(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – President of Guyana, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 24 September, that the UN must safeguard humanity’s survival and progress from being compromised by the ambitions of powerful states, if it is to remain true to its founding Charter.
In a wide-ranging address to the 80th Session of the UNGA he said, “the survival and progress of humanity are not mortgaged to the ambitions of the powerful.”
When the ideals of the UN are tested by “horrific realities,” the collective must act in defence of the Charter and international law, the President told the gathering of international leaders.
Warning of the erosion of global multilateralism, he said that the UN’s mission to maintain international peace and security “will ring hollow if it allows power to triumph over principle and might to override right.”
Regionally, President Ali called for decisive action in Haiti, including enforcement of the arms embargo and support for an UN-authorised mission.
He also addressed Venezuela’s continued threats against Guyana’s territorial integrity, reaffirming the country’s commitment to international law and role of the International Court of Justice to adjudicate the controversy.
Underscoring the critical importance of the UN, he said that it is difficult to imagine our world without the organisation.
Citing examples such as creating international law, promoting development and human rights, to resolving disputes, providing humanitarian aid and advancing self-determination and independence, President Ali affirmed that over the eight decades, the global community has “worked together for the greater good.”
He posited that with intensifying geopolitical tensions, worsening food insecurity, growing displacement, violations of human rights, and the escalating threat of climate change, the United Nations stands at a crossroads.
The Sustainable Development Goals are under threat due to shrinking development and budgetary support. Peacekeeping budgets are declining, humanitarian costs are rising, and global military spending in 2024 saw its steepest annual increase since the Cold War, he told the UNGA.
In a strong condemnation of the war in Gaza, he said,
“We reiterate our condemnation of the attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023 and again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; Israel’s actions have long shattered any pretense of legitimate self-defense.”
Please read his full address to the United Nations here. Click here to listen to his speech.
