‘We need solutions’, not cynicism; UN Assembly President urges world leaders to do more to tackle global ills

The fact that world leaders have convened at United Nations Headquarters in New York is “a veritable testament to the primacy of this great multilateral body”, the General Assembly President said opening the Organization’s annual General Debate.

And the issues at hand are “most critical and increasingly urgent for the attainment of international peace and security, as well as the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande stated.

“Too long at the crossroads of human development…we need to join efforts in finding solutions to the untold hardship from violent conflicts, terrorism, natural disasters, drug and sex trafficking, illiteracy, and so on which millions of people around the world suffer from”, he continued.

For 74 years, he recalled that the UN has done much to advance humanity – most recently with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“The implementation of the SDGs by 2030 must be our priority, in the interest of the billions of people who may never step inside this great Hall, but who hope that the work undertaken here would galvanize efforts for poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion”, Mr. Muhammad-Bande declared.

Pointing to challenges surrounding health pandemics, terrorism, displacement, climate change, illiteracy and poverty, he underscored the need for financing and experience-sharing cooperation, as “they all require focused cooperation to stem”.

Mr. Muhammad-Bande vowed to work with all delegations and UN organs to advance his priorities, for which the promotion of international peace and security “is at the heart”.

“We must continue to strengthen the Organization by ensuring that its peace and security architecture is appropriate for the 21st century, particularly making a priority of prevention”, he asserted, adding that drivers of conflict, including poverty, inequality and human rights abuses “must be tackled head-on”.

In conclusion, he reminded those assembled that the task at hand is “to debate how best to achieve the world of our collective dream”.

“We give succour and hope to all people and nations for a more peaceful and prosperous world. There is great work to be done; we have no room for either cynicism or apathy”, concluded Mr. Muhammad-Bande, “we should strive together, to deliver for all”.

Original source: UN News
Published on 24 September 2019