– As prepared –

Statement by H.E. Mrs. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly

18 July 2019

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is wonderful to share this experience with you. This week there are important discussions at the UN on building a sustainable future, and I, like many others here, have been running to countless events – but this is the one I have been looking forward to the most:

Because it represents the true spirit of Nelson Mandela – engaging with people in regular settings, focusing on actions, rather than grand words and gestures.

Because we are joined today by friends from South Africa – thank you Minister and colleagues, for taking part in this gathering, this braai 

And because we will be able to share a meal together.

As you at BCCC know well, food has the power to achieve something that diplomats, politicians and the UN have to work at: namely getting people from all backgrounds and walks of life, to sit down at a table and talk.

By cooking and eating together, we can explore our common history and humanity; we can discuss our shared aspirations and concerns for the future; and we can build better understanding and partnerships across communities.

A couple of weeks ago, Alison and I had the privilege of meeting New York City’s “junior ambassadors” in Flushing, and it struck me again how distant the UN can feel to people in this city, even if we can see it on the skyline. And that is a real pity because the UN was created to serve you – in this community, as much as communities across the world.

That means we need to meet with you, listen to you, support and empower you, and work with you, as partners, as we strive to build a safer, fairer and more sustainable world. That is why I’ve made it a priority to bring the UN closer to people, and to make it more transparent, accountable and relevant to people’s lives.

Dear friends,

In 2002, I had the immense privilege of meeting Nelson Mandela during the Rio+10 Summit in Johannesburg. And I was struck by how his profound respect for human dignity was evident in every interaction with those around him.  And it is clear that this light continues to shine today – a beacon of hope at a time when so many of us are experiencing violence, injustice and deprivation; when dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation too often seem out of reach.

As you at BCCC know well, food has the power to achieve something that diplomats, politicians and the UN have to work at: namely getting people from all backgrounds and walks of life, to sit down at a table and talk.

María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés

President of the UN General Assembly

So even as we miss his principled, far-sighted leadership, let us honour his spirit by taking forward his legacy: from fighting racism, poverty and inequality, to promoting human rights, social justice and a culture of peace. And let’s start by taking action in our own communities, as we are doing today, as you, in this Center, do every day. In the words of Madiba:

“Concern for others in our individual and community lives goes a long way to making the world the better place … It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.”

Thank you for being heroes. I am grateful to be here, and hope we can work together to make every day a Mandela Day for action.

Thank you