The intergovernmental negotiations on the declaration of the heads of state and government, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN), concluded at the UN Headquarters in New York after arduous negotiations that lasted for nearly four months, starting with the first consultation session in February, held with the participation of all UN member states, and resulting in drafting the declaration to be adopted on September 21, 2020 at the high-level meeting of the General Assembly at the level of heads of state and government of member states.
Qatar's permanent Representative to the UN HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, along with the Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, Anna Karin Enestrom led the intergovernmental negotiations, mandated by president of the 74th session of the General Assembly, in accordance with Resolution No 73/299 of 73rd session of UN General Assembly.
Mandating Qatar's Permanent Representative with this delicate task reflects the international community's trust in Qatar's role and ability in building international consensus on vital issues that concern the international family, thanks to the insightfulness of the Qatar's wise leadership that has accomplished building a modern, developed and prosperous country while enjoying balanced international relations, based on mutual respect and co-operation to achieve the goals of the United Nations.
It is worth noting that the UN member-states attach great importance to this vital declaration, as it comes after 75 years of the establishment of the United Nations, and reflects the orientations of the international community towards the desired role of the international organisation, as a unique global organisation that derives its legitimacy from the member states' commitment to the UN Charter, and co-operation in facing common international challenges.
The declaration also reiterates the principles and purposes of the UN Charter; the promotion of peace and conflict prevention; respect for international law, the rule of law and justice; the promotion of human rights and sustainable development for peoples; guaranteeing equality between states in the sovereignty and independence; respect for the territorial integrity of states; non-interference in country's internal affairs and peaceful conflict resolution.
The declaration also includes the world leaders' commitment to make every effort to address all current and emerging challenges in order to realise a world of peace, security, prosperity, development and human rights, being the main pillars upon which the United Nations was established. In the declaration, the world leaders also affirm that there is no other world organisation that gives hope for a better world and for the future that everyone aspires to.
The Declaration affirms that the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law remain timeless, universal and an indispensable foundation for a more peaceful, prosperous and just world, and that Member States must abide by the international agreements they have entered into and the commitments they have made, and built accountable institutions that are governed by the rule of law.
The declaration refers to the commitment of heads of state to promoting peace, preventing conflict and ending threats to international peace and security urgently through peaceful means, abiding by the Charter, principles of international law, and relevant resolutions of the Security Council, and upholding international agreements on disarmament and non-proliferation, climate change and environmental conservation. The declaration also underlined that terrorism and violent extremism are serious threats to international peace and security.
The declaration calls on the UN secretary-general to reinforce the necessary toolbox to prevent the outbreak of hostilities on land, at sea, in space and in cyberspace. It also expresses full support for the Secretary-General's initiative for a global ceasefire and respect for international humanitarian law. To build, keep and sustain peace is now one of the main responsibilities of the United Nations, according to the declaration.
Regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, the declaration says that challenges are interconnected and can only be addressed through reinvigorated multilateralism, and that the Coved-19 pandemic is the largest global challenge in the history of the United Nations, as it has not only caused deaths and serious illnesses, but also global economic recession, increased poverty, anxiety, and fear, besides putting enormous pressure on societies, economies and health systems and harming the most vulnerable countries.
"Only by working together and in solidarity can we end the pandemic, effectively tackle its consequences and build resilience against future pandemics and other global challenges", the declaration stressed.
Furthermore, the declaration emphasises the role of women and youth for peace and development, and that they should not be sidelined and their meaningful engagement in all aspects of life must be enhanced.
It also addresses all fundamental issues affecting humanity, and pledges to enhance partnership and co-operation to address them, in line with the spirit and message of the United Nations Charter.
In its conclusion, the declaration stresses that the sustainability of the planet and welfare of generations for decades to come will be achieved only through reinvigorated global action and by building on the progress achieved in the last 75 years, since the founding of the United Nations, and therefore world leaders are determined to ensure the future that the international community wants.
"To achieve this, we will mobilise resources, strengthen our efforts and show unprecedented political will and leadership. We will work together with partners to strengthen coordination and global governance for the common future of present and coming generations," the declaration said.
Heads of State request the Secretary-General to report back before the end of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly with recommendations to advance common agenda and to respond to current and future challenges. They commit to take this declaration to their citizens.
The President of the United Nations General Assembly announced that consensus has been achieved among Member States on the Declaration, as it will be finalised at the high-level meeting of the Assembly, scheduled for next September.