UNGA President calls for multilateralism to address global issues

Ms. Espinosa called for more attention to be paid to the needs of the most vulnerable countries so that they can reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure respect of human rights.


UN | Updated: 25-09-2018 22:31 IST | Created: 25-09-2018 22:23 IST
UNGA President calls for multilateralism to address global issues
To advance that agenda, Ms. Espinosa spotlighted three principles: global leadership, shared responsibility and collective action. (Image Credit: Twitter)

With a call to multilateralism and shared work towards sustainable development and equality for all, María Fernanda Espinosa formally inaugurated the seventy-third general debate of the of the United Nations General Assembly.Ms. Espinosa, the President of the General Assembly, affirmed on Tuesday that the contribution of the United Nations to humanity has been immense, citing the principles that govern the international coexistence emanated from the forum she leads.

“The reality is that the work of the United Nations remains as relevant as it was 73 years ago. Multilateralism is the only possible answer to the global problems we face. Weakening or putting it in question only generates instability and bewilderment, distrust and polarization,” she said.

Ms. Espinosa also highlighted the interconnectedness of the current world as a characteristic that forces global dialogue and multilateral responses to problems, proposing that the UN Member States take up the multilateral agenda with a renewed commitment.

Three principles

To advance that agenda, Ms. Espinosa spotlighted three principles: global leadership, shared responsibility and collective action.

“I invite you to be inspired by the Andean millennial principle of the minga, which refers to the collective construction and shared work, to achieve a benefit for the community. Let us then make a global minga for the construction of more peaceful and egalitarian societies, more sustainable and resilient,” she declared.

Turning to the Assembly’s priorities for the coming years, she said cited gender equality and women’s empowerment; the implementation of the global pacts on migration and refugees; the creation of decent work opportunities for all; and environmental protection and compliance with climate change mitigation agreements.

She also noted strengthening the political commitment with people with disabilities; the revitalization of the UN; and the role of young people in conflict prevention.

A more peaceful world order

Ms. Espinosa called for more attention to be paid to the needs of the most vulnerable countries so that they can reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure respect of human rights.

Finally, she urged leaders gathered in the Assembly to live up to the needs of the people and to build a more peaceful, secure and humane world order that guarantees the dignity of the people.

“Let us then build a United Nations that is more relevant to all people,” the Assembly President concluded.

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