The marking of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations is an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to multilateralism and principles we all subscribed to by signing the Charter of the United Nations. We proudly emphasize that Yugoslavia, whose successor the Republic of Serbia is, actively participated in the founding of the United Nations and was one of the original fifty signatory States of the UN Charter.

The Republic of Serbia remains strongly committed to the purposes and principles embedded in the UN Charter and to the enhancement of international relations on the basis of respect for international law, promotion of human rights and creation of conditions for a faster economic prosperity and sustainable development across the globe. Sovereign equality of states, renouncing the use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes and refraining from unilateral measures and activities in breach of international law constitute key preconditions for the maintenance of international peace and security as the fundamental goal of the UN Charter. By defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect for UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999), the Republic of Serbia at the same time acts in defence of international law, the UN Charter and the supreme authority of the Security Council.

This important anniversary comes at a time when the world is facing the Covid-19 pandemic, a challenge which affected the entire planet and put to the test our readiness to act together in mutual solidarity and cooperation. Today more than ever before it is of utmost importance to make collective efforts in order to achieve sustainable development goals and implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development towards a better, more prosperous world of greater security and stability, leaving no-one behind.

We believe that the United Nations is as needed today as it was when it was founded and that, as we face new challenges, the principles enshrined in the UN Charter have become ever more relevant. In order to build effective multilateralism, we need to examine all present-day challenges, while acknowledging national interests and priorities, and show a collective resolve to do more for the future we want.