Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

28 October 2020

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Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

I wish to warmly congratulate H.E Ambassador Carlos Amorin Tenconi, Permanent Representative of Uruguay, on his election as Chair of the Fifth Committee. It is a late congratulation, but it is my first time attending this Committee so I just wanted to repeat it. And also to congratulate the members of the Bureau as well.

I have great confidence that you and the Bureau, with the support of the Secretariat led by Mr. Lionel Berridge, will advance the Committee¡¯s work during the 75th session.

Distinguished delegates,

I am told ¡°All roads lead to the Fifth¡±, and it is therefore fitting that this Committee is the final one I address in these opening weeks of the 75^th?Session.

You know better than most how crucial your work is to the effectiveness and efficiency of this Organisation and the implementation of mandates assigned by Member States in diverse fields.? You were successful pioneers of virtual negotiations in the 74^th?session and should be commended for your efforts to reach consensus and keep this organization, including its crucial peacekeeping work, operating during the 74th Session in the midst of the global pandemic.? I have?full faith that the Committee will continue to push forward its crucial work during the 75^th?Session, capitalizing on the opportunity for both in-person and virtual meetings.

Distinguished delegates,

Trust and cohesion are essential for Member States and groupings to reach decisions that have far-reaching implications for this organisation and its ability to operate. I am encouraged that this Committee continues to make every effort to overcome disagreements or disputes and strives for the goal of consensus, for which the Committee is recognized.?

I need not remind each of you that our work this year has taken on an additional element of urgency. The world has yet to fully address the health impacts of COVID-19, or the profound socio-economic damage, which is becoming increasingly apparent.

And the world is looking to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ for leadership and for demonstrable action to address these challenges in the real world.

We have a responsibility to meet their expectations, and to not only support COVID-19 recovery but to do so in a manner that recovers better, and that accelerates the implementation of the 2030 Agenda during this Decade of Action.? This means we must not forget existing challenges to which Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States have mandated responses, whether in the field of peace and security, human rights or sustainable development.

Given the urgency and operating environment, it is important that the Committee completes its work on the Programme Budget and the Programme Plan in a timely manner. Trust that you have my full support and appreciation as you undertake this endeavour.

I could not address you today without touching on the important issue of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ¡¯s financial situation.? The Secretary-General has, on several occasions, expressed to me concern about the financial situation of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and its ability to meet its ongoing financial obligations. I share these concerns and urge all Member States to pay their dues in full and on time.

During high-level fortnight,?the message from world leaders was clear: International cooperation and effective multilateral action is essential to confront the pandemic.? So, the United Nations needs a predictable financial basis to do that.

In closing, allow me to wish you a successful session and to once again thank you for remaining vigilant and committed through trying times. Without your work the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ would, quite simply, be unable to operate. Trust that you have my deep appreciation and support.

Thank you very much. I wish you all the best in your very difficult endeavours.