The Estonian head of state said that human rights, fundamental rights and international law must always be at the heart of global coexistence and cooperation. “Failure to adhere to the UN Charter and the principles of the rule of law will place the futures of many people at risk,” he remarked.
President Karis stressed the need to find more ways to work together on key issues. “We must open the door to civil society and young people so that they can contribute to our debates and have a say in the decisions we make,” he urged. He called on UN member countries to take action to bridge the gaps both between and within countries. As part of the General Assembly, President Karis will be leading a discussion on reducing the digital divide between countries on Monday 23 September.
The head of state says the world has witnessed a record number of crises and conflicts in recent years. “We have seen a permanent member of the Security Council launch a brutal, full-scale war of aggression against a sovereign state in total disregard of the UN Charter,” he noted, underscoring the need for reform. “This has led to frustration in society and calls for change.”
President Karis says that in focusing on the future, this is why it is necessary to instigate reforms to the Security Council and to improve accountability and transparency in the UN’s decision-making processes. “All members must demand greater accountability from the council to ensure that no one is able to use vetoes as a shield to defend themselves against crimes,” he urged. “Now is also the time to bolster the role and responsibility of the General Assembly in guaranteeing international peace and security.”
Citing former UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld, who once said that the UN was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell, the Estonian head of state said: “This should continue to be our collective goal, but sadly not everyone wants it.” He added that although perfection cannot be achieved, as many people as possible must be saved from war, famine, torture and injustice.
The Summit of the Future is being organised by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in response to the desire of member countries to improve global cooperation and set the direction for future UN action to ensure global development, peace and security.
Ahead of the summit, a Pact for the Future was drafted under the leadership of Germany and Namibia to bring the necessary efficiency and credibility to the UN and multilateral cooperation, creating a new roadmap for a better, more peaceful and more just future. This provides member countries with further guidelines on revitalising multilateralism and reforming the UN system and Security Council, and reiterates the importance of respect for international law, including the UN Charter. It also sets out actions designed to boost countries’ development opportunities.
Gallery (Raigo Pajula/Office of the President of the Republic): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBJwtm
More information on the Summit of the Future and Future Pact can be found online at https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future
