Month: September 2020

“This meeting has been substantive and exceptional,” said Volkan Bozkir, wrapping up the Assembly’s 75th anniversary high-level segment, held against the backdrop of the global pandemic.

The Assembly’s historic decision in July to allow world leaders to send in pre-recorded video messages, and to ensure physical distancing protocols for in-person interventions, meant fewer delegates crowding the historic halls of the UN’s New York Headquarters building, and far less traffic on Manhattan’s bustling East Side.

But more Member States than ever took part in the annual general debate, pressing ahead with a full slate of issues, from cooperation on much-hoped for COVID-19 vaccines and reviving global multilateralism, to promoting gender equality and climate action.

The Assembly President said Heads of State and Government, as well as Ministers, had, over the past six days, laid down a complete agenda, “which not only supports the priorities I laid down, but also provided enhanced guidance, on steps needed to overcome the challenges we face.”

Power and relevance of the UN

“The fact that so many world leaders chose to address this Assembly is a testament to the power and relevance of the United Nations,” stated Mr. Bozkir, adding: “No other platform in the international calendar, has this convening power. No other Organization can bring so many global leaders together. No other body has the potential to address global challenges, like this United Nations.”

Indeed, through their virtual presence, “our political leaders have demonstrated their commitment to multilateralism, and the United Nations,” he said, adding that many had recognized that multilateralism presents the most effective system to address global challenges, such as the pandemic and climate change.

“I thank you for this full and comprehensive endorsement of the rules-based international order and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter,” said the Assembly President, also taking note of the participants’ strong calls for a reformed and increasingly effective UN, that is aligned to the realities of the 21st Century.

Solidarity to tackle of COVID-19 pandemic

“The call for solidarity is impossible to ignore in the context of the current pandemic,” Mr. Bozkir continued, noting that every Member State referred to the catastrophic consequences of this disease in their remarks.

“Unilateral actions have failed to halt its spread. Significant efforts are needed to combat the current pandemic and prepare for future health shocks,” he said.

Member States had asked him to focus on three relevant issues during his presidency: early warning systems: creating conditions to prevent emergence of another disease; inclusivity in approaches to dealing with the crisis; and equity in access to future vaccines.

The call for solidarity is impossible to ignore, in the context of the current pandemic

In that regard, he said that at the Assembly’s special session on the pandemic later this year, Member States are encouraged to present policy solutions on these three issues, to strengthen cooperation and put the world back on track towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“COVID-19 is a practice test that has revealed our weaknesses and the areas that we must strengthen together,” said the Assembly President, noting that he was pleased so many speakers had recognized the opportunity ‘to build back better’ so the world would be better prepared for future crises.

“We all know that we must build resilience now to prepare for whatever comes tomorrow. And we know that we have a road map to achieve this: the 2030 Agenda,” he declared.

Long-term threat of climate change

“The pandemic has diverted resources and attention. But climate change, is still the greatest long-term threat to humanity,” he said, noting that as fires rage, sea-levels rise, and biodiversity is lost, there is even greater urgency in pursuing our climate goals and integrating them in our plans “to build back better from the pandemic”.

As such, he pledged to work closely with Member States to make COP26, the UN climate conference set to be held next year in Glasgow, a landmark in the mutual quest to combat the climate challenge.

Mr. Bozkir also looked forward to discussing the importance of biodiversity, particularly with respect to disease, at the first ever UN Biodiversity Summit, set for Wednesday, 30 September, in New York.

 

“We can find practical solutions, if we work together to prevent instability and achieve lasting peace,” Assembly President Bozkir said. “Everyone agrees on the need for a call for a global ceasefire. The time has come to implement it.”

Sharing the speakers’ concerns about threats to international peace and security and deeming them to be well founded, he lamented that this situation had been made worse by the pandemic.

Seventy-five years after the creation of the Organization, conflicts still rage in the world and many protracted crises remain unresolved, he explained and stressed the devastating consequences of conflicts on the most vulnerable groups.

He also endorsed the concern of States regarding nuclear proliferation, saying: “Peace is more than the absence of war, but I was encouraged to hear, a firm commitment to disarmament, a crucial tool in conflict prevention, alongside preventive diplomacy.”

