Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York,
October 14, 2021
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we have all assembled here to pay our respects to His Excellency, the late Abdelaziz Bouteflika (boot-a-FLEEK-a), the former President of Algeria who was also the President of the 29th Session of the General Assembly.
On behalf of the General Assembly, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Algeria, as well as to the family of the departed leader.
Mr. Bouteflika was a seasoned diplomat and a skilled behind-the-scenes negotiator.
As one of the youngest persons ever elected President of the General Assembly, in 1974, he was committed to upholding the values of multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
As a conflict mediator, he played a leadership role in the region, especially in Africa, contributing to Algeria’s conclusion of several peace agreements.
He participated at an early age in the struggle against colonialism and advocated liberation movements around the world.
Under his presidency of the 29th Session, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 3236, including the Question of Palestine in the provisional agenda of the General Assembly.
Excellencies,
Mr. Bouteflika played a very important role in the consolidation of the organizations of the developing world and the strengthening of their unity of action, particularly the Non-Aligned Movement and the group of 77.
He believed in the importance of international cooperation and solidarity among countries to achieve our aspirations: from new international economic order and South-South cooperation, to peace in the Middle East.
He has always defended the processes of decolonization in the world. He believed in the value of human rights and the necessity to mobilize the international community in the fight against racism and racial discrimination.
He believed in empowering women through increased participation in decision-making and advocated for the advancement of women’s rights in his own country.
Excellencies,
Mr. Bouteflika’s successes is mirrored by his presidency of the 29th session.
He showed us that yes, it is possible for the United Nations to be a community of nations united.
His contributions are now part of the annals of diplomatic history.
(In Arabic: May he rest in peace).
I thank you.
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.
