Mr. President,
I warmly congratulate Russia for its Presidency of the Security Council for the month of April 2023 and thank the Permanent Mission of Russia for organizing this timely debate on this International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.
We express our appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs for chairing today’s debate. We also thank UN Secretary-General for his insightful briefing this morning.
Mr. President,
The world today is confronted with multiple complex and multi-dimensional challenges like climate change, conflict, post-covid-recovery, preservation of biodiversity and prevention of environmental pollution, the food, energy, and financial crisis.
We believe, effective multilateralism, with the participation of all member states and other relevant stakeholders, is the best solution to overcome these interconnected challenges through upholding the principles of the UN Charter.
Allow me to highlight a few points in this regard:
First: The principles of the Charter of the United Nations remain at the centre of effective multilateralism in resolving global conflict and crisis and promoting peace and security.
The constitution of Bangladesh mirrors the UN Charter in its unwavering commitment to international peace and security based on the principles of “respect for national sovereignty and equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, peaceful settlement of international disputes, and respect for international law.”
Our father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was also an ardent supporter of multilateralism and defender of the principle of UN Charter. In his maiden speech delivered at the UN in 1974, he said: “The United Nations remains as the centre of hope for the future of the people in this world of sadness, misery and conflict”.
Second: Since its membership to the UN, we have been at the forefront of activities at the UN including in the maintenance of international peace and security which is a core pillar of the Charter of the United Nations.
Today, Bangladesh is the largest troops and police contributing country to the United Nations peacekeeping operations and thus we are playing a crucial role in the maintenance of the international peace and security. Bangladesh-led Flagship Resolution “ Culture of Peace” was adopted at the General Assembly in 1999 and followed up every year with the UN Membership to promote peaceful settlement of conflicts, mutual respect and understanding and international cooperation.
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina is a flag bearer of effective multilateralism and defender of the Charter of the United Nations. The humanity and courage in hosting more than 1.2 million Rohingyas, which saved the regions from potential destabilization, also stems from her abiding commitment to the principle of the Charter of the United Nations.
Third: Effective multilateralism must be recognized and reinvigorated that includes our visionary guideline and strategy to resolve the potential future crisis through global solidarity and cooperation.
In this regard, we welcome the UN Secretary-General’s report “Our Common Agenda” which looks ahead to the next 25 years and represents the SG’s vision on the future of global cooperation.
Finally: we are passing through a critical time when the very notion of multilateralism is in question. It is imperative now, perhaps more than ever before, for the entire UN membership to unite and engage to use the Charter in its true spirit, to address global realities, and the aspirations of current and future generations. We have to go for more innovative application of the Charter principles. And the Security Council has the primary responsibility in this regard safeguarding the interests of the greater humanity in peace and security. Bangladesh stands ready to do its part.
I thank you all for your kind attention.
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