The 鈥渋ndiscriminate consequences鈥� of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the importance of multilateralism and how the world handles global challenges and contradictions, the President of Burundi told world leaders gathered virtually for the UN General Assembly.听
Addressing the Assembly鈥檚 annual high-level debate, via a pre-recorded video, President Evariste Ndayishimiye stressed that multilateralism must 鈥渄rive forward鈥� the world鈥檚 efforts to overcome massive obstacles.听
Warning of a 鈥渢rend鈥� that has seen States imposing coercive unilateral measures against other States, the Burundi leader strongly rejected diplomatic aggression against his country by foreign Governments.听
He also alleged that political forces are behind Burundi鈥檚 inclusion on the agenda of the UN听Security Council, which, he said had destabilized rather than helped the country, calling for its prompt removal.听
President Ndayishimiye also called for addressing the relations between African countries and those with a colonial past, adding that 鈥渟haking off the colonial yoke鈥� has cost millions of lives and left wounds that are difficult to heal.听
More resources and action needed for SDGs 听
Turning to the听2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, President Ndayishimiye said Burundi鈥檚 priorities include fighting against poverty and protecting the environment. However, in spite of its national sustainable development plan, more action and resources are needed to realize the听Sustainable Development Goals听(SDGs).听
With development being the 鈥渂ackbone of progress鈥�, he said broad efforts are being made to foster achievements. With stability across the country, initiatives are now focused on citizens returning home, with 92,000 refugees having been repatriated, added the President.听
鈥淭his planet is facing a climate crisis, worsening daily and threatening decades of progress. The clock is ticking,鈥� he said, emphasizing that Burundi launched a national project to reduce deforestation. 听
Burundi鈥檚 fight against terror听
Burundi is also fighting against terrorism, President Ndayishimiye told world leaders, adding that the scourge should never be linked to religion or ethnic origin. 听
Instead, its root causes must be addressed, he said, adding that Burundi has deployed 5,000 troops to the peacekeeping mission in Somalia. 听
Strong UN needed to face current challenges听
Commending the Secretary鈥慓eneral for his reform efforts, the President of Burundi said the United Nations must be strong to face current challenges. 听
He said this General Assembly session is an excellent opportunity for Member States to reflect on how the UN must address global challenges and for adopting a consensus-based approach to tackle global issues, from migration to climate change. 听听
Echoing the common African position on Security Council reform, he called for permanent seats to be allocated to the continent鈥檚 countries. 听听
While the pandemic has highlighted fragilities in the world, he said Burundi believes in international solidarity and will play its full role in building a global order that respects the听.听