“While sovereign countries can take whatever actions they see fit, leaders have made it clear that in an interdependent and interconnected world, solutions can only come from multilateral actions, with the UN at its center,” he stated.

“One thing is clear: ‘We are stronger together,” he recalled. “Our global consultation around UN 75 revealed that this is precisely what people around the world want.”

“This Year’s General Debate hinges on multilateralism, which matches very well with our major pre-occupation to ensure that no one is left behind”, UN Ambassador Kennedy Gastorn said on behalf of Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli.

He stated that the UN is “the right platform to address global challenges” and called multilateralism “an important tool for collaboration among nations”.

Mr. Gastorn paid tribute to former President Benjamin William Mkapa, who died in July, and informed the delegates that the President Magufuli was unable to participate himself due to the country’s election campaign, as he vies for a second term on 28 October.

COVID complications

While thanking the UN system for its efforts to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Gastorn noted that his Government’s actions to mitigate and prevent its spread have had positive results, saying that “today, all socio-economic activities have resumed to normal”.

“The pandemic has drastically claimed a lot of lives and distorted economies of individual countries and the world at large”, he stated, echoing many previous speakers. 

Noting that developed and developing countries have been particularly hard hit, the Ambassador thanked development partners, including financial institutions for “debt relief, postponement of debt payments and provision of grants”.

In implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he pointed out that Tanzania has accomplished “a number of achievements”, including the milestone of having been upgraded from least-developed to lower-middle income status by the World Bank in July.

Economic blueprint

Building a trade economy in Tanzania, has gone “hand-in-hand” with the construction of a hydro-electric power plant in the Rufiji river to boost energy supply in industries, according to the Ambassador.

“Our blueprint for industrial economy and human development seeks to address the infrastructure and regulatory hurdles and thereby create a smart, functional and fair investment and business regulatory regime”, he explained.

Tanzania stands with the UN

On the international front, he stressed that the UN’s credibility rests on a “well-represented and responsive Security Council” and closed by pledging Tanzania’s continued support to ensure success in its Global agenda.

“Tanzania reiterates its commitment to multilateralism and calls upon all Member States to embrace it for a just and better world”, Ambassador Gastorn concluded.

You can read the full statement here.

“Building a peaceful world without war is the consistent goal” of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, UN Ambassador Kim Song told the delegates, but, he continued, the “nuclear threat against North Korea continues unabated”.

He maintained that “cutting-edge military hardware”, including stealth fighters, on the Korean peninsula are being “directly aimed at the DPRK”.

Maintaining the rampantness of “high-handedness based on strength”, Mr. Song said that DPRK has obtained a “reliable and effective war deterrent for self-defense”.

Economic construction

The Ambassador underscored the need for economic construction to safeguard the State and its people.

Pointing out that this requires a favourable external environment, he assured that DPRK’s dignity was “as valuable as our own life” and would not be sold off.

Although the country has suffered considerable losses from natural disasters this year, North Korea is, by itself, “vigorously striving” to remove flood and typhoon damages in a short period of time, according to Mr. Song.

“The maneuvers of hostile forces to stifle the DPRK and other numerous difficulties will continue impeding our advance”, the Ambassador acknowledged, but “the struggle of the DPRK to overcome them and open up a road to prosperity by its own efforts will also be further intensified”.

Importance of multilateralism

The North Korean Ambassador stressed the importance of multilateralism to achieve peace, security and sustainable development in the world, saying it requires “cooperative relations among Member States based on recognizing different ideas, systems, cultures and values”.

“The time is gone when an individual country used to hold sway over the international politics unilaterally imposing its will upon the world”, he stated, adding that “multilateralism has become an irresistible global trend”.

And the UN is necessary to achieve a world, “free from domination, subordination, aggression and interference, Mr. Song said pointedly.
He underscored that the Organization “firmly adhere” to sovereign equality, mutual respect and impartiality while eliminating “biased and double-standard practices” in its activities and upheld that “the absolute majority” of States support building a peaceful and prosperous world based on multilateralism.

