Mr. President,

Thank you for your comprehensive briefing on the General Assembly work.

I congratulate you for the successful conclusion of the work of the main session despite unprecedented challenges.

We are proud to see that, despite the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly and its Main Committees continued their work and fully implemented their mandates.

We have accomplished quite a lot, as testified by the extensive list of resolutions adopted as well as high-level meetings held to address global challenges in such a short period.

A particular highlight was the 31st Special Session of the General Assembly. The statements at the highest level in support of a global response to COVID-19, built on the principles of global solidarity, shared destiny and one humanity were most timely.

Mr. President,

Your leadership and commitment to business continuity made this outcome possible.

We would like to commend your leadership and your proactive advocacy for a return to the General Assembly’s normal way of working.

Mr. President,

The pandemic has highlighted once again the dire need to work together in order to address the most pressing global challenges.

In times like this, the whole world looks up to the United Nations, as the embodiment of multilateralism. The role of the General Assembly is more significant than ever.
In this context, I will touch upon a matter which is of concern to many delegations.
If we believe in the importance of diplomacy and multilateralism with the UN at its center, we must do utmost to continuity to work in-person, under this roof.

If diplomacy is essential, if the UN is essential, if multilateralism is essential, then our services must be considered as essential.

We therefore expect the local and federal authorities of our host country to support the diplomatic missions accredited to the UN and acknowledge our work as such in their vaccination plans.

It is now time to walk the talk and make the best out of the resumed session of this historic 75th General Assembly.

I congratulate you once again, and also the member states and the UN Secretariat for the successful conclusion of the main session. We will continue to fully support you and your Office in all your efforts.

Thank you.