ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 22nd September, 2020…….Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne was among world leaders of the General Assembly of the United Nations who gathered in a virtual format on Monday, in a high-level meeting to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations.
According to Prime Minister Browne, world leaders adopted a declaration honouring the multilateral framework put in place by its founders in 1945 and pledged to better live out the promise to save succeeding generations from the ravages of war.
Titled “Declaration on the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations,” the text lays out 12 succinct commitments to reanimate global resolve: leave no one behind, protect the planet, promote peace, abide by international law, place women and girls at the centre, build trust, improve digital cooperation, upgrade the United Nations, ensure sustainable financing, boost partnerships, work with youth, and, finally, be prepared.
In making his statement before the declaration, Prime Minister Browne said that the dismantling of colonial rule, carried out under the law-making capabilities of the General Assembly, assisted many States including his own. Founded as a colony in 1634, he said Antigua and Barbuda owes its independence to resolution 1514 (1960). “The multilateralism which defines the United Nations is embedded in the approach of Member States when achieving their goals,” he said, underscoring the pragmatism of the principle that “global problems demand global solutions”.
Even as nationalism has become a new reality worldwide, his Government remains pledged to fight poverty, guarantee the rights of women and girls and “unrelentingly tackle global climate change”. Noting that there are six hurricanes currently brewing in the Atlantic Ocean threatening lives and livelihoods, he said “Let me remind everyone that there is no Planet B.”
Prime Minister Browne will next speak at the United Nations on Wednesday during a Sustainable Development Goals Business Forum on the status of the travel and tourism industry and impact on local economy/opportunities for companies to support SIDS priorities for building back better and the role of the private sector in the rebuilding effort.
Prime Minister Browne will deliver the National Statement on September 25, during the virtual General Assembly on the theme “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism – confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action”.
Digital photo compliments Office of the Prime Minister
- Prime Minister Browne during his virtual presentation on the United Nations 75th Anniversary.
MAURICE F. MERCHANT
Director-General of Communications | Government of Antigua and Barbuda
