WANA (Sep 24) – Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, speaking at the “Strengthening the United Nations’ Objectives” conference held at the UN General Assembly Hall, stated that addressing current and future challenges requires cooperation and engagement based on justice and honesty.

 

He said, “Let us create a fair and prosperous future for our children; the central focus of this shared effort is to emphasize the role and position of the United Nations as a symbol of multilateralism and respect for its charter’s objectives and principles.”

 

He emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran has registered its views and concerns regarding the future document within this organization.

 

My National Priority is to Increase Public Welfare and Reduce Poverty and Discrimination

President Pezeshkian noted that strengthening the multilateral system to fundamentally address challenges such as war, discrimination, poverty, and hunger should be the foundation of our joint future efforts.

 

He added, “The role of culture, family values, and the necessity of intergenerational dialogue to preserve cultural values, while simultaneously considering the role of women, girls, and youth and empowering them, is undeniable.”

 

Pezeshkian announced: “My government’s national priorities include focusing on health, public education, public welfare, social security, creating equal opportunities, reducing all forms of inequality, fair income distribution, strengthening and solidifying family institutions, reducing poverty and discrimination, expanding social justice, empowering women and youth, and ensuring a favorable environment.”

 

The Need for Reforms in the International Governance Structure

He stated that achieving peace and development requires respect for the right of countries to develop, attention to developmental priorities, cultural characteristics, principles of fairness, and the fulfillment of commitments by developed countries toward developing nations.

 

He added, “Unilateral sanctions halt progress toward sustainable development goals, and this reality must be considered in any document drafted for the future.”

Masoud Pezeshkian's speech at Strengthening the United Nations’ Objectives. 23 Sep 2024 / WANA News Agency

Masoud Pezeshkian’s speech at Strengthening the United Nations’ Objectives. 23 Sep 2024 / WANA News Agency

The president continued, “I propose that the UN Secretary-General, in collaboration with countries affected by sanctions, present a comprehensive report to the General Assembly.”

 

Pezeshkian also emphasized: “We call for immediate reforms in international governance structures and financial institutions to ensure the participation of developing countries in decision-making and to create a fair and accountable structure to address their financial issues.”

 

He added, “The future pact and the digital pact must help reduce the digital divide between the global North and South, particularly through the transfer of modern technologies and removing barriers. Effective participation of southern countries in internet and artificial intelligence governance, respect for national laws, and combating monopolies is an undeniable necessity.”

 

No Document Can Guarantee Peace Amid the Massacre of Children and Civilians in Gaza

The president stressed: “We call for a world free of nuclear weapons and a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction without any preconditions.”

 

Pezeshkian added: “As a victim of terrorism, we have always led the fight against this sinister phenomenon and are ready to cooperate with countries that seek to genuinely combat terrorism. Iran seeks a strong, united, secure, and stable region where the resources of regional countries are used for synergy, economic and social advancement, and addressing shared problems.”

 

He emphasized: “In a world where civilians are brutally killed in Gaza, where blind state terrorism sheds the blood of children and women, and where genocide and terror are supported, no document can guarantee peace and development. The end of occupation, the cessation of apartheid in Palestine, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza are prerequisites for global development and peace.”