– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly
21 January 2021
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for joining me this morning. It’s good to see you all, as I mark a personal milestone as well. Last week was my fourth month since my first day in office and five months since my arrival in New York. I have been immensely proud of, and delighted by, what the General Assembly has been able to accomplish thus far, during its historic 75th session.
Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for your commitment to the work of the General Assembly, your vigilance in following medical and safety protocols, and your collegial approach to managing delicate matters during trying times. The UN General Assembly has demonstrated that, even under the most difficult of circumstances, we can deliver on behalf of the people we serve.
From my first day, even during my election process, you know that I have advocated for a return to the General Assembly’s normal way of working. And we have succeeded, in the sense that the Assembly has been meeting regularly and taking action on decisions and resolutions, in person.
So far, during the main part of the session, the General Assembly convened 80 times, including formal and informal plenaries, and adopted 257 resolutions and 67 decisions.
Main Committees, which are in a way the pillar of General Assembly work, concluded their work, ably adapting to the COVID related circumstances through hybrid working methods, combining virtual and in person meetings. And the Assembly considered all the reports submitted by its Main Committees; the other principal organs of the United Nations – namely ECOSOC and the International Court of Justice; and the Human Rights Council and other Courts and Tribunals.
Also, the elections for the Human Rights Council and International Court of Justice were successfully held in person as well, the latter in parallel with the Security Council.
I think this is commendable. With thanks to our Member States, we have shown that the United Nations is back.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
Now allow me to reflect on my first four-months as President of the UN General Assembly.
First and foremost, I think that we should all be proud that, even during the global pandemic, the High-Level segment of the 75th session of the General Assembly went ahead successfully in hybrid-format.
While not as electrifying as the face-to-face diplomacy, which has become synonymous with the General Assembly, the fact that a record number of world leaders chose to address this Assembly is a testament to the power and relevance of the United Nations. Heads of States, Heads of Governments, and Ministers, laid down a complete guidance on steps needed to overcome the challenges we face.
I am proud to say that our work also gave way to four very productive High-Level engagements.
First, the United Nations’ 75th anniversary was recognized with a special event, addressed by world leaders, as well as the heads of all principal organs of the United Nations. The very first resolution that the General Assembly adopted this session was the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the United Nations. With that landmark document, which we will refer to in many other occasions during this year or the coming sessions, Member States expressed their strong commitment to work together, to strengthen coordination and global governance for the common future of present and coming generations.
Second, the UN hosted its first ever Summit on Biodiversity, with statements by at least 150 Member States. This dialogue helped elevate the discourse on biodiversity ahead of COP15 in Kunming. The outcome document of the Summit is now available in all six official UN languages.
Third, the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women was recognized with a High-Level event. 160 Member States outlined concrete actions to accelerate the empowerment of women and girls around the world. A summary of that meeting was also disseminated to Member States, Observers and other stakeholders, in all six official UN languages.
Fourth, and finally, I had the honor of overseeing the High-Level meeting to Commemorate the International Day for Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Disarmament and international security are key pillars of the United Nations and I am encouraged by Member States commitment to continue advancing this complex agenda.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
Building on the High-Level week, you, the members of the General Assembly, worked tirelessly to ensure the continued and successful operation of the United Nations.
We continued our tradition of celebrating the work of the United Nations through a concert hosted by the Permanent Mission of Italy. This included a special and breathtaking performance by the Teatro alla Scala in Milan.
And through a commemorative UN Day event, organized by my Office, we recognized the work of UN staff globally. In relation to this event, the Preamble of the UN Charter was signed by me, as the President of the General Assembly, Secretary General, all Member States, Observer States and the EU, on the occasion of the UN Day. This event allowed Member States to recommit to the purposes and principles of the Charter. The signed Preamble is now proudly displayed at the entrance of the General Assembly Hall, as another solid symbol of this commitment. I thank the group of women Permanent Representatives for their leadership on this initiative.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
Perhaps most importantly, we were able to convene the 31st special session of the General Assembly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was an historic opportunity for the General Assembly to demonstrate its resolve to come together when needed most. I was personally encouraged by the messages in support of a global response to COVID-19, built on the principles of solidarity and shared humanity.
In support of this, in November, I launched an initiative calling on all Member States to support multilateral efforts to achieve fair and equitable access to vaccines. I trust you will join me in making this #Vaccines4All effort a success.
As the year closed out, I had the opportunity to convene, along with the President of ECOSOC, a joint informal high-level meeting to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the World Summit on Social Development. This forum, once again, highlighted the critical need to accelerate progress on the SDGs and to seize the opportunity afforded by the COVID-19 recovery.
