📋 Tender Overview
Like many others who are traveling to New York these days for the general debate of the United Nations I would have wished for nothing more than that this summit of the world community would take place under different more peaceful circumstances. Because these days the United Nations is needed more than ever. Namely for what characterizes them at the core listening to one another with respect and understanding united in their belief in the basic values of the UN Charter such as renunciation of violence equality of all states and international cooperation. And the United Nations is needed for us to find common solutions to global problems. That no country needs to live in fear of being attacked by a stronger neighbor.The brutality of the Russian war of aggression and its threat to the peace order in Europe do not prevent us from seeing that its dramatic effects are working through a magnifying glass in many regions of the world. Encountering problems and crises that too often dont make the front pages and the news here. That is why I will use the numerous events and discussions in the coming week to focus on the issues and concerns of our partners in Africa Asia Latin America and the Arab world. Speaking to those most affected by climate change and the food crisis and addressing concrete solutions. Because we bear responsibility not only for Europe but together for the whole world.This General Assembly is not like the previous ones. Since February 24 Russia has blatantly violated international law and as one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council is trampling on the foundations of our international peace order. We stand firmly with Ukraine and we will continue to support it - with everything it needs - to end the war and the immeasurable suffering of the people of Ukraine. In New York the main focus will be how the horrible crimes committed in the name of Russia in Ukraine can be dealt with and prosecuted. And it will be about the situation of the Ukrainian nuclear power plants which Russia uses as a bargaining chip in this war and thus accepts a catastrophe for millions of people every day.One of the most important principles of the United Nations is equality of states every country counts and it counts equally. No matter how small or how big how rich or poor how strong or vulnerable - and no matter where it is on this planet. That is why the General Assembly of the United Nations with its 193 member states is also the right place to talk to as many colleagues as possible from all corners of the world - about their concerns their needs their hopes and plans. And to forge alliances to solve common problems that are too big for any one of us.
