SG/SM/20661

Secretary-General Stresses Role of United Nations in Tackling Joint Challenges, Reaffirming Common Values, at Meeting with United States Secretary of State

Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ opening remarks at his meeting with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken today:

Mr. Secretary, Ambassador [Linda] Thomas-Greenfield,

I welcome the many initiatives the new United States Administration has already taken to support multilateral responses to global challenges, and to strengthen cooperation between the United States and the United Nations.  To mention just three:

Rejoining the Paris Agreement on climate change sends a message of hope to the world.  Re-committing to the World Health Organization is an important sign of solidarity with the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  And re-engaging with the Human Rights Council will amplify the crucial voice of the United States on the most urgent human rights issues.

So, dear friends, cooperation between the United Nations and the United States is indeed critical for our common work.  The commitment and contribution of the United States are essential to resolve the many serious global challenges we face — starting with the COVID-19 pandemic.

To end the pandemic everywhere, I have been insisting and I strongly believe we need a global vaccination plan, and I think the United States can play a very important role on this because, as you know, I have proposed that the G20 should establish an emergency task force to develop and coordinate such a plan but there is no way that this can work without an effective American leadership.

The United Nations climate conference in Glasgow, COP26, will be make-or-break for our planet and our future.  We are working closely together to build a global coalition for net-zero emissions by mid-century, a top priority of the United Nations for 2021, and to mobilize an immediate quantum leap in adaptation, and in finance to support developing countries.  We both believe in the importance of investing in a sustainable, inclusive recovery from the pandemic to reignite the Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals.

As conflict and violence cause enormous global suffering, threatening famine in at least six countries, we need a surge in diplomacy for peace.  We will work to reach lasting agreements in Afghanistan and Yemen; to consolidate our efforts in Libya; to achieve tangible progress through the political dialogue in Syria; and to restart the Middle East peace process.

We need a new movement for peace, from war zones to people’s homes, where women and girls are facing an epidemic of gender-based violence.  And we must deliver on my Call to Action on Human Rights.  People everywhere are demanding an end to systemic racism, discrimination and persecution, and protection for the rights of women, the marginalized, and minorities of all kinds.

The United Nations is the place to tackle our joint challenges and reaffirm our common values.  Secretary Blinken, you are always welcome here.

For information media. Not an official record.