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

18 August 2022

 

Mr. Resident Coordinator, Excellencies, Friends, 

I express my sincere gratitude to you and to the Government of Sao Tome and Principe for warmly welcoming me into your beautiful country. 

It continues to be my delight to visit and explore Sao Tome and Principe. I am particularly appreciative of all the important work the country is doing in the service of global multilateralism and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, both nationally and globally. 

The country’s seriousness of purpose in attaining the SDGs was amply demonstrated in July, when the government presented its voluntary national review, sharing their experiences, and efforts to overcome challenges.  

As a result of my meetings here, I have a deeper appreciation of the many initiatives that Sao Tome and Principe is undertaking to develop sustainably and tackle climate change. I commend the Government on its vigorous efforts in this regard.  

That the country is scheduled to graduate from LDC status in 2024 is a testament to the success of its pro-reform initiatives and sustainable development efforts.  

Indeed, I was recently privileged to have lunch at the Almada Negreiros House Museum, a marvelous place that illustrates the potential of sustainable tourism. 

I myself am from a small island country, the Maldives. I can relate to many of the challenges that this country is facing. I also know the critical role of the international community, and all relevant stakeholders, in supporting SIDS, and providing tailored assistance suited to their contexts. 

Just a few hours ago, I met with a wonderful group of local young people and women working towards the common good of the country. They not only conversed with me, but also very graciously introduced me to some of the country’s rich traditions and culture. 

I had the pleasure to discover poems from Alda Espirito Santo as well as to observe the practice of capoeira.  

Their passion, knowledge and generosity reminded me of why it is so important to fight for their inclusivity, and to remove barriers that stand in the way of women’s and youth’s participation in the public sphere and in multilateralism. 

These sentiments have always informed my presidency of hope and will inform my worldview going forward. 

I would like to end by expressing my appreciation to the government and the delegation of Sao Tome and Principe for the support they have provided me throughout my presidency. 

I am confident that this country will continue to advocate on behalf of global causes and lead by example, on sustainability, on tackling climate, and on conservation, among other important areas. 

I would also like to express a warm thank you to the UN Resident Coordinator of Sao Tome and Principe, Mr. Eric Jan Overvest, and his impressive team for organizing this gathering and for supporting my team in the organization of this working visit. 

I look forward to a very pleasant and productive afternoon. 

Thank you