Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York,
October 19, 2021
Your Excellency, Ms. Egriselda González Lopez, Permanent Representative of El Salvador to the UN and Chair of the Fourth Committee,
Distinguished delegates,
It is my pleasure to address the Fourth Committee. I congratulate Ambassador Lopez and all Bureau Members on their election and wish you a successful session.
We meet at a time when much of the world remains in a state of anxiety, wearied by a pandemic and afraid of what the future might bring. They look to us at the United Nations to provide them with hope.
Let us prove we are up to the task.
Distinguished delegates,
Since the United Nation’s inception 76 years ago, we have celebrated many milestones in our efforts to leave the dark legacy of colonialism behind.
In that time, 80 countries and 750 million people have broken the shackles of foreign domination, and have begun to shape their own destinies, in the spirit of self-determination.
Pursuant to GA resolution 75/123, this year, 2021, marks the beginning of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.
With over 17 non-self-governing territories, populated by over 2 million people, remaining in limbo, our work is incomplete. Let us do all we can to make this decade the closing chapter of the decolonization era.
In that same regard, the issue of the Palestinian people’s long-standing struggle to secure their inalienable right to self-determination remains on the agenda.
The resolution of this issue depends on a just and lasting settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. We have long recognized that a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders is the only viable solution to this conflict. It is time to expedite our efforts to make this a reality.
While I speak on this subject let me take the opportunity to thank the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
UNRWA’s efforts within the region help safeguard the human rights of Palestinian refugees and provide them with access to basic needs.
It is most unfortunate that a precarious financial situation jeopardizes their ability to continue their work. UNWRA currently faces a funding gap of over $100 million. This puts at risk the education of over half a million children and could potentially halt the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines at a critical stage, with a fourth wave looming.
I urge all Member States to spare what they can and assist the Agency’s efforts to secure the necessary funds.
Distinguished delegates,
As we speak, United Nations Peacekeepers remain essential in maintaining stability in conflict-prone areas around the world. To streamline and strengthen the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, I call on all stakeholders to redouble efforts to meet their obligations outlined in the Declaration of Shared Commitments on Action for Peacekeeping.
Further, in line with my commitment to equal gender-representation across the United Nations, I call upon stakeholders to ensure the meaningful participation of more women peacekeepers.
Distinguished delegates,
The work of this committee extends to the ever-expanding frontiers of outer space. It is our responsibility to ensure that those frontiers always remain peaceful, and that our activities are guided by scientific curiosity and a spirit of global kinship.
By adding to our knowledge and enhancing our technological capacity, research and exploration in outer space can benefit all of humanity, while accelerating our progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
On a personal note, I have always been fascinated by space. I come from an island-nation, the Maldives, where the night-sky is remarkably clear, allowing us to truly appreciate its vastness and beauty.
I reflect that humanity has looked into the stars since the dawn of civilization and contemplated our place within the universe, while seeking to uncover its mysteries. I believe that this yearning for truth is universal across our species, transcending our socio-cultural and political differences.
As we delve deeper into its expanse, let us leave behind the uglier aspects of our history, from conflict to colonialism and preserve space as a common good.
I believe that space is something that can unite us. And in unity there is hope.
The hope that together, we can usher in a brighter tomorrow. After all, that is the founding vision of the United Nations. It is the same vision that guides my Presidency of Hope.
I wish you all the best in carrying forward the work of the Fourth Committee and I thank you for the opportunity to speak to you.
And 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.
