Your Excellency, Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania,
Your Excellency Mr. Ferit Hoxha, Permanent Representative of Albania,
I congratulate Albania on its maiden election as a non-permanent member of The Security Council for the period 2022-2023.
I have no doubt that Albania will build on its longstanding commitment to peace and security, and on its history of robust engagement with multiple UN organs, to strengthen the work of the Council.
That work is critical now as the world faces several complex and interlinked crises that require our urgent attention. As the primary organ of the United Nations tasked with maintaining global peace, addressing these issues falls within the remit of the Security Council.
It is crucial that the Council can rise to the occasion, to demonstrate the enduring importance of both multilateralism and the United Nations in the preservation of global peace.
For someone who comes from a small Island state, I am confident that Albania, a fellow small state, will bring a unique perspective to the issues that the Council is seized of. Albania’s experience in resolving conflict and forging reconciliation will enable it to play the role of a bridge builder in the Council.
I commend Albania for the priorities it has chosen for the duration of its membership. These include strengthening human rights and international law; countering violent extremism; emphasizing the linkages between climate and security; finding inclusive solutions through partnerships and strengthening the working methods of the Council.
I particularly commend Albania on its initiative to promote the more active role of women and girls in conflict prevention and resolution. This emphasis on gender-equality resonates deeply with my Presidency of Hope, which remains committed to facilitating more platforms for women and girls to participate in global multilateralism.
Rest assured that during my Presidency I will work closely with the Council to advance our common priorities.
I look forward to continuing the monthly coordination meetings I have with the President of the Security Council, to converse on developments within the Council and the Assembly.
And I look forward to working closely with Albania in June, when it will assume its presidency.
I once again congratulate Albania on its election, and I wish you all a pleasant evening.
Thank you.
