– As delivered –

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

5 May 2021

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us on this historic occasion to mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.

I thank the principals of the five organs of the United Nations, for their time, their candour and above all, their continued commitment to multilateralism.

I also extend this gratitude to the key players in this system who delivered presentations here today.

I thank the Membership, and civil society for their engagement, and well-considered questions; and of course, our moderator Ms. Elizabeth Cousens, whose work at the helm of the UN Foundation is integral to the promotion of multilateralism.

I avail of this opportunity to express my profound gratitude, on behalf of the membership, to the peacekeeping troops, the United Nations staff operating in the field, and all partners who are relentless in their pursuit of peace and a more equal, just and safer world for everyone, everywhere.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear colleagues,

This has been a difficult year. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken too many lives. The associated economic fall-out has taken too many livelihoods. The pressures of this pandemic have pushed the most vulnerable people even further behind.

After today’s discussion I am more confident than ever that together, we will build back better. It is clear that in order to succeed, we need to re-commit to multilateralism and diplomacy for peace through a United Nations that is fit for purpose.

By choosing to trust one another, we are combining our fates, ensuring that we will all work harder to leave no one behind.

The world has overcome global crises before, and we will again, as nations, united.

I thank you.