United Nations published this video item, entitled “Bolivia & other topics – Daily Briefing (19 October 2020)” – below is their description.
Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Highlights: – Bolivia – Secretary-General/Small States – Central African Republic – Central Sahel – Libya – Yemen – Viet Nam – Resident Coordinators – COVID-19/Vaccine – Afghanistan – Armenia/Azerbaijan BOLIVIA In a statement, the Secretary-General congratulated the Bolivian people on the holding of highly participative and peaceful general elections that took place on 18 October. He encourages all political and social leaders to work together with the same commitment to democracy, respect for human rights and national reconciliation in addressing the current political, economic, social and health challenges. SECRETARY-GENERAL/SMALL STATES This morning, the Secretary-General spoke to the Forum of Small States. He pointed to challenges that small states face, such as the collapse of the global tourism industry, the contraction of remittances, the major trade slowdown, and the climate crisis. He said that small states have been vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19. He added that we need effective international cooperation, solidarity and multilateralism to respond to the economic and social impacts and the underlying fragilities exposed and aggravated during the pandemic. The Secretary-General also stressed that the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic must be linked to the Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that we must ensure that a COVID-19 vaccine is considered as a global public good and be available and affordable to all. On climate change, he added that we must build a global coalition in 2021 towards net zero emissions. Small states have a key role to play, he stressed, adding that he counts on their active engagement. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC In the Security Council this morning, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the Central African Republic, Mankeur Ndiaye, reiterated the UN Mission’s commitment to support the forthcoming presidential and legislative elections, as well as local elections scheduled next year. The political situation remains tense, he said, as he encouraged all those involved to view the upcoming elections as an opportunity to consolidate the democratic process and to find lasting solutions to the crisis the country has been facing. Mr. Ndiaye added that the coordinated and continuous support of international partners will be decisive in the success of the elections. Turning to the pandemic, he highlighted that socio-economic vulnerabilities have been exacerbated by the virus. He strongly condemned the attacks against humanitarian workers, which are worsening the situation of populations in need. The Special Representative said the UN Mission will continue to take all necessary measures to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=19%20October%202020
United Nations YouTube Channel
Got a comment? Leave your thoughts in the comments section, below. Please note comments are moderated before publication.