportunities for peace, reduced tensions, and given the people of the region a new era of understanding, rapprochement and peaceful coexistence, while preserving its firm position on the Palestinian issue. We further commend the appreciated efforts exerted by the United States of America to accomplish these important strategic steps.
In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain calls for intensified efforts to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the two-state solution. We consider this a cornerstone for achieving a just and comprehensive peace leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, in order enter a new stage of work in which we extend bridges of good neighborly relations to build and develop the common interests of the countries of the region.
This is a good opportunity to use this important platform, to express our deep appreciation for the pioneering role and hard work of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by our brother, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz A1 Saud, not only in terms of laying the foundations for security and peace in the region and the world as a whole, in a manner that takes into account the interest of all parties, but also for the remarkable and influential efforts made during its current presidency of the G20 to formulate a “new decade”, in which the aspirations of the peoples of the world for prosperity and stability will be fulfilled. In doing so, we underline the firm approach of our country to stand alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on all positions and in all circumstances.
We also cannot fail to express our full support for the continuous efforts of the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt to consolidate regional security and stability, and its genuine endeavors to achieve peace, the most recent being the initiative of our brother President Abdel Fattah al Sisi, which gave hope to the brotherly Libyan people to confront and resist foreign interference, and has contributed to rebuilding the capabilities of the region’s countries, based on Egypt’s pioneering role in protecting and maintaining Arab national security.
Mr. President, Distinguished Audience,
The success and prosperity of societies is linked to their achievement of security and stability, and this is what the Kingdom of Bahrain has always pursued.
And as an active country within the wider international community, it underlines the need to accelerate efforts to achieve our human prosperity by strengthening areas of solidarity and consensus under the umbrella of global goals. We have committed ourselves to this since the foundation of this long-standing organization, which we congratulate on the anniversary of its establishment and for its renewed start at this crucial moment of our contemporary history.
We are proud of the part we play in this, and we are committed to our support for the United Nations in order to reach our desired destination and achieve the legitimate aspirations of people and rebuild bridges of trust and love, so as to reach a more secure, stable and peaceful world.
Thank you, Mr. President, and may peace be upon you.