Check against delivery

Excellency,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States. 

The Candidate Countries Türkiye, North Macedonia*, Montenegro^*, Albania^*, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina^* and Georgia, as well as Armenia, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

Excellency,

I thank you, Mr. President for convening today’s meeting, and we are grateful for the opportunity to engage with H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, in her capacity as candidate for the Presidency of the 80^th session.

Ms. Baerbock, we are eager to engage with you today at this pivotal crossroads for our multilateral system. We are excited to see a candidate from a European Union Member State committed to renewing the spirit of unity and action that this General Assembly embodies.

This year marks a significant convergence: the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration—the first step to European integration. Both milestones are rooted in the same principles: a belief in peace through dialogue, and progress through cooperation.

Excellency,

We align with the vision statement you have articulated—a United Nations that works “Better Together” to deliver on peace, sustainability, human rights, and justice, anchored in international law and the UN Charter. At this significant juncture for multilateralism, the General Assembly must remain a vital platform where all nations unite to advance our collective aspirations.

The European Union strongly supports reforms that will enable this institution to operate more transparently, more efficiently, and more meaningfully in today’s global context. Your vision of a General Assembly that is focused, inclusive, and equipped to act decisively could not be more timely.

Excellency,

You have rightly pointed out that humanity is indivisible—and that diversity is our strength. In this spirit, the European Union welcomes your commitment to fostering the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and youth, and to anchoring your presidency in the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. We are particularly encouraged by your intention to mark the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 with renewed momentum.

Furthermore, the European Union looks forward to partnering with you on the implementation of the Pact for the Future, which now guides our collective ambition. The Pact is our blueprint—the “what”—and the UN80 reform is the “how” of our future work. This anniversary calls on us to deliver real progress, especially for youth and future generations, in areas such as climate justice, social development, and digital equity.

Reform alone, however, cannot fulfil the promise of multilateralism. It must be accompanied by an equally strong effort to rebuild trust—between Member States, and between the United Nations and the people it serves. Public trust is not automatic; it must be earned through transparency, relevance, solidarity, and communicating the UN’s work in a powerful, inspiring, and relevant way. 

In an era shaped by digital transformation and the threat of misinformation, we must do more to ensure that the United Nations is not only effective, but also understood, trusted, and supported by people everywhere. Your emphasis on multilingualism, digital inclusion, and youth engagement provides a solid foundation for renewing this vital connection between the UN and the global public. 

Excellency, 

I would like to use this opportunity to raise five questions:

First: How do you envision the role of the President of the General Assembly in implementing the necessary reforms of the General Assembly, especially in the context of the Secretary-General’s latest UN80 initiative? 

Second: Member states consistently express concerns about the ever-increasing workload. Could you elaborate on your proposals to streamline General Assembly processes, making the GA more manageable and focused?

Third: The General Assembly plays a residual yet an increasingly significant role for the maintenance of international peace and security. How do you envision the role of the PGA in this regard and what is your vision on strengthening the GA’s role on the maintenance of international peace and security?

Fourth: How do you plan to ensure that the work of the General Assembly is communicated in ways that resonate with global audiences and reinforce public trust in this institution?

And one final question: During the 80^th UNGA, the United Nations is to select its next Secretary-General. As President of the General Assembly, how will you ensure the SG selection process is fair, transparent, and inclusive?

Excellency, 

The European Union shares your vision of a United Nations that is transparent, accountable, and capable of delivering meaningful results. Together, guided by the UN Charter and strengthened by inclusive leadership, we can ensure that the United Nations continues to deliver—not only for governments, but for all. That is the legacy we must shape—together.

Thank you.

* North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.