– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly

4 December 2020

 

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

I thank you, for your participation in the United Nations General Assembly special session on coronavirus.

The high level of representation, at the General Debate of the 31st special session of the UN General Assembly, illustrates the commitment of all Member States, to ending this pandemic.

Moreover, the interactive dialogues, served to remind us that, there is a wide range of stakeholders, working tirelessly to end this pandemic. We have heard from the pioneers in the field of medical research, global health experts, and advocates from civil society. Indeed, our discussions represent, a microcosm of the global efforts, to end the COVID-19 pandemic, safeguard humanity, and recover better.

In particular, the discussion on vaccines, offers us hope, that we will, in the near future, be protected from COVID-19. Throughout the 75th session, we will continue to work, towards achieving “vaccines for all”, our only vehicle to uphold our pledge, to leave no one behind.

The high level of representation, at the General Debate of the 31st special session of the UN General Assembly, illustrates the commitment of all Member States, to ending this pandemic.

Volkan Bozkir

President of the UN General Assembly

Excellencies,

2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. We sought to create the United Nations we need, for the future we want, while tackling the greatest multilateral challenge in memory.

2020 is the year, that the UN stepped up, to meet the needs of everyone, everywhere.

It is the year, that solidarity was our first and best line of defence, as Member States united, to combat this existential threat to humanity.

It is the year, that civil society adapted their working methods, to safely engage with people in their homes.

It is the year, that each individual around the world, took on the role of defender – and succeeded.

Stay strong. Together, we will combat COVID-19.

I thank you.