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

28 April 2022

 

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegations,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am very pleased with the outcome of today’s High-Level Meeting on “Assessing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.”

Our main takeaways today are two-fold:

– One, the New Urban Agenda is the best tool we have to manage all the risks and opportunities for our smart, vibrant and growing cities; and

– Two, upscaling engagement and implementation will require simplifying the New Urban Agenda’s contents and increasing delegations’ knowledge of its processes.

Let me therefore convey my profound appreciation to all the Member States that spoke at the Plenary, as well as to all our distinguished panelists and message providers.

All of you have spoken with one voice and with clarity.

With greater political will, we must overcome the challenges that stand in the way of achieving this Agenda.

 Turn words into action.

 Transform vision to reality.

 Tackle challenges with sustainable solutions as nations united.

Colleagues, 

Urbanization is the most defining phenomenon of the 21st century.

With cities accommodating over 50% of global population and contributing over 80% of global GDP, no conversation of a sustainable planet is possible without focusing on the urban agenda.

Dear Friends,

 Urbanization can be a game changer. However, the onus is on us to get urbanization right, just, inclusive and sustainable. 

That’s precisely why I wanted today’s debate to focus entirely on solutions.

That meant highlighting some of the most impactful global and regional partnerships so that more Member States and stakeholders would support them.

This is also aimed at encouraging the creation of new partnerships that can contribute to political momentum for achieving transformative outcomes.

 We heard about action at local, regional and global levels, and about how the UN system plans to scale up action.

The time to act is NOW.

 My dear Friends,

For the duration of my tenure under a Presidency of Hope, I am committed to working with the Advisory Committee on Sustainable Urbanization to elevate the New Urban Agenda.

I would again like to place my appreciation for the work done by the Executive Director of UN Habitat, H.E. Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif and her Team, who have worked very hard to mainstream the New Urban Agenda.

I would also like to join all the distinguished panelists today to urge Member States to strengthen the UN Habitat with adequate financial support.

This will enable the Organization to facilitate UN system-wide approaches to assist Member States to effectively implement the New Urban Agenda.

Let’s therefore make this happen:

Together let’s turn 2022 into a “bumper harvest year” for the New Urban Agenda.

 I thank you.