The President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Abdulla Shahid has stated multilateralism is alive and well, as indicated by so many countries engaging in deliberations over important global issues.
In his address at the general debate of the UNGA session, Shahid said the UN has taken its biggest, boldest step yet to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the world must build upon this success and continue momentum. He added the true measure of success would be willingness and ability to engage in dialogue and to put faith in the multilateral system.
Shahid further reported that over the last week, 194 speakers took the iconic green marble podium, including 100 heads of state, 52 heads of government, three vice-presidents, and 34 ministers. He added he was very encouraged by the strong showing of the world’s return to in-person diplomacy. However, flagging that of this year’s 194 speakers, only 18 were women, he emphasised that more must be done to balance the scales.
Speaking further, Shahid noted multiple recurring issues were discussed and deliberated upon during the UNGA session, such as COVID-19, climate change, peace, security and the risks of instability. He added the UN must now address these concerns in a manner that turns every challenge into an opportunity to strengthen multilateralism and deliver results on ground. He underscored that there is no time for complacency and that the world is demanding more action and not less.
In closing, the UNGA president observed that “two truths” were displayed throughout the session, beginning with the fact that everyone shares the same concerns and unwavering commitment to overcome obstacles. His second observation was that multilateralism is indeed alive and well, evidenced by the reality that so many have come, spoken, engaged, deliberated and argued on important global matters. He described it as a sign of a world that continues to believe in dialogue and diplomacy, and that reposes its faith in a United Nations that is able and ready.