Address to First Committee

Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

New York,

October 13,  2021

Your Excellency, Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations and Chair of the First Committee,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates

I begin by congratulating you, Mr. Chair, and the members of the bureau, on your election. I look forward to working with you all during the months ahead.

I apologize for not being able to address the opening of the First Committee during the General Debate last week, due to my official travel. This did however provide me an opportunity to gain a more detailed perspective of the key priorities and expectations shared by Member States relevant to the work of the Committee.

I am also very happy to note the return of in-person meetings, and with it, the vibrant debates that are a hallmark of our discussions here at the United Nations.

Excellencies,

Being tasked with disarmament and international security, the work of this committee is fundamental to the overall work of the United Nations.

Attaining the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening human rights, and recovering from the pandemic, all require a foundation of peace.

Unfortunately, we confront an array of issues that undermine our collective security. Until we properly address them, we cannot devote our full attention to the major social and environmental challenges of this century.  

The pandemic has emphasized more than ever that humanity shares a common destiny. Let us use this moment, while that truth is universally evident, to commit to a new peace.

Distinguished Delegates,

Seventy-five years after the adoption of the first resolution on nuclear disarmament by the General Assembly, the threat of nuclear weapons remains. We therefore need to recommit ourselves and redouble our efforts toward the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

The entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) earlier this year is an important milestone. I reiterate earlier calls for Member States that have not done so, to join this treaty to ensure its universal adherence.

Similarly, as we commemorate the 25^th anniversary of the opening of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) for signature, let me repeat my call for Member States who have not done so, to sign and ratify the treaty. My appeal goes out to the remaining Annex 2 countries.

I call upon state parties to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to use the upcoming Review Conference as an opportunity to renew their commitment, to agree on steps toward nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

Distinguished delegates,

In the twenty first century, our discussions about peace and security are extending to the cyber space as well, and we are all collectively committed to promoting the peaceful use of information and communications technologies.

Towards this end, I encourage strengthened cooperation between the Open-Ended Working Group on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security, and the Group of Governmental Experts on Advancing responsible State behavior in cyberspace. 

I also urge Member States to work together to ensure the peaceful use of outer space. We have seen a recent – and welcome – resurgence in space exploration. It is imperative that alongside these endeavors we develop necessary legal instruments that facilitate the peaceful exploration of outer space.

More efforts are also needed to combat illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons. I welcome the successful conclusion of the Seventh Biennial Meeting of States (BMS7) and call for the effective implementation of the Plan of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all Its Aspects.

Throughout our disarmament efforts, it is my conviction that women and youth can make a meaningful contribution. Let us take special pains to ensure that women and youth, as well as civil society, are more actively engaged in this work going forward.

Excellencies,

As Member States we are diverse in our outlooks. However, there are certain hopes that unite all of us and certain interests that transcend our differences. These include:

• Our common aspirations for a better tomorrow.
• The continued safety and prosperity of our species; and
• The desire to completely leave behind a world torn by violence and conflict.

That is the world my ‘Presidency of Hope’ envisions. 

It is my sincere hope that the work of this committee can help achieve that vision. And it is my sincere belief that if we let our common aspirations and hopes guide our debates and discussions, we can deliver on that vision.

Thank you.