– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
27 April 2020
Excellencies,
I am happy to be with you today to participate in a discussion about tackling the issue foremost on our minds, COVID-19.
I extend my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and I wish those suffering from the disease a quick recovery.
I thank Ambassadors Raz and Ambassador Šimonović for accepting to serve as coordinators for the General Assembly on COVID-19-related initiatives. Their work begins at a critical time when nations across the globe are facing the detrimental effects of the pandemic. I ask that you lend your full support to their efforts.
As we just commemorated the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, I would like to share the following reflections with you.
First, COVID-19 poses an unprecedented threat to all aspects of our work, as nations and as a global community. Our common efforts to implement the 2030 Development Agenda has been put in even more serious jeopardy in many parts of the world, as the pandemic is disrupting billions of lives with far-reaching effects on the health and livelihoods of people. No country or region is spared, but developing nations and those already most vulnerable are bearing the heaviest brunt of the pandemic.
According to the 2020 Global Report on Food Crises, the global coronavirus outbreak is threatening to exacerbate the existing food crisis around the world and create “a hunger pandemic”.
Gains made towards the eradication of poverty and zero hunger are in danger of being reversed as this crisis puts a strain on food production and supply chains. Those already most at risk of being left behind – women, children, refugees, immigrants and persons with disabilities – are disproportionally affected.
COVID-19 brings yet more urgency and context to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We need to protect those hit hardest and prevent inequalities from deepening and continue to address the needs of the people we serve
Second, the only way out of the pandemic is solidarity. COVID-19 has tragically highlighted our interconnectedness and showcased our dependency on each other. It also teaches us that no country is equipped to fight this challenge alone.
Where we have drawn lines, established borders, and erected walls, Coronavirus has stealthily broken them. A pandemic knows no race, colour or status; nor does it respect boundaries or forms of worship. We must do the same when addressing the devastating consequences of this public health emergency.
Global problems require global solutions. On this eve of the United Nation’s 75th anniversary, multilateralism is as relevant and indispensable as ever. From the onset of the crisis, the UN has led the fight against COVID-19. We must continue to galvanise multilateral action to combat the virus and live up to our collective responsibility to find solutions for the economic and social fallout it causes.
Consensus as been the hallmark of this Assembly. I ask you to continue to engage constructively, to consult broadly and to spare no effort to seek consensus among the membership. Doing so will vastly improve our chances of addressing not only the virus, but also its socio-economic fallout.
Third, the General Assembly needs to speak with one voice. COVID-19 is an unprecedented test, but it also comes with opportunities. Opportunities to send a strong political message to the international community and ultimately to shape the world we want to see coming out of this crisis: as nations, united.
This Assembly’s decision has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people. It is because of the foregoing that we need to be coordinated and unified in formulating a global response that meets the magnitude of the problems we are facing. I urge Member States to use this, our common platform, to its fullest and in solidarity during these difficult times. Consensus as been the hallmark of this Assembly. I ask you to continue to engage constructively, to consult broadly and to spare no effort to seek consensus among the membership. Doing so will vastly improve our chances of addressing not only the virus, but also its socio-economic fall out.
I am convinced that this Honourable Assembly will step up to the challenge and will be a partner to all who seek to create a better world for all.
I thank you.