In addition to our High-Level events and initiatives, I must also recognize the many smaller meetings and bilaterals that I have had with dozens of Permanent Representatives, UN System Principals, and partners from civil society and the private sector. I am encouraged by the continued support to multilateralism, and the sentiments I hear, echoed time and again, for a General Assembly that is fit for purpose and effective.
In the same spirit, I am encouraged by regular and productive meetings with the Secretary-General and the Presidents of both ECOSOC and the Security Council. Together, we are streamlining the work of the UN’s principal organs and ensuring mutually reinforcing efforts.
I am also pleased to note that we have continued the tradition of hosting Morning Dialogues. These dialogues offer a space for Member States to discuss, openly and frankly, the most topical issues of our time. Thus far, we have discussed:
– biodiversity;
– support to Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States;
– digital cooperation; and
– reform and revitalization.
I thank all of you who have participated, and I look forward to more dialogues in the weeks and months to come, including the one on ‘Energy’, tomorrow.
As COVID recovery is likely to be a recurring theme throughout the entirety of the session, it is my hope that support to those most vulnerable, respect for human rights, and adherence to the principle of leaving no one behind, remain foremost on our minds.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
Obviously, COVID-19 is currently the biggest global challenge. But we face the deepest global recession since the Great Depression and the broadest collapse in incomes since 1870. The pandemic has created a socio-economic crisis as well. It hijacked our development trajectory and hit vulnerable countries especially hard. That includes, countries crippled by debt, dependent on dwindling tourism, suffering the loss of foreign investments and export earnings, among others.
In that regard, I created a Board of Advisors on Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, to ensure that the views and concerns of these most vulnerable countries are reflected throughout this session. This is under my responsibility and the meetings are going well, not only the meetings but the exchange of views virtually. I have chosen very qualified, well known, people to be Members of this Board, and we will continue to stand with countries in need and keep Member States informed of my efforts and also the Board’s efforts.
Secondly, I am sure you are aware that gender equality and empowerment of women is a priority area for me, from the beginning, and also of my Presidency. Women and girls have been particularly hurt by COVID-19, including through job losses and increased domestic abuse during lockdowns. That was instrumental in my decision to establish a Gender Advisory Group, to help me better incorporate gender equality and women’s empowerment into the General Assembly’s work. The aim is to improve the lives of women and girls around the globe. And I was proud to be named, as an International Gender Champion.
I have shared the outcomes of the initial work of these two advisory bodies, with Member States. I will continue to provide updates, as we progress during the session.
Before turning to the remainder of the session, allow me to thank each and every one of you for your efforts these past months, particularly in your work through the six Main Committees. I had the honor of addressing the Committees at the start and the end of year. And I applaud you for your achievements and progress. I would point to the negotiations around the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR).
There have been some tough moments as well. For example, budget discussions traditionally wrap up before Christmas. This year, for the first time in history, the General Assembly did not adopt the UN’s regular budget until the very last day of the year. But, when I saw that the negotiations weren’t progressing fast enough, I expressed my concern in a written format, and explained how severely the UN would have to curtail its work if we didn’t have a favorable outcome. I was pleased to see that this message helped the delegates, who were working at some point almost 24 hours a day, to move us forward – and just in time. Given the adverse working conditions, due to the lack of in person negotiations, I consider that result, even at the last moment, to be an important success for multilateralism and our organization. I thank all of you again.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
I will now turn to the year ahead and to building on the successes we have achieved. While the health and socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 continue to reverberate around our world, we can, at long last, glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel.
We have multiple proven vaccine candidates before us. For the first time, we can see the beginning of a true reprieve. Our job now is to ensure that we emerge from this pandemic in the same manner that we withstood it: that is together.
As I stated during the special session of the General Assembly in December, we must continue to support, a multilateral approach, for a coordinated health and humanitarian response, including vaccines for all, and a strong socio-economic recovery.
Allow me to elaborate.
First, advancing the humanitarian agenda, with a focus on the most vulnerable, is among my top priorities. It is for these highly vulnerable groups that we must take special care and consideration. This includes,
– support to internally displaced persons and refugees;
– consideration to the added plight of women and girls, who have faced increased gender-based violence;
– and a keen eye to the hundreds of millions who have borne the brunt of socio-economic impacts, particularly those who stand at the precipice of poverty, hunger and extreme poverty.
As COVID recovery is likely to be a recurring theme throughout the entirety of the session, it is my hope that support to those most vulnerable, respect for human rights, and adherence to the principle of leaving no one behind, remain foremost on our minds.
