Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
24 August 2022
Youth and 21st century Multilateralism
Excellencies, friends,
I am honored to be here.
I thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, and the Diplomatic Institute in Kuwait, for graciously inviting me to say a few words to this distinguished group of young diplomats, who will one day steer this country’s foreign policy.
Over the past few years, Kuwait has built an exemplary record in its multilateral engagement.
It has done this through its international outreach and leadership, on a range of issues, from humanitarian activities to peace and security, to the attainment of our Sustainable Development Goals.
Despite its size, Kuwait stands tall in the international arena, and I commend this country on its proactive and far-sighted diplomacy.
I am confident that the young diplomats in this room will help uphold Kuwait’s robust and constructive international engagement in the years to come.
Friends,
When I took office, I promised a Presidency of Hope.
It remains my conviction that only a hopeful attitude can generate the resolve needed to weather the many serious challenges we face. Challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, terrorism, conflict, and deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
As we speak, the legacies of a devastating pandemic, combined with a fragile economic situation, as well as the climate crisis and conflict, threaten to undermine much of the progress we had achieved in recent years, in terms of development, human rights and poverty reduction.
We need to work with greater urgency to curb poverty, close the gender divide, secure peace, protect our planet, and ensure the resilience of our multilateral institutions.
My friends,
Young people know better than most that we do not have time to spend wallowing in anxiety and despair. If we fail to meet the moment now, the future will be lost. Your future will be lost.
You, the young, have the most at stake in the future we shape.
Whether it is on cutting carbon emissions; preserving our biodiversity and ecosystems; upholding dialogue and diplomacy over war and conflict; or strengthening human rights, our successes and failures today are what will determine your quality of life tomorrow.
It is our responsibility to not only ensure a better world for you but to involve you in the shaping of that world.
In fact, we need you; we need your energy, dedication, and creative drive, if we are to succeed in solving complex challenges and building back better.
Towards this end it is vital that we equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills.
This is a role that the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute has been performing admirably since its establishment, helping train many of Kuwait’s high-caliber diplomats. I note that Mr. Fahad Alajmi, who is here with me today, graduated in 2016 from this institute and serves ably on my team as an adviser.
I wish this institute the best of luck in continuing to fulfil this important and noble mission.
My friends,
During my travels I have always made it a point to engage with young people, such as yourselves. On each such occasion I have been inspired by their dedication, courage, and urge to contribute.
Kuwait has been no exception. While this is my first visit to the country as the President of the General Assembly, I have been here on many previous occasions, in my capacity as the Foreign Minister of the Maldives.
I have seen the many strides the country has made, and I see how actively the youth have been involved in Kuwait’s socio-economic development.
With your vision and leadership, I am certain that not only will you steer this country to a brighter destiny, you will help repair and strengthen our multilateral system.
My belief in the potential of youth was why earlier this year I launched the PGA Fellowship for Hope.
This Fellowship has given 8 young diplomats from underrepresented countries the opportunity to work in my office and directly engage in the work of the United Nations. My expectation is that they will return to their respective countries and instill the values and principle of multilateralism.
I hope they will help strengthen their national capacity and that they will work with their peers – including the young capable diplomats in front of me today – to carry forward the work of global multilateralism.
My friends,
We live in difficult times.
Multilateralism continues to be challenged. And we question the effectiveness of the international institutions that have carried us through, from the end of the Second World War.
But, small States like Kuwait, like the Maldives, know all too well, the importance of these institutions. We know their relevance; we know the need they address.
It is through multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, that small States have found a voice. It is a platform where every State – regardless of size and might – are equal. And where every State gets a say in making decisions.
It is through these organizations that we find support and solutions for issues that face us. By finding like-minded countries. By leveraging the power of many.
It is in our interest that we support these organizations. And it is in our interest that we continue to support upholding the values and principles of our multilateral system.
But like many others, I also believe in the need for our institutions to evolve with time. So that these organizations are better equipped to face new challenges.
In the Declaration issued by Heads of State on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, they set out a vision for a United Nations that is attuned to the realities of the 21st century, and the challenges that are to come.
A United Nations that is able to foresee and adapt. A United Nations that is closer to the people it seems – that is more inclusive, more connected.
A United Nations that recognizes the largely untapped potential of young people, and their desire to take action. This vision has been encapsulated in the Secretary General’s Our Common Agenda report.
At present, Member States are working on bringing life to the proposals in the report. Essentially, we are working to put in place a UN 2.0.
One such proposal is the establishment of a dedicated Youth Office – which I mention here because of the young people I see before me today.
This work is something that will continue even as I leave office in a few weeks. And I encourage you to stay informed and involved in these discussions.
My dear friends,
The world continues to be in flux. It faces myriad challenges.
But by making the right decisions today, by investing in our future, by tapping into the potential of our youth, I remain hopeful that we can overcome the challenges we face and secure a brighter destiny.
And I am confident that the young and capable group in front of me will prove to the task.
I express my gratitude to you once again for your time and interest. I look forward to a very productive and insightful conversation.
I thank you.
