On Thursday, President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, in her address to the General Debate of UNGA80, stated that her country, for more than 20 years, had faced obstacles on its EU path for subjective, nationalist reasons, not ones related to the Copenhagen criteria.
“We’ve always been warned that agreements must be kept, pacta sunt servanda. We note that there aren’t provisions on constitutional changes in the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation with Bulgaria. Ultimately, with its constitutive acts, the EU defines itself as a ‘unity of diversities’ and puts itself under the obligation to respect ‘cultural and linguistic diversities’, ‘national and cultural identity’, and ‘dignity and integrity’”, she stressed, asking in that regard how it was then possible for the country to hold talks and negotiate on its history, culture, and language with its neighbouring country.
In her speech, the President also commented on the Russian aggression, saying it was directly endangering international peace and security. When it comes to the Middle East, Siljanovska Davkova stated sustainable peace had to be achieved only through dialogue and diplomacy.
Regarding the process to elect a new Secretary-General of the UN next year, she stressed that it was high time for a woman to hold that position. As far as the issue of climate change is concerned, Siljanovska Davkova said citizens of her country already felt the consequences of the climate crisis.
“A big test is ahead of us. Either we will guarantee international order on visionary principles or we will rush towards a disaster of far-reaching consequences for humankind”, she emphasised.
The same day, Siljanovska Davkova also addressed the High-level Meeting to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, where she said there was a need for young generations to get a deserved place in the forming of the UN’s future.
Also, the President underlined the importance of the Youth2030 Strategy as a basis for active, not just symbolic, inclusion of young people in UN reforms at all levels.