– As delivered –
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly
16 April 2021
Secretary-General,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
On behalf of the United Nations General Assembly, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of President Magufuli, the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania on the passing of His Excellency, Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli.
Of course, Tanzania is a cherished member of the United Nations family and a committed supporter of multilateralism. President Magufuli embodied this sentiment at the General Debate in September, when, in words delivered by the Permanent Representative, he pledged:
that the United Republic of Tanzania will continue to render the necessary support to the United Nations in ensuring success in all important global agendas, including the promotion of the equality and self-determination of nations, peace and security, human rights, development, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the United Nations reform processes.
Tanzania¡¯s commitment to multilateralism is particularly evident through the contribution to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Peacekeeping.? Currently, over 2000 Tanzanian peacekeepers serve in 6 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ operations, demonstrating Tanzania¡¯s commitment to peace and security, the cornerstone of social development.?
Tanzania and the United Nations are close development partners and have a rich history of working together. In 2007, Tanzania became one of eight countries worldwide to pilot the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Delivering as One reforms. Today, 23 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ agencies are closely working to implement the United Nations Development Assistance Plan 2016-2021 which supports the Government to achieve its objectives in its national visions (Tanzania Development Vision 2025 and Zanzibar Vision 2020) as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
President Magufuli was a champion of Tanzania¡¯s development. During his time in office he invested in many large infrastructure projects such as a standard-gauge railway, major highways and bridges, upgraded ports and ships. He championed the building of healthcare and clean water facilities. He also focused on the youth of Tanzania, devoting resources to educate Tanzania¡¯s future doctors, lawyers, engineers and teachers, raising enrolment in primary schools by over 50 % in five years.????
These achievements will long be remembered here at the United Nations. I wish the people of Tanzania and the family of the President well as they mourn this great loss.
Now I will ask you to join me in a minute of silence.?
Thank you.