Linked to this is the need to ensure continued support to those in precarious situations, including in conflict. The pandemic continues to pose challenges to those serving in our peacekeeping operations, and strong measures need to be in place to protect their health, safety, and security. We must support our peacekeepers, so they can continue to implement the mandates we have given them as effectively as possible; and provide direct support to host countries as they respond to the pandemic.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
Health and humanitarian support for COVID-19 includes support for vaccines, where prioritization has only now truly begun. As the world continues to roll-out the largest vaccination campaign in our history, we must ensure that ‘vaccines for all’ is a reality. Fair and equitable access to vaccines, backed by well-planned and resourced supply chains, and distribution support, is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do. It is essential that multilateral efforts, such as the WHO-led COVAX Facility, is adequately financed and supported so that all countries, including the most vulnerable, are protected.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
All our challenges this year are interlinked, and we cannot ignore the impact of COVID-19 on development efforts.
As it stands,
– nearly 690 million people are hungry, with the threat of unprecedented famine looming over the horizon;
– 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation;
– 3 billion people lack basic handwashing facilities;
– 3.7 billion people lack basic digital connectivity;
– And at least half of the world’s population still do not have full coverage of essential health services.
We must do more to accelerate action and to link together action on the SDGs with recovery from COVID-19.
On this, I would note that we have ensured prioritization of the SDGs and the Decade of Action in the 75th session, and we will continue to call for efforts to ensure that relief and recovery is tied to, and built upon, the SDGs.
Furthermore, reports of hunger and the threat of famine are growing. We cannot stand idly by while another, slower yet equally as dramatic, crisis emerges. We have a moral obligation to protect the most vulnerable.
I look forward, to working with you to address these critical issues, particularly during upcoming events. The joint thematic event on Least Developed Countries, to be held in conjunction with the President of ECOSOC, in June, as well as the High-Level Meeting on Middle Income Countries, in Spring, will be particularly opportune moments to recognize the impact of the pandemic and the challenges to recovery faced by countries in special circumstances.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
While COVID-19 must be our priority this year, it is not and cannot be our only focus. Our world is much bigger and much more complex than that. Nowhere is this more evident than the critical environmental concerns that continue to dominate our agenda and which must be given our full attention this year.
With this in mind, it is encouraging to note that 2021 is gearing up to be the year of the environment, with COP-level events on climate change; biodiversity; and desertification, land degradation and drought.
In support of these critical moments, the General Assembly will do its part to facilitate success and to pave the way for action.
First, building on the UN’s Summit on Biodiversity in September, we will continue to maintain momentum on the path to the 15th meeting of the States parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Kunming. It is our hope that COP15 generates concrete action in this critical area and includes the finalization of a post-2020 global framework for biodiversity.
Second, with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’ COP26, in Glasgow, quickly approaching, we must recommit to raising ambition on climate targets. The Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement should be treated as floors, not as ceilings, and actions increasingly scaled. I congratulate those Member States who have already taken action and I encourage all others to do the same.
Relatedly, I am pleased to note that the General Assembly has mandated a High-Level Dialogue on Energy, in September 2021. As the most recent data shows, 789 million people still have no access to electricity and 2.8 billion no access to clean cooking. The global COVID crisis can be turned into an opportunity if recovery pathways are directed toward greener development to build back better and accelerate energy transition.
Third, in April, the General Assembly will host a High-Level Dialogue on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought. Land is the foundation of our societies, providing more than 50% of the total value of all ecosystem services. Productive land is a cornerstone of global food security, environmental health, zero hunger, poverty eradication, and energy for all. And yet, this finite resource is under existential threat. This Dialogue will offer an opportunity for Member States to assess the progress made during the “UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification”, and to map a path forward.
Finally, and linked to land degradation, is the need to protect our planet’s water resources. As mandated by the General Assembly, I will convene a High-level Meeting on Water and Sustainable Development in March 2021. This will contribute to the HLPF and the midterm comprehensive review of the implementation of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”.
Linked to this is the need to maintain momentum on the implementation of SDG14, which is: “Life below water”. In this regard, I plan to organize a High-Level event in the Summer of 2021, together with Portugal and Kenya, and with the support of the SG’s Special Envoy for Oceans, former PGA, Peter Thomson. This meeting will be held with a view to keeping momentum towards the 2nd UN Ocean Conference, which will take place next year in Lisbon, as soon as public health conditions allow.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
COVID-19 did not emerge from a vacuum, but from the ever-increasing encroachment of humanity on the natural world. When we devastate ecosystems, ignore climate change, and threaten biodiversity, we risk not only the health of our planet but the health of humanity also. Zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19, are on the rise; if we do not find a balance with nature, we risk only further crises.
