– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
10 June 2020
His Excellency Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore,
His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Her Excellency Mrs. Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland,
Excellencies,
It is an honour to speak at this high-level virtual event. I thank the organizers, in particular the distinguished Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Chair of the Forum of Small States, and Mrs. Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders.
Nelson Mandela established The Elders with a vision of a world where people live in peace. I thank you for your commitment to sustainable solutions to uphold peace, justice and human rights; and your commitment to intergenerational dialogue which amplifies the voices of those furthest behind.
Excellencies,
The majority of the United Nations membership is comprised of small states, the world cannot progress without you. The Forum of Small States has been a driving force for consensus-building and progress in all areas of our work in the General Assembly. For although you may be considered small in landmass or population, or both, you are far from small when it comes to the assumption of responsibility, integrity and ambition.
I note your successful advocacy for the creation of the Arms Trade Treaty, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the International Criminal Court. In addition, your leadership and unique perspective has resulted in the successful facilitation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, Small Island Developing States have galvanized multilateral climate action in order to mitigate the existential threat of rising sea levels.
Inclusion has been the foundation of our efforts towards peace and security, development and human rights over the past 75 years. Now is the time to work harder to ensure that the composition of the United Nations reflects the people we serve.
Excellencies,
The General Assembly is based upon equality: equality of voice and vote. We will not have a General Assembly that excludes. Indeed, the fabric of multilateralism is greatly enhanced by the rich diversity of small states.
There is much to be learned from ‘small state sensibilities’. Small states operate strategically on the multilateral stage by investing in their foreign service to ensure agile diplomats who often play the role of bridge-builders in intergovernmental fora. Small states are standard bearers for a rules-based order, with an unwavering commitment to international law whilst practicing openness and flexibility.
When Member States disagree, we must always seek positive pathways to help build understanding and reach a compromise whenever possible. When a crisis arises, we should call on all parties to fully abide by international law by showing restraint and avoiding any acts that could worsen the conflict situation.
We must remind each other than the Charter of the United Nations began with,
“We the peoples…”
For effective governance to work, we need a more inclusive multilateralism guided by the rights of individuals.
The General Debate held last September was a remarkable demonstration of the relevance of the General Assembly and the UN. Many world leaders spoke about the need to uphold multilateralism and support joint actions to address global issues and challenges, such as sustainable development, climate change and peace and security. However, there is much work to do to ensure inclusion. I was not pleased to note that only 16 of the 195 speakers who addressed the General Debate were women. We need to re-double our efforts to speed up the process of including women, not only in decision-making structures, but also in the list of speakers billed to address high-level fora.
Inclusion has been the foundation of our efforts towards peace and security, development and human rights over the past 75 years. Now is the time to work harder to ensure that the composition of the United Nations reflects the people we serve.
Excellencies,
The United Nations embodies the principle of collective security. In its origin, the notion of collective security entailed an agreement among states that they would never use war in their international relations, and they would also commit themselves to restraint and act collectively against aggressions.
The primary role of the Security Council in peace and security does not mean other UN organs have no role. On the contrary, as the most democratic and representative body of the United Nations, the General Assembly is in some respects, the “Parliament of Humanity”. By working together, we have avoided and ended conflicts around the world. We have evaded the devastation of another major world conflict and contributed to the peaceful settlement of disputes through mediation, conflict prevention, and peacekeeping.
However, the harsh reality of world politics is complex and it is becoming increasingly polarized, facing multiple crises. Geopolitical tensions and conflicts continue to affect different parts of the world. Similarly, terrorism persists and knows no borders or nationalities. Great challenges lie ahead for humanity as technological advancements in warfare increase the risk of destruction.
As we struggle to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, I echo the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire. Combatting the virus is both a collective endeavour and a shared responsibility.
I avail my solidarity with Member States who are fighting COVID-19, and extend my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones. I acknowledge the vital role of the World Health Organisation, which has provided the global community with reliable information and guidance since the beginning of this pandemic.
COVID-19 is deepening pre-existing inequalities within and among nations; putting immense strain on tenuous systems and plunging those in the most precarious situations deeper into poverty and hunger.
This global pandemic occurs as we embark upon the Decade of Action and Delivery to implement the SDGs. In 2015, Excellencies, we promised to leave no one behind and we cannot renegue upon that promise now. To do so would be to threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.
We must remain steadfast in our commitment to implement the 2030 Agenda and the Addis-Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development in the midst of an unprecedented socio-economic fallout. I trust that the urgency of the situation will ensure that we re-commit to working in harmony to create a better world.
Excellencies,
There are many lessons to be learned from the ongoing pandemic. After we defeat COVID-19, we will be in a position to assess the overall performance of the United Nations to prevent future shocks and make sure that our Organization continues to focus on the people, especially those furthest behind. As we build back better, we need to reshape what the ‘new normal’ looks like.
As the United Nations turns 75 years old, the world needs an inclusive multilateralism fully engaged with all stakeholders. The people in whose name we work, deserve a revitalized UN which is fit for purpose. We need to be results-focused, action-orientated, and less bureaucratic in nature. We can only achieve this with unity of purpose and collective action. For that, we need the continued support of small states.
Together, we can create a better world for all, if we forge agreements to shape global trends well in advance, including technological innovation and efforts to protect the environment.
It is imperative for all Member States to adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, strengthen the international legal order and maintain international cooperation.
At the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, only one in seven Members States were small states. Today, you represent the majority in the parliament of humanity. I trust that small states will continue to be a voice of reason and moderation and help us restore hope within the framework of the UN Charter and international law.
I hope that today’s conversation, Excellencies, will continue beyond this virtual event. I remind you that it is only by striving together, that we can deliver for all.
I thank you.
