– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
22 September 2019
Bishop Clifton Daniel,
Excellencies,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is a privilege to be here with you today in this historic Cathedral and I am grateful to Bishop Clifton Daniel for the opportunity to speak to you.
I am happy to congregate in an atmosphere which not only reminds us of our fallibility, but also teaches us how we can be a better person.
Since I assumed office on the 16th of September as President of the General Assembly, I have participated in an annual prayer service, an international prayer breakfast and this service. My participation in these events reminds me of the place of faith in our lives, particularly relating to how to treat others as we should like them to treat us.
All my life, I have seen the faith-based organizations provide services to the poor and give hope to the hopeless. In the face of crises, poverty, hunger and illiteracy, the church and other religious organizations have acted as first responders – providing succour, feeding millions, building schools, providing shelter and administering orphanages and hospitals around the world. The role faith based organizations play in our lives are thus numerous and this extraordinary love, care and generosity have been critical in the lives of individuals, communities and even nations.
Religion reminds us of how we are made in the image of God and worthy of his mercy – either educated or not, powerful or not and prosperous or impoverished. It also reminds us of how much morals we must not only profess, but reflect in our daily lives. It provides us a gauge for our behavior and instructions for our relationships.
Well interpreted, this sets humanity in good stead to achieve peace and prosperity. This has not always been so as we have seen misinterpretations of faith by those who interpret religious tenets to suit their own partisan, if not even criminal purposes.
Its is, however, heartening that when egregious acts have been committed anywhere in the world, leaders of various faith had risen in condemnation of such acts. These leaders remind us that God’s will is for all, no matter where you are born, to be indeed free from want and live in decent circumstances. They also remind us of the need for tolerance and empathy, as this is key to the fight against all forms of discrimination and injustice. This is not different from what the founding fathers of the United Nation had in mind – an organization which functions to achieve international peace and security. The United Nations since its creation has striven with great success, to achieve this purpose. Its connection to faith should be clear.
All my life, I have seen the faith-based organizations provide services to the poor and give hope to the hopeless. In the face of crises, poverty, hunger and illiteracy, the church and other religious organizations have acted as first responders
Our faith demands that in the face of need, oppression and suffering, we must act to bring succor and hope to those in dire situations and examples of faith based organizations, in accordance with their Holy Books and example of extraordinary men and women of faith, emphasize the need for empathy, love and compassion.
With numerous conflict, crime, terrorism and climate disasters happening around the world, we must all bound together, no matter what faith we profess, to seek God’s guidance to face the challenges we must collectively deal with.
I would like in conclusion to thank you once again for inviting me here today, and seek your prayers, as I begin the task of implementing my vision regarding peace and security, poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion. I trust that we will all recommit to God, and continue to seek divine interventions for the crises around the world, while also doing our very best to make a positive difference in the life of the vulnerable and marginalized.
Thank you.
