Mr. Chairman;
First of all, we wish to congratulate the Permanent Representatives of El Salvador and Australia, on their designation as Co-Chairs of this process during the 76th session.
My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by Algeria, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Mr. Chairman,
Cuba actively participated in the negotiations of resolution A/RES/75/325 on revitalization, adopted by consensus. We consider that a significant step forward of this resolution was the decision to hold it biennially, as set forth in its operative paragraph 5. Thus, during the current session, we will be able to focus on actions that will advance the important task of revitalizing the work of this Assembly.
As mandated by such resolution, and as requested by the Co-Chairs, we will focus our remarks on the topics ''Role and Authority of the General Assembly'' and ''Working Methods,'' with an approach to implementation.
In addressing these aspects, we must keep in mind the full respect for the provisions and regulations established by the General Assembly, including its Rules of Procedure, as a shared responsibility that must be strictly observed.
While recognizing the role of the use of information and communications technologies in the work of the Organization, we underscore the exceptional character of the working methods adopted by the General Assembly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As stated in resolution A/RES/75/325, the rules of procedure of the General Assembly continue to provide overall guidance for its work.
As is well known, the Assembly is the main organ established and regulated by the Charter of the United Nations and its authority, functions and powers are given to it by that legal instrument and its democratic and representative character of the entire international community.
Consequently, the proposals to be made in order to implement the mandates of resolution A/RES/75/325 must not undermine the sovereign interests of States, nor violate their privileges and rights.
Similarly, the Main Committees, which have a fundamental role to play in the revitalization process, should examine the proposals pertaining to them in a holistic manner and within the required time frames. Failure to do so would result in unnecessary delay in our deliberations and results.
On the other hand, the interaction and coordination between the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council is vital to the ongoing revitalization process.
These three principal organs must maintain an appropriate balance, in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Charter. In this regard, and as we have said on previous occasions, the growing trend of the Security Council to encroach on matters that fall exclusively under the purview of the General Assembly must cease.
We welcome the incorporation of a paragraph in the resolution relating the importance that the Security Council continues to make efforts to present its annual report to the Assembly. In this connection, we urge the Council to present to the General Assembly a more thorough and analytical annual report on its work, which would allow for the assessment of the causes and implications of that body's decisions.
Furthermore, my delegation supports the call of the revitalization resolution to limit the number of high-level events held on the margins of the general debate, to those of critical significance which require the immediate attention of the Heads of State and Government. To meet this objective, which is intended to preserve and strengthen the primacy of the General Debate, an analysis on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with Member States should be made.
Mr. Chairman,
The effectiveness and efficiency of the General Assembly cannot be determined by streamlining its work, let alone by eliminating items and resolutions from its agenda. That is a biased approach, which my delegation does not agree with.
Ensuring the sustainability of the international community's trust in the United Nations and its legitimacy will depend on the Organization's ability to meet the collective interests of the large majority of its Member States and, in particular, their peoples.
You can count on my delegation's readiness to work on the General Assembly´s revitalization process, to consolidate its democratic and participatory nature and thus multilateralism.
Thank you very much