AS DELIVERED
On behalf of the United States, as host country of the United Nations, we extend our sincere congratulations to Tijjani Muhammad Bande upon his election to President of the General Assembly.
Mr. President-Elect, many of us in this chamber have come to know you these past two years in your role as Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations. We have seen first-hand the integrity, collegiality, and effectiveness you have brought to this work. With your election today, the public service and leadership you exhibited on behalf of Nigeria will soon serve all 193 member states. You have set out an ambitious agenda for your tenure, including conflict prevention, human rights, empowerment of youth and women, and inclusion. We look forward to working with you on these worthy goals.
Mr. President-Elect, you assume this role at a critical juncture. Next year’s 75th anniversary of the United Nations provides an opportunity to reflect on its contributions and role with respect to global peace and security, to development, to the promotion of human rights, to the prevention and resolution of humanitarian crises, and the other areas of work that are within the UN’s responsibility. It will also present an opening to make the UN more effective at achieving its goals and efficient at using its resources, to continue to implement needed reforms, and to ensure member state and secretariat responsibilities are allocated fairly. The inauguration of UNGA74 in three short months will mark a very busy year in this body’s history, and the United States stands ready to work with you in this important undertaking.
On this occasion, we would also like to recognize President Espinosa’s role over the course of UNGA74. Madame President, we thank you for your service.
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