Leaders voice strong support for world body

UNITED NATIONS－World leaders on Wednesday voiced strong support for the United Nations in speeches delivered virtually during the general debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, calling the organization instrumental in coping with the world's common challenges and threats.

Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said that the UN system is "the most important instrument" to deal with global issues, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic highlights how interlinked the world has become.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that in technological terms, the UN can be described as the "software" that has saved the world from critical errors since its founding.

Guyana President Irfaan Ali thanked the UN for supporting Guyana's democratic will and pledged to pursue political inclusion and enact institutional reforms to ensure that democracy, the rule of law, and constitutional rights are protected.

He stressed that each country, big or small, "gets one equal vote" within the General Assembly and that the UN system is "instrumental" in alleviating poverty and hunger, as well as upholding human rights.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said that to face all these challenges, the international community must uphold the founding principles of the UN.

"The values enshrined in human rights texts must not be seen as unachievable ideals and aspirations, rather, they must be actualized," he said.

Optimal structure

Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga stressed that the UN is the "optimal structure" of multilateral cooperation. It was, indeed, a tremendous achievement when the world's nations united under the spirit of the UN Charter and set out to resolve their differences through negotiations and cooperation.

Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga said that the UN is indispensable for the promotion of peace and security in the world. "It embodies the causes of human rights, sustainable development and a world governed by the rule of law," she said."We would do well to work together to achieve the goals of the UN because they benefit all of us, and they make us stronger."

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the COVID-19 pandemic strongly demonstrates the need to strengthen the role of the UN. "The relevance of this forum must never be questioned," he said.

"We firmly believe that only by mutual cooperation, harmonization of positions and mutual respect can a global response in facing this modern plague be found."

Liberian President George Weah said that "without a doubt, the UN remains today as the most important forum for peace, conflict resolution, the prevention of war, and the settlement of disputes between nations of the world".

Xinhua