Statement on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement at the event dedicated to the opening ceremony of the International Year of Peace and Trust

delivered by H.E. Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

29 January 2021

Excellencies,

Distinguished colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor for the Republic of Azerbaijan to deliver this statement on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

At the outset we wish to thank the Government of Turkmenistan for this important initiative proclaiming 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust and welcome the adoption of UNGA resolution 73/338 of September 12, 2019 initiated by Turkmenistan.

Promoting and sustaining international peace is a key issue to the Non-Aligned Movement. The Movement and its Member States have historically opposed war and supported peace.

At the eighteenth Summit of NAM, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 25 and 26 October 2019, the Heads of State and Government of NAM Member States reaffirmed the validity of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles and norms of international law as indispensable in preserving and promoting peace and security, the rule of law, economic development and social progress and all human rights for all.

The strict observance of the principles of international law and the fulfillment in good faith of the obligations assumed by States, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, are of the greatest importance for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Bearing in mind that the current challenges facing international community need to be resolutely addressed by all nations through multilateralism, the Heads of State and Government acknowledged at the Baku Summit the initiatives put forward by NAM Member States for promoting peace based on high ethical values, justice and friendship in order to denounce acts of aggression and to reinforce and promote stability, tranquility and durable peace throughout the world.

The Non-Aligned Movement is committed to supporting multilateralism with the United Nations at its core. Preserving and strengthening the values of multilateralism and international cooperation, which underpin the Charter of the United Nations and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is fundamental in promoting and supporting the three pillars of the United Nations, namely, peace and security, development and human rights.

Throughout 2020 the global community has faced the greatest health crisis in recent history, with more than 100 million reported cases and more than 1 million deaths worldwide as of today, resulting in multifaceted repercussions in health, social, economic and financial spheres, causing disruption to societies and economies, as well as to global commerce and travel, and making a devastating impact on the livelihood of people.

The pandemic demonstrated that it is only through a coordinated and concerted global response based on unity, multilateral cooperation, solidarity and respect for human rights that the international community can craft strategies to mitigate effects of COVID-19 and recover from the pandemic, which currently continues to spread.

Dear colleagues,

NAM is committed to promote peace through dialogue and cooperation. Member States of NAM reaffirm the need to further contribute regionally and internationally to the promotion of dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect, understanding and acceptance; and to countering radicalism, extremism and hate speech.

In this regard, NAM welcomes the adoption of UN General Assembly resolution 74/23 which highlighted the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and its valuable contribution to promoting social cohesion, peace and development, as well as culture of tolerance and respect among individuals, societies and nations.

The Movement, faithful to its commitment to strengthening its role as an anti-war and peace-loving force, reaffirms its determination to work for the establishment of a peaceful and prosperous world and a just and equitable world order. We also renew our determination to work for a multipolar world, through the strengthening of the United Nations and multilateral processes, which are indispensable to our efforts to promote the interests of our nations and humankind as a whole.

I thank you for your attention.