His Excellency, Ambassador Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Chair of the Third Committee,

Dear friends,

I am delighted to welcome you all to the halls of the General Assembly and a special welcome to those participating virtually.

I would like to thank Ambassador Doualeh for the opportunity to contribute to today’s discussions.

I commend you, Ambassador, and the Bureau Members of the Third Committee, as well as Member States, on steering and guiding the adoption of 59 resolutions during the 76th session.

I appreciate this was no easy task, with the pandemic presenting challenges to in-person meetings, and I congratulate each and every one of you on the successful conclusion of the Third Committee for this session.

 

My friends,

I cannot think of a better representation of the views of those on the ground than through the inclusion of civil society.

You are in and amongst the thick and crux of the challenges that make headlines and meeting agendas.  Where there is an outcry, unfairness, injustice, or disorder – you are there.

It is civil society that continues to work tirelessly to strengthen equality and improve engagement at the local, national, and international levels.

And in collaboration with respective governments, CSOs implement conflict resolution efforts and have sought change to make decision-making more inclusive.

You document, respond, organize, and make a difference in the lives of those affected by conflict. You also hold governments accountable for translating their commitments into policies and into implementation and enforcement.

As the world has witnessed before, and during, this pandemic, you continue to provide invaluable guidance on the protection and promotion of human rights.

You have been among the first responders to reach vulnerable groups and rural residents, providing them masks, hand sanitizer, water, and food supplies; you have provided instruction on hygiene measures, and led campaigns to promote mental health support via exclusive helplines and virtual creative spaces.

The work of civil society is integral to the advancement of human rights, and the maintenance of the social, cultural, and humanitarian aspects of society.

It is CSOs that help articulate the needs and interests of the people, lobby for transformative change, carry out research, and develop and mobilize constituencies to drive transformative change.

Yet, despite these vast contributions and vital roles, CSOs remain insufficiently recognized and arguably marginalized. This holds particularly true for women’s organizations, advocates, and rights defenders.

Too often still, when conducting the work of their organizations, women civil society leaders and activists are subjected to intimidation and harassment.

This must stop.

CSOs are confronting an array of challenges in rapidly changing environments and require support to be able to successfully mobilize. It is important to advance the role of civil society by ensuring an environment that supports the establishment and operation of CSOs and their engagement.

 

My friends,

It is very fitting that we are here today to hear your views and insights on the outcomes of the Third Committee, including around the context of equality and recovery from COVID-19.

Platforms and opportunities such as these allow CSOs around the world to share their needs and priorities, providing a path that brings the work of the United Nations closer to the people.

Friends, as part of my vision for my Presidency, I promised to ‘engage with civil society, businesses, philanthropic organizations, academia, the scientific community and other partners on the key issues under discussion in the General Assembly.’ I see this as critical to enabling ‘the United Nations to be more responsive and effective.’

Which is why since the start of my Presidency, I have, and remain, committed to the engagement of CSOs in the work of the United Nations, particularly on the need to mainstream the voices and perspectives of women and youth.

I am proud to say that we have honored this commitment, as evidenced by the fact that we welcomed CSOs back into the halls of the General Assembly in November last year, with close to 200 representatives attending the CSO Townhall Meeting in person.

I have also sought to further include CSOs in meetings here at the General Assembly, in line with relevant modalities, and ensure to always meet with CSOs while on travel abroad.

In my Fifth Ray of Hope, which focuses on the revitalization of the General Assembly, I see a “stronger United Nations as approachable and relevant”. Achieving this meant that we need to bring the United Nations closer to the people of the world, and I will continue to facilitate the interactions that connect us all.

 

My friends,

As announced in my priority speech last month, I will convene a series of High-Level events in the months ahead. This includes my High-Level thematic debate on Vaccines, this month, for which I welcome the participation of CSOs, as well as others in the months to come on sustainable debt, on recovering the tourism industry, amongst others. In line with the modalities resolutions, I invite the participation of CSOs at the upcoming meetings.

 

My friends,

As President of the General Assembly, I will continue to advocate and ensure civic space throughout the work and mandates of the General Assembly.

To ensure a sustainable recovery that reflects the needs and priorities of the furthest and most vulnerable populations.

An approach that hears the voice of the voiceless.

An approach that sees the unseen and recognizes the unrecognized and marginalized.

An approach for a United Nations that is fit for purpose.

Thank you once again for this opportunity and I wish you all productive and successful discussions.

I thank you.