Pacific 

Through solidarity, humanity will overcome COVID-19 pandemic: Timor-Leste President

In a video pre-recorded for the event, Francisco Guterres also highlighted the need for global solidarity to defeat the crisis.  “I am deeply convinced that together in a genuine spirt of solidarity, humankind will overcome this challenge,” he said.  President Guterres reported on steps his administration has taken in the battle against COVID-19, including closing borders, establishing quarantine and isolation… Read More
Pacific 

Viet Nam is ‘duty-bound’ to help strengthen the UN, world’s largest multilateral organization

Although the leaders of Member States have been unable to gather in person for the General Debate, President Nguyen Phu Trong said that “does not diminish our resolve and ability to deliberate and seek solutions for issues of common concern”. In a pre-recorded video address to the Assembly’s annual debate, being held virtually this year due to the coronavirus pandemic,… Read More
Pacific 

‘COVID-19 has exposed our past mistakes and failures’ says Kazakhstan President

Mr. Tokayev described a “critical collapse of global cooperation” in response to the crisis, as well as a lack of mutual confidence, a misunderstanding of international competition, trade wars, and sanctions which, he said, are undermining the prospects and hopes for a better world. In a pre-recorded address to the Assembly’s virtual gathering of leaders, the Kazakh premier put forward… Read More
Pacific 

Sri Lankan President calls on WHO to facilitate ‘universal access’ to COVID vaccine

In a pre-recorded address to the United Nations General Assembly’s annual debate, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa explained that his Government’s “inclusive, non-discriminatory and holistic” measures were key to saving lives and protecting people’s health.  These measures include, financially supporting low-income families, pensioners, persons with disabilities, day-wage earners, farmers, and disadvantaged groups, and managing the repatriation of Sri Lankans in a coordinated… Read More
Pacific 

The UN is not a building in New York city, it is our commitment to future generations, Indonesian President tells world leaders

“The United Nations is not a mere building in the city of New York, rather it represents an ideal and shared commitment of all nations, to realize world peace and prosperity for our future generations,” Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in a pre-recorded video address to the General Assembly’s annual debate, being held virtually this year due to the coronavirus… Read More
Pacific 

Myanmar: Mounting child death toll during Rakhine village assaults must end, urges rights expert

Thomas Andrews decried the mounting toll of child casualties: “Serious questions have been raised about whether these children, and growing numbers of others, are being caught in the crossfire of war, or are being deliberately targeted,” he said. “Two five-year-old children were killed and another was wounded by artillery fire in Myebon Township two weeks ago today.” Comply with UN courts “Impunity… Read More
Pacific 

At UN General Assembly, Philippines’ Duterte denounces groups ‘weaponizing’ human rights

In an address to world leaders gathered at the UN General Assembly’s annual debate, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called for access to a vaccine against the virus, once found, must not be denied nor withheld.  “It should be made available to all, rich and poor nations alike, as a matter of policy.”  President Duterte also called for a “global” health… Read More
Pacific 

‘Enhance solidarity’ to fight COVID-19, Chinese President urges, also pledges carbon neutrality by 2060

“We should follow the guidance of science, give full play to the leading role of the World Health Organization (WHO) and launch an international response to beat this pandemic”, he said.  Prior to his pre-recorded video address in the General Assembly Hall, he was introduced by UN Ambassador Zhang Jun, who without citing the United States specifically, pushed back against… Read More
Pacific 

Fighting drug trafficking in the Golden Triangle: a UN Resident Coordinator blog

“Thailand has made considerable progress in combating the opium trade over recent decades and represents global good practices. UNODC has a long-term partnership with the Thai government and other stakeholders to combat drug trafficking in the Golden Triangle and, from the military base at Doi Chang Mub overlooking Myanmar, joint patrols are conducted on a regular basis to counter trafficking.… Read More
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