Minister Shahid Emphasizes on Presidency of Hope at the Indian Council for World Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, and President-elect of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly Abdulla Shahid, has taken part in the 38th Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs. The meeting was held in Delhi, India yesterday.  
 
The lecture was was moderated by Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Ambassador Manjeev Puri. Minister Shahid was introduced by Director General of the Indian Council for World Affairs Dr T C A Raghavan. 
 
Delivering a speech, Minister Shahid elaborated on the topic of “Presidency of Hope: 76th UNGA - COVID pandemic and need for reformed multilateralism.” His talk was focused on the ‘5 rays of hope’, key areas he has identified as needs immediate addressing in order to overcome the most pressing challenges of the recent times. They are; Recovering from COVID19, Rebuilding Sustainably, Responding to the Needs of the Planet, Respecting the Rights of All, and Reforming the United Nations. 
 
Minister Shahid also briefed on his forward-looking presidential agenda - ‘Presidency of Hope.’ explaining why he chose hope as the theme of his Presidency at the UN General Assembly, he said, “Over the course of the campaign for the Presidency of the General Assembly, I was asked many times, the question “why hope?”. My answer – why not? Hope—it is what drives us forward. Hope is what we need today. To counter this bleak world of disease, despair and devastation.” 
 
Moving on, Minister Shahid noted the importance of all nations coming to common grounds with multilateralism, something that will definitely strengthen the UN’s ability to shape norms, change discourse, and forge consensus. According to the Minister, this will be key to delivering effectively and efficiently for people, planet and prosperity. This, says Minister Shahid, is “an opportunity for the United Nations. To once again, just like it did in the aftermath of the Great Wars, play a central role, in rebuilding communities, rescuing the planet, recovering economies, and above all, restoring hope!”