– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
27 September 2019
Your Excellency Mr. Mohammad Shtayeh, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine,
Secretary-General,
Executive Secretary of the Group of 77 and China,
Distinguished Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to address the 43rd Annual Ministerial meeting of the G77 and China.
Allow me to start by commending Prime Minister Shtayeh for his leadership of the Group of 77 and China. I also congratulate Ambassador Mansour for his able stewardship. The Group leads the way through multilateral action in advancing the implementation of the sustainable development agenda.
Excellencies,
Advancing sustainable development remains a top priority for the Seventy-Fourth Session of the General Assembly. I will work with all of you on the Seventeen Goals with particular focus on issues related to poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion.
I will promote partnerships and inclusion, ensuring necessary engagement from all stakeholders so that no one is left behind. We all benefit from the full and equal participation of women; we cannot achieve progress if we exclude half of our population. We must also empower youth to fully participate in society through quality education.
This week, world leaders engaged on a number of important issues of the 2030 Agenda, through a number of high-level events on climate, health, the SDGs, the rights of the child, financing for development, the future of Small Island Developing States and others.
The outcomes of these deliberations will guide our work throughout the Seventy-Fourth Session and towards implementing the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Climate Agreement as well as the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
We have a collective responsibility to mobilise financial resources, build momentum, galvanise support and scale up action. I look to you to provide leadership in your countries, and communities, to ensure that we will achieve our goals.
Excellencies,
As we look towards the 75th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations, it is our responsibility to re-commit to the vision of our founding fathers and increase trust between nations and peoples, and restore confidence in the United Nations.
We have a collective responsibility to mobilise financial resources, build momentum, galvanise support and scale up action. I look to you to provide leadership in your countries, and communities, to ensure that we will achieve our goals.
I assure you that the General Assembly will play its role in bridging gaps and promoting collective action to address the full spectrum of international issues before the Organization.
The year presents opportunities for a wide range of issues, through events such as: the commemoration of Beijing +25; COP25 in Santiago; the Second UN Conference on SDG 14; Review of the implementation of the LLDCs Vienna Programme of Action and Conference on Biodiversity; as well as the Review of ECOSOC and HLPF; the General Assembly Revitalization process; and other reform processes.
Excellencies,
The UN needs adequate funding to carry out its multiple mandates. This year, the General Assembly will hold important consultations related to administrative and budgetary matters. I cannot emphasize enough the tremendous role of the G77 in addressing this critical agenda.
In working to deliver on all these mandates, I will be guided by the principles and values of the UN Charter as well as meeting the needs of those we serve. Your active support will be crucial in meeting our common objectives.
I look forward to working closely with all members of the G77 and China. I wish you successful deliberations at this Ministerial Conference, and for the Seventy-Fourth Session of the Assembly.
I thank you.
