PM Sheikh Hasina Urges Global Leaders to Pursue Peace and Prosperity at UNGA

In her address at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina passionately appealed to global leaders to unite in their efforts for peace, the well-being of humanity, and shared prosperity, emphasizing the importance of forsaking the path of war and confrontation."My appeal today is to all of you - to the leaders of the world, to shun the path of war and confrontation, and to work collectively for enduring peace, welfare for humankind, and economic prosperity for our people and future generations," she ardently declared during her speech at the General Assembly Hall.Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the myriad challenges that currently pose a threat to the progress towards a peaceful and prosperous global future. She pointed to the lingering impacts of the pandemic, the looming existential climate crisis, and the extensive repercussions of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which have significantly hindered the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing nations. The interconnectedness of these challenges necessitates a collaborative and resolute response from the international community.Expressing Bangladesh's unwavering support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Prime Minister Hasina commended his steadfast commitment to strengthening multilateralism. She lauded his bold initiatives and pragmatic measures aimed at enabling the United Nations to fulfill its mandates and confront the prevailing global challenges.During her address to the UNGA session, Prime Minister Hasina placed a spotlight on various pressing issues, including the Rohingya crisis, climate change, the global food crisis, human rights, women's empowerment, healthcare, and the pursuit of sustainable development goals. She also underscored the government's inclusive economic development efforts, positioning Bangladesh as a proactive contributor to global and regional solutions.In a poignant reference to her own family's tragic history, Prime Minister Hasina recounted the assassination of 18 members of her family on August 15, 1975, which included her father, the founding leader of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, her mother, three brothers, three sisters-in-law, and paternal uncles. She and her only sister narrowly survived the brutal incident, underscoring the profound personal impact of violence and conflict.Reflecting on the horrors of war and assassination, she empathized with the suffering and agony endured by people worldwide due to conflicts, coups, and violence. She urged global leaders to prioritize peace and diplomacy over conflict and violence.In closing, Prime Minister Hasina called for international attention to the forcibly displaced Rohingya population from Myanmar, who have endured six years of mass displacement. Her impassioned plea sought a brighter future for the Rohingya people, reflecting Bangladesh's commitment to providing a safe haven for those in need.The overarching theme of this year's UNGA, "Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all," resonates with Prime Minister Hasina's call for unity and collective action towards a better world.