UN 75th Anniversary High-Level Meeting Speech as 'Mikta' Representative... "Multilateral International Order Must Be Restored"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 21st, President Moon Jae-in, in a speech as the chair country of MIKTA at the United Nations (UN) 75th anniversary high-level meeting, demanded guaranteed equitable access to vaccines and treatments for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This UN speech was delivered via video conference and marked the first-ever head of state-level address by MIKTA.
MIKTA was launched in September 2013 on the occasion of the 68th UN General Assembly and is composed of South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, and Australia. South Korea is serving as the chair country of MIKTA from February this year until February next year.
President Moon stated, "The recent crisis of COVID-19 threatens the spirit of 'multilateralism' upheld by the UN and the five MIKTA countries," adding, "Our five MIKTA countries share the view that the answer to overcoming COVID-19 lies in 'unity, solidarity, and cooperation.' We have agreed to work towards promoting multilateral cooperation by acting as a bridge between developed and developing countries and among regions through 'transregional and innovative partnerships.'"
Through a joint statement as MIKTA representatives, President Moon explained the activities of member countries while reiterating the importance of multilateralism. Regarding the adoption of the UN 75th anniversary declaration, President Moon pledged, "Our five MIKTA countries welcome the adoption of this declaration and will tirelessly confront the challenges facing humanity, including overcoming the COVID-19 crisis, responding to climate change, maintaining international peace and security, and resolving inequality, centered on the UN."
President Moon also explained South Korea's response to COVID-19. He said, "At the moment of crisis, the Korean people chose the path of 'freedom for all.' The government transparently disclosed all situations, and the people voluntarily wore masks and actively participated in 'social distancing,' believing that the safety of their 'neighbors' is their own safety."
President Moon emphasized, "By not closing regions and borders and sharing quarantine supplies, expanding the scope of 'neighbors' beyond 'borders,' we were able to protect both quarantine and the economy," adding, "'Korea's story' is ultimately a story of how the UN's universal human values of freedom, democracy, multilateralism, and humanitarianism were 'practiced' in the face of crisis."
In particular, President Moon stressed, "'Solidarity and cooperation' are the unique strengths of humanity that viruses do not possess. They are the most powerful weapons to defeat COVID-19."
President Moon stated, "We must guarantee 'equitable access' to vaccines and treatments. Through international fundraising, international organizations should pre-purchase sufficient quantities of vaccines so that developing countries can also benefit," and pledged, "As the country hosting the headquarters of the International Vaccine Institute, South Korea will actively support the development and distribution of affordable vaccines for developing countries."
President Moon said, "We must restore the 'multilateral' international order. It will be the driving force for global economic recovery along with quarantine efforts," explaining, "South Korea proposed at the G20 summit to allow the movement of essential personnel such as businesspeople instead of lockdowns, and this was adopted."
Furthermore, President Moon said, "We must achieve a 'green recovery.' On the 7th, the UN 'World Day of Blue Skies,' led by South Korea, was adopted," adding, "Seeing the blue skies that appeared as humanity's daily life paused made us reflect once again on 'coexistence between nature and humans.'"
President Moon added, "I hope many countries will join the 'Global Green New Deal Alliance,' which simultaneously addresses the climate crisis, creates jobs, and enhances inclusiveness. I look forward to significant progress at the 'P4G Summit' to be held in South Korea next year."
The Blue House evaluated President Moon's speech, stating, "It widely publicized the resolution of the five MIKTA countries to play a leading role in realizing an inclusive community where no one is left behind, based on the multilateral international order established by the UN, and our government's willingness to contribute," and added, "The first-ever head of state-level address in MIKTA history, made possible by our proposal this year, has become an opportunity to further strengthen MIKTA's partnership."
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