This year, we have an opportunity to realign our efforts to address these challenges. I look forward to working with each of you to make sure that we seize this opportunity.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
Recovering from COVID-19 and accelerating action on the SDGs requires support for all sectors, as well as a focus on innovative solutions. Consideration of this approach will be particularly relevant to General Assembly events on culture and on digital cooperation and connectivity, both of which offer the potential for socio-economic growth.
First, the General Assembly mandated High-Level event on the contribution of culture to sustainable development, in May 2021, will underscore the contributions of culture to the SDG agenda. The creative economy is a growth engine and among the most dynamic sectors. I intend to use this High-Level event to underscore culture’s potential as an underused accelerator of SDG implementation, as well as a key component of COVID-19 recovery efforts.
Second, I will convene a Thematic Debate on Digital Cooperation and Connectivity on 27th of April this year. This will be held back-to-back with the ECOSOC Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. The digital divide continues to exacerbate pre-existing inequalities; we need to re-commit to equal access to technology and to achieving SDG 4 on Quality Education in order to empower women, youth and vulnerable groups.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
In addition to our over-arching focus on the response to COVID-19, and the clear priority this year on environmental issues, there will be a number of key events that require due attention, particularly those that relate to the pursuit of peaceful and safe societies, free of corruption, violence and discrimination.
First, in June, we will hold a second special session of the General Assembly, this time to discuss threats to the stability and security of societies posed by corruption. This session will be complemented by a High-Level event, organized by my Office and mandated by the General Assembly. It is my hope that these discussions will provide an opportunity to shape the global anti-corruption agenda for the next decade. I look forward to beginning this discussion with Member States, in February, as the 2021 Parliamentary Hearing of the United Nations will also focus on corruption.
Second, I will also have the pleasure to hold a debate on the Midterm Review on the International Decade for People of African Descent, as well as participate in the High-Level Forum on a Culture of Peace. It is my hope that these events will present the opportunity for dialogue on strengthening equality, justice and inclusiveness in our societies.
Third, I intend to convene a thematic event to mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, in April this year. This will be a day to promote the values of the United Nations as outlined in the Charter; to reaffirm the importance and relevance of multilateralism and international law; and to advance the common goal of lasting and sustained peace through diplomacy.
Fourth, in June, as part of Counter-Terrorism Week, we will see the 7th biennial Review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I thank the Permanent Representatives of Oman and Spain for serving as co-facilitators for this process and I look forward to a successful outcome.
Finally, I am pleased to note that the High-level Thematic Debate on “Urban safety, security and good governance: making crime prevention a priority for all”, will be also organized this year. This will be organised in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This debate will provide an opportunity to discuss and evaluate how we can better prioritize safety and security in cities, as well as build capacities to eradicate local vulnerabilities exploited by criminals.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
Gender equality and women’s empowerment are central to achieving the UN’s peace and development goals, and to human rights efforts worldwide. Trust that, this will continue to be prioritized throughout the 75th session. I look forward to my participation during the Commission on the Status of Women, in March.
Along with what I have outlined, there will be a great deal of other priorities over the coming months. This includes facilitation processes and modalities for upcoming events and processes, including:
– Trafficking in Persons;
– the high-level meeting on HIV and AIDS;
– and the high-level meeting on universal health coverage.
We must also look to events beyond the 75th session, ensuring that the future work of the UN reflects the needs we see now and envision to come.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
Before closing, allow me to reaffirm my belief that Member States must move to implement necessary reforms to ensure that the UN is fit for purpose and able to deliver the future we want.
As I have stated before, I will ensure that my efforts complement yours, including by supporting the implementation of the UN reform agenda, to make the UN more responsive and effective. I will also work with you to successfully implement the various mandates entrusted to me. This includes,
– the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly;
– the alignment process;
– the review of the HLPF and the ECOSOC;
– as well as Security Council reform.
I have appointed co-chairs and co-facilitators of each of these processes and I look forward to solid progress in these discussions in the coming months.
Finally, in line with the landmark resolution 69/321, adopted by the General Assembly in 2015, we will continue the precedent of working with the Security Council to hold a transparent, open and inclusive process to select and appoint the Secretary-General. I am committed to ensuring that the selection process remains guided by the principles of transparency and inclusivity.
Excellencies, Dear Colleagues,
I thank you once again for your steadfast commitment to multilateralism and to the work of the United Nations during this challenging period. I have been, and remain, honored to serve as President of the General Assembly. I look forward to working with you as we embrace the challenges and opportunities of this historic year.
I thank you all.
