UN must reflect the voice of every nation, not just a few: FM

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the United Nations (UN) is a great institution to help humanity and no one should abuse the advantage of its universality and acceptability.

"Let the rays of hope that our forefathers kindled 76 years ago brighten our path and guide us towards a peaceful and prosperous future we want," he said.

The Foreign Minister was addressing a commemorative event on Monday evening in celebration of the UN Day.

Dr Momen said they need to strengthen the organization to cater to the needs of all peoples and to reflect the voice of every country, not only of a few.

"As we are reeling with the pandemic, more than ever before we share a common destiny. More than ever before we need to unite as 'we the peoples,'" he said.

The Foreign Minister said they are looking forward to a meaningful outcome from the Glasgow Conference.

"We are helpful, we must take decisive action now, not tomorrow. Together, we must find a way to reduce harmful emissions to net zero by 2050," he said.

Dr Momen said they must keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.

In order to stop global warming, Bangladesh cancelled its 10 coal based power plant projects worth $12 billion FDI and thus showed the world to come forward with decisive action, he mentioned.

For Bangladesh, Dr Momen said, this year bears a special significance and this year marks the Golden Jubilee of independence. "We are also celebrating the Birth centenary of the Father of our Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, an indomitable leader, a staunch supporter of multilateralism, holding whose hands Bangladesh joined the global assembly in 1974."

He said the twin celebrations have added a new dimension to the UN Day anniversary.  

Inspired by the ideals of this great leader, Bangladesh remains steadfast to the principles of the UN charter, he said.

"Our peace-centric foreign policy has guided us to be at the forefront of the UN's peace pillar. Today we are hailed high in the UN Peacekeeping Missions. We are actively supporting the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda."

Bangladesh's signature initiative, culture of peace has been disseminating a strong message of peace and solidarity; a mindset of tolerance and respect for each other, irrespective of race, ethnicity, color and religion, said Dr Momen.

"Our quest for global peace inspired us to champion the cause of complete disarmament," he said.