Đurić: For Serbia, the UN is the foundation of international order
"What does the UN mean to each of us today? For the Republic of Serbia, the UN is the foundation of international order, whose founding charter introduced the principle of inviolability of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all member states. Although this principle is often disregarded around the world, including even in the case of Serbia, we see this document and these principles as the key legitimate way to maintain international relations, and we see the UN as the key legitimate actor in our strong aspiration to pursue strict respect for the inviolability of our borders," Đurić emphasized.
The Minister said that the UN is the crucial guardian of all countries, especially smaller countries on the global stage, and that it represents a forum where our problems can be shared, but also where our contributions can be recognized and appreciated.
"At the same time, it provides an opportunity to address the issues of sustainable development, environmental protection, as well as a platform where the needs, especially of young people, can be heard. In our search for peace and understanding, we need to prioritize cooperation, while respecting our differences. Serbia's commitment to multilateralism is additionally underlined by the fact that accession to the European Union is a key priority of our Government," Đurić said.
The head of Serbian diplomacy pointed out that Serbia has constantly stressed the role of the UN as a platform for dialogue, where states can communicate on an equal footing and work together to find peaceful solutions to the challenges we face.
He recalled that one of the key initiatives at this year's UN General Assembly was the Pact for the Future, which emphasizes the key role of young people as agents of change.
The Pact recognizes that young people are not just beneficiaries of policies, Đurić pointed out, but key actors in shaping their future.
"We are especially proud of the UN Youth Delegate Programme, which enables young representatives to express their views within the UN. For seven years, this programme has been amplifying the voices of Serbian youth on the global stage, enhancing the dialogue on key issues such as climate change, education and human rights," Đurić said.
The head of Serbian diplomacy emphasized that today, as we celebrate the UN Day, we affirm our commitment to building a world in which we not only hear, but also listen to the voice of young people.
"Young people are not only our future, but also our present, and we deeply value their contribution. I would like to thank the UN Team for uniting all partners for the sake of peace and cooperation. Together we are building a brighter future for the generations to come. Therefore, let us continue to work hand in hand to enable every voice, especially the voice of our youth, to contribute to the dialogue that shapes the world. Together we can create an environment in which young people are empowered to face the challenges of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow," Minister Đurić concluded.
At the ceremony, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia Matilde Mordt addressed the growing global challenges and emphasized the strategic priorities of the UN in Serbia - green transformation, development of human capital, and strengthening the rule of law and the human rights agenda.
She also stressed the importance of young people in these efforts, noting that young people in Serbia have a central role in shaping our future.
"We are committed to ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in decision-making processes, as outlined in the Pact for the Future," Mordt stated.
She also presented youth-focused initiatives of the UN in Serbia, including the creation of Serbia’s first Declaration on Clean Air, support for mental health and youth employment. Those initiatives, as she explained, show concrete contributions of young people in Serbia in the field of environment and social progress.