In closing, the Ambassador assured that DPRK will develop “good-neighborly and fraternal relations” with all countries that respect its sovereignty, while making “determined efforts to safeguard peace and security” of the region and the world at large.

You can read the full statement here.

To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda followed strong guidelines, standard operating procedures and systematic testing, tracing, quarantining and treatment regimen, explained Philip Ochen Odida, Deputy Permanent Representative, speaking in person to the UN Assembly. 

The COVID-19 crisis, however, “has given lessons and areas for reflection”, he added, noting that the pandemic showed the interconnectedness and interdependence of the world; that societies must embrace the “digital age” and adopt more digital technologies; and that institutions and industries have the ability to adapt and redirect themselves. 

Mr. Odida also informed the UN Assembly that his country is committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a particular goal to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, to spur social, economic and political development, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He also highlighted the need to combat climate change, urging effective and bold multilateral actions by all.  

“The Government will continue to invest in climate adaptation and mitigation measures,” said the Deputy Permanent Representative, adding that Uganda will support strong proposals at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in 2021. 

In his remarks, Mr. Odida also highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation as well as the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire during the pandemic. He also called for reforms to the Security Council to improve equitable representation of un- and under-represented regions, especially Africa. 

Full statement available here 

Ambassador Craig Hawke delivered his speech in person, inside the General Assembly Hall in New York, noting that to defeat the coronavirus, “we will need to be our collective best”, back the World Health Organization and work together to distribute an effective vaccine, “on an equitable basis”.

New Zealand has been lauded for its COVID-19 response with one of the lowest infection rates in the world, but Mr. Hawke said nobody would be truly safe, until vulnerable regions like the Pacific, receive the vaccines they need.

Climate threat

The threat from climate change “is more real in the Pacific than any other region”, he added, saying many islands were paying the price for “collective inaction and their fate is in our hands.

It is essential for the Paris Agreement to be fully implemented, along with a global reset towards a greener global economic system. Calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies, he was it was time to “re-think how our societies can simultaneously focus on the well-being of our people, and of our environment.”

Ambassador Hawke said that New Zealand has championed the United Nations since its inception, and the wider international system.

“Today, we recommit to playing our part in ensuring the multilateral system collectively responds to shared, urgent global challenges. New Zealand urges all other Member States to do the same”, he added.

Speaking in Maori, the indigenous tongue of the mainland, he concluded with an old saying: “With your food basket, and my food basket, the people will thrive.”

Full statement available here

Opening his video address, pre-recorded due to the coronavirus pandemic, on a positive note, Mr. Netanyahu said that while the Middle East “is not exactly renowned” for producing good news, the recent agreements between Israel, and Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, respectively, would bring their peoples the “blessings of peace” and the enormous benefits through increased trade, investment and commerce. 

The Prime Minister said that he had “no doubt that more Arab and Muslim countries will be joining the circle of peace, soon, very soon.” 

“This good news about peace came about because of a clear break with the failed strategies of the past,” he added. 

Mr. Netanyahu said that for decades, all progress was halted because of “completely unrealistic Palestinian demands”, demands – he said – were “complete non-starters for any responsible Israeli Government.” 

He also spoke of the President of the United States, who chose a path “anchored in reality”, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and put forward a realistic peace plan that recognizes Israel’s right, addresses its security needs and provides the Palestinians with a dignified realistic path forward if they make peace with Israel. 

In his address, Prime Minister Netanyahu also spoke of the threat to his country and other Arab States, posed by Iran. 

Hezbollah’s ‘secret arms depot’ 

“Iran wantonly and repeatedly attacks its neighbours, and its terror proxies are directly involved in violence throughout the Middle East, including in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Gaza and of course, Lebanon,” he added, recalling the explosion in the port of Beirut in early August. 

Mr. Netanyahu also accused Hezbollah of keeping a “secret arms depot” near Beirut’s airport, near Janah, an area with civilian buildings and energy infrastructure, noting that if the depot explodes, “it’s another tragedy,” he said referring to the 4 August blast that ripped through the Lebanese capital’s port area, killing nearly 200 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. 

