IVÁN DUQUE MÁRQUEZ, President of Colombia, said his country was among the 50 founding United Nations members.  He expressed hope of closing the chapter on a world in ruin and opening one on peaceful equality among States.  Recalling that Colombia was a member of the Economic and Social Council, and in 1978, held the Presidency of the Assembly, he said that as a non‑permanent member of the Security Council, Colombia offered its experience in fighting terrorism and organized crime, as well as in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and “building peace with legality”.  It recently sought to convene a special Assembly session on tackling corruption, which will be held in June 2021.  “We believe in multilateral tools,” he said, noting that the 17 Goals are embedded within national development plans, which aim to fulfil the 2030 Agenda and bring Colombia to a competitive level of human development.  He expressed gratitude for the regional response to the massive exodus of Venezuelans from their country, and issued a message of solidarity to all those struggling with COVID‑19.  “We are all together as we face these unprecedented challenges,” he said. “Solutions are within our reach.”

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