Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mohan Pieris, highlighted that despite consensus on the “Pact for the Future,” the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) convenes amidst “profound global crises on multiple fronts.”

Speaking at the 79^th Session of the UNGA on September 30, 2024, in New York, Ambassador Pieris asserted “Racism, intolerance, discrimination, and xenophobia against migrants are on the rise,” highlighting other crucial issues concerning Sri Lanka and the world. 

He noted that many developing nations face a debt crisis, hindering their progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The achievement of the SDGs now appears beyond our reach, and we are off target on the Paris Climate Goal to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels,” he added highlighting the need for “increased climate financing,” for developing countries like Sri Lanka.

He emphasized that “technology and innovation,” will be crucial in addressing global challenges. He highlighted that digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, present unparalleled opportunities to fast-track sustainable development. Sri Lanka is committed to fostering sustainable growth through innovation and envisions an inclusive digital transformation by building accessible digital public infrastructure.

“In the Middle East, we are closer to wider regional conflagration than when we convened last week and the humanitarian suffering in Gaza gets worse by the day,” he added. “Sri Lanka has repeatedly voiced its concern over the dire humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We reiterate our support for the recognition of the legitimate and inalienable right of the Palestinian people to statehood and join the call for a two-state solution, based on the 1967 borders, in line with all UN resolutions.”

Pieris further underscored the resurgence of major power rivalries and geopolitical tensions, with new divisions emerging between the Global North and South.

While strongly advocating for reforms at the UN Security Council and the General Assembly, he also noted that many global governance institutions, rooted in the realities of the past century, require reform to effectively tackle present and future challenges.

“The composition of the Security Council must be expanded to be representative of current global diversity and decision-making,” he said emphasizing “In parallel, the role of the UN General Assembly, the most representative primary organ of the United Nations where all countries have an equal voice, must be strengthened and revitalized.”

He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s dedication to upholding “global peace and security,” highlighting the country’s participation in UN Peacekeeping missions, often in some of the most challenging and dangerous environments.

He added that over the past six decades, more than “23,000 men and women from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and Police,” have played a role in promoting “international peace and security,” under the UN flag, earning praise for their exemplary service.