– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
3 February 2020
Ambassador Braun, Chair of the Third Committee,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I thank you for your kind invitation for me to join you here today.
I welcome this opportunity to exchange views with Civil Society on the work of the Third Committee and its linkages to Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
I acknowledge and commend the key role civil society plays in our endeavours to address the challenges of the world. You are often the first to reach those furthest behind to provide succour.
Civil Society have supported the work of the United Nations to strengthen and promote its three pillars, namely: peace and security, human rights, and development. Indeed, the United Nations has benefitted from the expertise and active involvement of civil society in many issues of crucial importance to our Organisation.
In this Decade of Action and Delivery to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, it is certainly important that we include all actors in ensuring that we deliver on the goals and their associated targets. That means partnering with Civil Society and private sector, fostering dialogue and ensuring that these voices are not left out of crucial processes.
I am here to listen. I am here to learn and I am certain your deliberations will be enlightening for us all.
I thank you.
