– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

30 July 2020

 

 

His Excellency, Mario Abdo Benitez, President of the Republic of Paraguay,

His Excellency, Rivas Palacio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Paraguay,

His Excellency Palacio, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Paraguay to the United Nations,

Excellencies,

Dear Friends,

I thank the Permanent Mission of Paraguay to the United Nations for convening today’s event. I welcome your continued leadership, since introducing this resolution in the 65th session of the General Assembly.

It is fitting that the General Assembly observes the International Day of Friendship as both friendship and multilateralism are based upon respect and dialogue. Aligned with the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, friendship aspires to prevent conflict, promote peace and uphold the inherent dignity of every person and ofcourse the introductory remarks made by the PR is very profound in this manner.

Friendships founded upon intercultural and interfaith dialogue in particular transcend boundaries, religion and cultural divides to seed harmony between and among communities. These connections have the capacity to advance inclusion, tolerance and understanding and lay the foundation of peace.

It is of course unfortunate that we cannot celebrate this day in person due to COVID-19, however during this period we have witnessed the power of friendship. We are united in our efforts to protect the people we serve from the virus, and to support those who have been impacted by the socio-economic effects of the pandemic.

Friendships, Excellencies and distinguished colleagues, have also been forged, or deepened, as a result of the pandemic. People who now work from home have become friends with neighbours with whom they had previously only shared a wave. Intergenerational friendships have blossomed as younger neighbours run errands such as grocery shopping for those in need.

Indeed, for generations, friendship has been a source of hope and resilience for people in the most vulnerable situations. Friendship shines a light of possibility in even the darkest times.

It is of course unfortunate that we cannot celebrate this day in person due to COVID-19, however during this period we have witnessed the power of friendship. We are united in our efforts to protect the people we serve from the virus, and to support those who have been impacted by the socio-economic effects of the pandemic.

Tijjani Muhammad Bande

President of the UN General Assembly

Dear Friends,

As we begin the Decade of Action and Delivery to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, we recall our pledge to leave no one behind. In order to limit in-person interactions, we have sought out innovative methods to express our friendship. Many have leveraged technology such as this platform we are using here today; While sadly others are still unable to do so due to certain realities. Some have adopted more traditional methods of socially distanced communication highlighting the burgeoning digital divide, which requires urgent attention if we are to leave no one behind. In order to achieve our Goals by 2030, we will need to partner with all stakeholders and to promote cooperation and friendship throughout all of our work.

Dear friends,

I trust that today, on International Friendship Day, in this 75th year of the United Nations, you will reach out to friends and continue to uphold the values of the United Nations. In doing so, I urge you to continue to make even more friends. I look forward to our continued friendship.

I thank you.