Unprecedented global challenges require all countries to support more effective and coordinated action by the international community. Multilateral diplomacy is the key to our common future and there is no alternative. This was stated by President Rumen Radev in a video address to the participants in the 76th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, which is being held in New York.
The Bulgarian head of state highlighted as urgent tasks before the UN the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus and the recovery of the world economy, the fight against climate change, the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime and the increase of cybersecurity. Rumen Radev called for support for the most vulnerable countries and people in the world from the crisis and reminded that Bulgaria is part of the efforts to provide vaccines to those in need.
“In order to maximize our collective response, we must build resilience,” he said, adding that the Bulgarian president also pointed to the need to increase the security of supply chains, critical infrastructure, energy networks, and preparedness for pandemics and natural disasters.
As a member of the EU, Bulgaria supports the actions of the international community to achieve lasting solutions for refugees from Afghanistan and to provide support to countries that host a large number of them, said Rumen Radev. The head of state noted that as a sign of solidarity, Bulgaria has decided to accept up to 70 Afghan refugees and their families who have worked for Bulgaria or EU and NATO missions in the country.
Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by reviving the Middle East peace process has no alternative, the president said, urging both sides to refrain from unilateral action and provocation to enable confidence-building measures and dialogue. Bulgaria highly appreciates the work of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees and will continue to support it both politically and financially, the head of state stressed.
Respect for human rights was highlighted by President Rumen Radev as an essential factor in achieving security, prosperity and peace. The head of state expressed Bulgaria’s support for inclusive education for children with disabilities, the empowerment of women and girls, the rights of people with disabilities, as well as the fight against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and hate speech.
The Bulgarian President also pointed out that the world needs a reformed UN in order to effectively address the numerous challenges, which our country is facing and will continue to work for an effective United Nations, adequately prepared to meet the needs of humanity in the 21st century.
“Bulgaria supports the overall reform in all areas of the Organization’s activities,” Rumen Radev stressed, emphasizing youth policies in the UN Secretary-General’s report, because he said that “today’s decisions will shape the lives of future generations.”