To the people living near Janah, he said: “You’ve got to act now. You’ve got to protest this. Because if this thing explodes, it’s another tragedy.”  

The Prime Minister of Israel went on to commend US President Donald Trump for “withdrawing from the flawed nuclear deal with Iran,” adding that he had opposed the deal from the very outset. 

Wrapping up his address, Prime Minister Netanyahu called on all members of the Security Council to stand with the US against Iran’s aggression and in insisting that Iran end its nuclear weapons programme once and for all. 

“Stand with the US in confronting the greatest danger to peace in our region,” he continued. 

“And if you do, I am confident that in the years ahead we will be able to celebrate more good news from the Middle East.” 

Heiko Maas highlighted examples of recent peace efforts, such as the ceasefire in Ukraine, the possibility of renewed talks between the warring sides in Libya, and developments in relations between Israel and Arab countries in the Gulf region. 

“This crisis also shows that international cooperation is neither an ideology nor an end in itself. On the contrary, it delivers results,” he said. 

Ceasefire call ‘falling on deaf ears’ 

Despite this progress, he warned that “we’re still a very long way from a new global attitude,” as the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire during the pandemic “is falling on deaf ears in many places.” 

The Foreign Minister also stressed the need for greater action against violence and terrorism in the Sahel, and to resolve the nearly decade-long conflict in Syria. 

He further cited the importance of justice in achieving lasting peace, both in Syria and elsewhere. He underlined Germany’s commitment to bringing perpetrators of crimes against humanity to account, as well as the country’s support for UN mechanisms that investigate these crimes. 

For Mr. Maas, those who “blur the line between right and wrong” jeopardise the international order and peaceful coexistence. 

More action on Navalny case 

“This applies to those who stand in the way of the work of institutions such as the International Criminal Court.  This applies to those who block the Security Council with one veto after another and who prevent its urgently needed reform with constantly new delay tactics,” he said. 

“And this especially applies to those who contravene international law, although, as permanent members of the Security Council, they bear particular responsibility for upholding it.”  

Mr. Maas called on Russia to “do more” to investigate the poisoning of opposition politician Alexei Navalny. 

“A case such as this must have consequences. The EU (European Union) therefore reserves the right to impose sanctions,” he stated. 

Put people at the centre of pandemic response 

The Foreign Minister began his speech by reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic and its longer-term impacts, including hunger, poverty, displacement and conflict.  

Due to the ongoing global crisis, the annual debate in the UN General Assembly was held almost virtually, with world leaders providing pre-recorded videos of their speeches. 

“As long as the virus is out there, it can affect each and every one of us,” said Mr. Maas, who recorded his statement himself at home, where he is under quarantine after coming into contact with someone who has the virus. 

“That is why only when we get the pandemic under control throughout the world will we be able to overcome it in the long term.” 

Mr. Maas called for those affected by COVID-19 to be at the centre of all response, while the search for a vaccine against the disease “must not be a competition or a beauty contest.”  Here, he underlined Germany’s “clear commitment” to the fair distribution of any potential vaccines or medicines. 

Germany has also allocated more than three billion Euros this year for global crisis management, focused mainly on the UN, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. 

Full statement available here 

Speaking at the UN Assembly’s annual debate, via a pre-recorded video message, Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe invited the Government of Bangladesh to “show its genuine political will to cooperate, by strictly adhering to the terms of the signed agreements.” 

“Should Bangladesh commit itself to the bilateral process it will find Myanmar a willing partner. Pressure tactics will be futile. Myanmar does not react well to pressure,” he added. 

The Minister informed the Assembly that while bilateral repatriation had not yet started, more than 350 displaced persons from camps in Cox’s Bazar had returned to Myanmar’s Rakhine state on their own volition through unofficial channels. 

Ensuring accountability  

In his remarks, the Minister also said that his Government shares the concern over allegations of human rights violations in Rakhine and takes them seriously.  

He recalled Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor of Myanmar, who told a public hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in December 2019, that if war crimes or human rights violations were committed, they will be investigated and prosecuted by Myanmar’s criminal justice system. 

