Xavier Espot Zamora, Head of Government of Andorra, echoing his country’s motto, said “moral and political strength does not lie in imposition but in the unity of values, in shared coherence, and in collective virtue.”  This lesson transcends borders and remains relevant in today’s world. He noted that while the times are difficult and marked by conflict, uncertainty and polarization, they provide the opportunity to strengthen international cooperation, improve associated institutions and create lasting solutions.  He condemned the violation of international law in Ukraine, as well as its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Likewise, international humanitarian law should be respected in Gaza.

He expressed support for UNRWA, noting that “in the absence of a political solution, it represents the only institutional support that ensures minimal stability and dignity in the region.”  Highlighting the “harrowing experience” of Junior Nzita Nsuami, a Congolese child abducted alongside his friends in 1996 at the age of 12 and recruited to become a child soldier, he asked: “How is it possible that in a world of such extraordinary progress, there is still a generation of children born and raised by war?”  He pointed out further that child protection must not be limited to geography, as in this digital age, new risks and threats confront children.

His country has decided therefore to be part of the New York Declaration for the Protection of Children Online.  He said that as the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration provides an opportunity to advance women’s rights and address social gaps between them and their male counterparts, “the time has come to see a woman as the Secretary General of this Organization.”  He highlighted the tourism potential of his country and underlined the partnership between its Ministry of Tourism and Trade and World Tourism Organization geared towards developing legislation that emphasizes governance, sector training, digitalization and sustainability. “It is a shared commitment to make our country a benchmark in sustainability,” he said.

Noting that the international financial system must be able to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable States, he called for “a deep and inclusive reform of the international financial architecture, in order to build a more just and representative global financial system”.  Further, he highlighted the imperative of protecting linguistic and cultural diversity, to build bridges and synergies, stating that: “Multilingualism is not only a symbolic richness; it is a condition for truly equitable participation within the multilateral system.”