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Due to the corona pandemic, the United Nations has to celebrate its 75th birthday with great restrictions, mainly video statements are planned. Donald Trump caused a surprise right at the beginning of the ceremony: Instead of the video message announced by the President of the United States, the Deputy Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations, Cherith Norman Chalet, gave a speech.
According to its own announcements, the UN expected a video address from Trump on Sunday. A request from the dpa news agency about the background to the change initially received no response from the UN. In the case of Germany, a video speech by Chancellor Angela Merkel was included in the program.
In her speech, US representative Chalet praised the United Nations, but also spoke of the need for reform, lack of transparency, and susceptibility to autocracies. “This anniversary is an important time for the Trump administration to mark the many successes of the United Nations, but to do so with clear eyes and a renewed determination to see this important body fulfill its purpose.” The anniversary is the right time to ask questions about the UN’s strengths and weaknesses, examine its failures, and learn from them.
Guterres regrets “deficit in multilateral solutions”
At first, the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, had sworn international cooperation. “Today we have an excess of multilateral challenges and a deficit of multilateral solutions.” Effective collaboration with vision and ambition is needed to tackle issues like climate change, inequality and disadvantage for women and to fight hatred and poverty.
Due to the crown pandemic, only one representative was allowed in the great hall of the UN for each member country. The heads of state and government sent pre-recorded video messages. Chinese President Xi Jinping praised his contribution: “This organization has been subjected to test after test and has emerged from it with renewed vigor and liveliness.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also highlighted his appreciation, but at the same time called for urgent reforms, including those of the Security Council.
A UN study indicates the global need for basic services
According to the UN, a global survey on the anniversary with more than a million participants shows the great need for basic care. “In the midst of the current Covid-19 crisis, the immediate priority for the majority of respondents is to improve access to basic services: healthcare, clean water, sanitation and education,” the study says. The desire for greater international solidarity and aid for those most affected by the pandemic also plays an important role.
The United Nations was founded in 1945 with around 50 members. The Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR joined in 1973. The general debate of the UN General Assembly begins on Tuesday, usually a large annual gathering with many opportunities for diplomacy in the corridors. Due to the pandemic, most of the meetings are canceled this time.