“This is our right, our obligation and our commitment, and it is important for vital domestic processes linked to constitutional reform and peace in Myanmar,” added the Minster, noting steps taken by the Government towards accountability and reconciliation. 

Noting that a country should be given time, space and respect for its domestic accountability processes, and cautioning against any bias or “demonization”, the Minister recalled the State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s message before the ICJ: “Feeding the flames of an extreme polarization in the context of Rakhine […] can harm the values of peace and harmony in Myanmar. Aggravating the wounds of conflict can undermine unity in Rakhine. Hate narratives are not simply confined to hate speech – language that contributes to extreme polarization also amounts to hate narratives.”  

Impact of COVID-19 

Noting that COVID-19 has overwhelmed even resource-rich countries, the pandemic represents a formidable task for a developing country like Myanmar. 

He said that Myanmar has taken a whole-of-nation approach, “mobilizing the strength of its people through volunteerism and sharing spirit in the fight against the pandemic.” The measures, he added, proved successful in coping with the first wave of the virus but his country is now facing a second wave. 

“The Government has been making parallel efforts both in protecting public health and mitigating the economic impact by implementing its COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. Despite the risk of virus import, we are bringing back all our citizens and migrant workers who are facing difficulties in foreign countries where they have no access to social protection,” he said. 

In his remarks, the Minister also spoke of the dangers posed by terrorism and hate speech, as well as efforts of his Government to promote social cohesion, addressing sexual violence and preventing violence against children. 

 

Full statement available here  

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted his country’s diplomatic efforts which affirmed rejection of any annexation of Palestinian territory, as well as its staunch support for a two-State solution in the Middle East. 

“With the signing of a historic peace accord with Israel, supported by American efforts, my country was able to freeze the annexation decision and opened broad prospects to achieve a comprehensive peace in the region,” he said, referring to the agreement brokered in August. 

“We hope this peace accord will provide the opportunity for the Palestinians and the Israelis to re-engage in negotiations to achieve peace. Our position towards supporting the Palestinian people and achieving the two-state solution is firm.” 

Sheikh Abdullah added that the UAE will strive to ensure that the peace deal also “will open new intellectual horizons in the region and create a prosperous path for future generations who deserve a stable region and a better reality than wars and poverty.” 

A critical turning point 

Tuesday marks the final day of the annual high-level debate in the General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in New York. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Heads of State and Government, or their representatives, pre-recorded their speeches which were broadcast on giant screens in the chamber. 

The global crisis is unfolding in the year the UN celebrates its 75th anniversary, and Sheikh Abdullah urged world leaders to seize this “critical turning point” to “transform challenges into great opportunities” through coordinated international response and wise leadership. 

“One starting point should be continuing to focus on solving existing political crises and preventing new conflicts from emerging, especially during the spread of the pandemic,” he recommended. 

Reject interference in state affairs 

The Foreign Minister said solving crises, especially in the Arab region, requires taking what he described as “a unified international position” that rejects violation of state sovereignty and foreign interference in internal affairs, and which seeks UN-led political solutions while also addressing threats posed by terrorist groups such as the Houthis, Da’esh, al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood. 

“The tensions in Yemen, Syria, Libya, Iraq and other states are all related to blatant interference in Arab affairs made by states that incite strife and discord, or that have historical delusions of restoring their domination and colonial rule over the Arab region and the Horn of Africa. The result has been brutal wars,” he said. 

“In this context, we recall our firm position of rejecting regional interference in Arab affairs, and request full respect for sovereignty, which is fully consistent with international law and international norms.” 

Sheikh Abdullah further underscored the need to maintain progress achieved against the extremist group Da’esh, also known as ISIL, in Syria and Iraq.  This requires ongoing efforts to rebuild liberated areas, strengthen the rule of law, and protect communities against extremism and terrorism, he said. 

“Support and economic assistance should also be provided to Sudan,” he continued.  

“It is also important to prevent any interference in Sudan’s internal affairs and to stop extremist groups from exploiting the situation and threaten the security of the Sudan and its neighboring states.” 

Full statement available here