We mark this year’s UN Day at a time when the United Nations – and truly the world – faces some of its greatest challenges in years.
The rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East has ignited decades of tensions and pushed millions of people to the brink of military devastation.
In a matter of days since the conflict started, thousands of civilian lives have been lost, – and millions more have been forcefully displaced and are fearing for their lives and well-being.
It is a human tragedy unfolding in real time – and we must act now.
At the same time, the aggression against Ukraine continues unabated, nearly two long years after it began.
And conflicts and violence continue in Africa, in Haiti, and in other parts of the world.
Against the backdrop of these tumultuous events is a planet that is also rapidly changing.
Sea-levels are rising; wildfires, heatwaves and other extreme weather events are becoming both more virulent and more recurrent; and drought and famine are becoming widespread.
As President of the General Assembly, I feel a great sense of moral responsibility to serve as torchbearer for those most vulnerable, and for those being denied their basic human rights.
As we mark this UN Day, I call on one and all people to join me in this effort.
Let us recommit to standing together, in solidarity, shoulder to shoulder to address and to overcome the challenges of our time.
Let us work hard to nurture peace, progress, prosperity, and sustainability for all people in Ukraine, in the Middle East – and in all regions around the world, where people are dispossessed, marginalized, overlooked and at risk of losing their lives in consequence of warfare..
Let us give our full support to those on the frontlines of the climate crisis, who are the worst impacted.
And let us recommit to working together in good faith as one people, for one planet, and in the name of one United Nations.
I thank you.
