[Full Text] UN 75th Anniversary High-Level Meeting 'Mikta' Representative, President Moon's Speech

▲Joint Statement by MIKTA Representatives

Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished delegations,

It is meaningful to join the ‘UN 75th Anniversary High-Level Meeting’ to reflect on the important journey of the United Nations over the past 75 years

and prepare for a new future.

On behalf of MIKTA, composed of Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey, and Australia,

I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to deliver the first-ever summit-level speech at the UN.

Our five MIKTA countries

are ‘transregional states’ that have developed based on the ‘multilateral international order’ established by the UN, and have consistently supported the UN.

Seventy-five years ago, the UN was born

from a joint resolution not to repeat the horrors of war,

and by creating international norms such as the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ and the ‘Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons,’

it has promoted peace and security in conflict zones around the world.

It has also gathered humanity’s wisdom to address global issues such as

‘sustainable development’ and ‘climate change response,’

and within the UN community, we have achieved peace and development.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, much remains to be done to face new challenges, and the recent crisis of ‘COVID-19’

threatens the spirit of ‘multilateralism’ shared by the UN and the five MIKTA countries.

Our five MIKTA countries

agree that the answer to overcoming COVID-19 lies in ‘unity, solidarity, and cooperation.’

We have agreed to work towards promoting multilateral cooperation by serving as a bridge between developed and developing countries and among regions through ‘transregional and innovative partnerships.’

Indonesia has called for solidarity in responding to COVID-19

and took the lead in proposing the first resolution at the UN General Assembly level,

while Mexico led the initiative to propose a UN General Assembly resolution to enhance global access to medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment.

Australia, in cooperation with major partners such as the EU,

led the WHO resolution enabling a neutral, independent, and comprehensive investigation into the international community’s experiences and lessons learned in responding to COVID-19,

and Turkey’s President Volkan Bozkır

has been leading the UN General Assembly during this critical time,

demonstrating leadership in global solidarity.

Korea has also contributed by leading the launch of various friendly groups to strengthen health cooperation at the UN, WHO, and UNESCO levels.

These efforts culminated in

the adoption of today’s ‘UN 75th Anniversary Declaration.’

It contains the hopes and commitments of 193 member states to solve global challenges through ‘solidarity.’

Our five MIKTA countries welcome the adoption of this declaration,

and will continuously confront the challenges facing humanity, including overcoming the COVID-19 crisis,

responding to climate change, maintaining international peace and security, and addressing inequality, centered around the UN.

In particular, as a ‘transregional and innovative partnership,’

we promise to play a leading role in crisis recovery that reduces disparities, ‘build back better,’

and realize an ‘inclusive community where no one is left behind.’

▲Country Statements

Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, distinguished delegations,

The spread of ‘COVID-19’ was a very difficult challenge for Korea as well.

However, 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 with the belief that ‘the safety of neighbors is my safety,’

actively participating in ‘social distancing.’

Moreover, by sharing quarantine supplies without closing regions or borders,

and expanding the scope of ‘neighbors’ beyond ‘borders,’

we were able to protect both quarantine and the economy.

The ‘Korean 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.

‘Solidarity and cooperation’ are the unique strengths of humanity that viruses do not possess.

They are also the most powerful weapons to overcome COVID-19.

To put this into practice, I would like to propose three points.

First, 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.

Korea, as the host country of the ‘International Vaccine Institute,’

will actively support the development and distribution of affordable vaccines for developing countries.

Second, we must restore the ‘multilateral’ international order.

This will be the driving force for global economic recovery along with quarantine efforts.

Korea proposed at the G20 summit to allow the movement of essential personnel such as businesspeople instead of lockdowns,

and this was adopted.

Korea will take the lead in participating in the UN’s ‘multilateral’ cooperation.

Third, we must achieve a ‘green recovery.’

On the 7th, the UN ‘World Day of Blue Skies,’ led by Korea, was adopted.

Seeing the blue skies that appeared as humanity’s daily life paused,

we were reminded once again of the ‘coexistence of nature and humans.’

We hope many countries will join the ‘Global Green New Deal Solidarity,’ which simultaneously addresses the climate crisis, creates jobs, and enhances inclusiveness.

We look forward to significant progress at the ‘P4G Summit’ to be held in Korea next year.

Thank you.