Your Excellencies, Representatives of FOSS Member States, Esteemed guests,

It brings me much pleasure to be back in New York and to participate in this roundtable discussion with all of you.

Today, we commemorate the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into effect - UN Day. This day serves as a reminder to reassert the fundamental goals and principles of the UN Charter.

These principles aim to ensure peace, development, and human rights for all people across the globe. They can only be achieved through collaboration, dialogue, and collective action.

The UN's primary purpose is to find collective solutions to the challenges we face together. It is about working together, listening, learning, and gaining a deeper understanding.

As small states, we have a vested interest in a multilateral system that is built upon the UN Charter. A system that upholds international law, rather than the notion that ‘might’ makes right. The UN is crucial for small states like ours.

However, it is equally important to recognize that the UN also needs small states. We possess the ability to compromise, build bridges, foster cooperation across borders, and view matters from different perspectives.

The major challenges of our time are interconnected, and so must be their solutions. The UN relies on nations that can champion and facilitate global solutions that benefit all, not just a select few.

Small states, like ours, play a significant role in shaping the future of the UN. We cannot solely rely on larger nations, even if they often possess greater diplomatic resources.

I have faith that today's discussions will help align our voices and coordinate our actions in order to bring about the necessary changes.

Moving forward, I am confident that we can derive immense value from learning from one another's experiences.

Thank you.

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