Dear Minister,
Dear Deputy Minister,
Distinguished Ambassadors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure and honor that I welcome you to tonight’s event dedicated to the presentation of Greece’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
I’d like to apologize for the event’s delayed start. It was due to the obligation to welcome our Romanian and Finnish friends who have just arrived in Athens, Greece, from Khartoum. I appreciate your understanding in this matter.
I’d also like to welcome tonight the Foreign Minister of Malta, my friend, Ian Borg. Allow me to remind you that Malta is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Ian’s presence today honors us.
I’d also like to welcome Ms. Marianna Vardinoyannis, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and recipient of the 2020 United Nations Nelson Mandela Award, something which is particularly important to us.
Today’s event, unfortunately, coincides with the events in Sudan, and I’d like to state what is obvious: Greece stands for the immediate cessation of hostilities and supports diplomatic efforts to find a solution.
From the beginning of the civil conflict in Sudan, we have set the security and evacuation of our fellow citizens as the highest priority. With the assistance of European partners and allies, a large number of Greek citizens and their families have been evacuated from Khartoum.
But of course, as I have previously stated, we have an obligation to serve the needs of other fellow human beings, as well. Just a while ago, I welcomed Finnish and Romanian citizens who returned on a Greek aircraft.
We will continue our efforts today and tomorrow so that we can evacuate as many people in danger as possible.
At this point, allow me to return to our event today. As all of you can see, it takes place in an emblematic setting, under the sacred rock of the Acropolis; in a location that, in my opinion, showcases the universality of ancient Greece’s ideals in the proudest way.
The Museum, which is hosting us tonight, is a symbol of Greece’s modern dynamism and achievements. It houses the Parthenon Sculptures. And please allow me to express our heartfelt wish, which I am sure you all share, that they will soon be reunited with those in the British Museum, those in Vienna, and other cities.
Last month, I had the opportunity to officially present our candidacy in New York. Greece, as a founding member of the United Nations, is a steady and dedicated supporter of the principles and values of the United Nations.
Greece’s tenure on the Security Council will aim to enhance the Organization’s efforts to maintain peace. Although it may seem obvious, we are all aware of how difficult it has been proven to achieve. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, in particular, served as a stark reminder.
Three words are going to be our compass for our candidacy and hopefully for our tenure in the Security Council.
Three words starting with “D”, the Greek “δέλτα». The fact that my surname starts with a delta is a mere coincidence.
First of all, Dialogue, in Greek “διάλογος”. The act of exchanging reasonable arguments. According to Socrates, dialogue was the path to truth; the path to knowledge.
The second word, it’s Diplomacy, in Greek «διπλωματία». At its root, we find the word “δύο” (two). Diplomacy is based on dialogue. As peoples and as nations, in this dual status, we can overcome our differences. We can arrive at solutions.
Finally, Democracy, in Greek “δημοκρατία”. Democracy was born right here, where we are sitting, in Pnyka, just a few meters away from here. It literally means the “power of the people”. Born in ancient Athens, democracy is also based on dialogue. The open exchange of arguments in the Agora.
So, this is the 3D campaign.
As an emblem of our candidacy, which I believe anyone could guess even before the campaign, we have chosen the olive tree and its branch, the symbol of peace and wisdom. It’s the mythical gift of Goddess Athena to the city of Athens. It was presented precisely on the Sacred Rock, during the contest with Poseidon, to determine which of the gods would protect the city.
However, it also became the symbol of the Olympic Truce, during the ancient Olympic Games, when all hostilities would cease.
Ladies and gentlemen, Greece, advocating dialogue, diplomacy, and democracy, will focus on six main priorities if elected:
(1) peaceful settlement of disputes,
(2) respect for International Law and the rules and principles of the United Nations Charter,
(3) the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda
(4) Climate change and security,
(5) maritime security; and
(6) Children in Armed Conflicts.
Greece, as an elected member, will cooperate with all UN Member States. It will work to uphold the collective security system established by the UN Charter, with particular emphasis on the prohibition of the use or the threat of use of force.
My country will seek to improve the effectiveness of the international crisis and conflict management system.
But, as we all know, the principles of peace and security cannot be safeguarded without strengthening economic growth. Greece is, therefore, going to seek and support actions to reduce poverty and inequality on our planet.
Furthermore, it reaffirms its commitment to substantially contribute to the implementation of the “Women, Peace, and Security” Agenda.
Greece, as a member of the group of Friends on Climate and Security, supports the inclusion of the environmental impact of climate change on the agenda of the Security Council, as the primary challenge facing humanity in the 21st century.
In this regard, Greece has undertaken to organize the 2024 International Conference “Our Ocean Conference”. Greece, a country intertwined with the sea, with thousands of islands, with a coastline of thousands of kilometers, roughly the length of the entire coastline of Africa, attaches particular importance to maritime safety.
With its election, it will therefore seek to strengthen efforts to fully implement the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as the sole legal and institutional framework that regulates the relations of States in the seas and oceans.
Lastly, Greece is particularly interested in the protection and promotion of children’s rights o in all armed conflicts and peace processes.
At this point, please allow me to mention two more candidacies within the framework of the United Nations; both are significant for us and are a first in the history of the Modern Greek State.
First of all, there’s our candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the 2028-2030 term and there is also our candidacy for the Presidency of the United Nations General Assembly in 2035.
We believe that these key positions within the United Nations system will strengthen our country’s resolve and ability to contribute to international affairs.
Dear Minister, my dear friend, Ian,
It is such a great honor to have you here with us on this very special occasion for us.
Our two countries, Malta and the Hellenic Republic, share and promote the same values and the same principles within our European family.
This is also reflected during your actual tenure as an elected member of the UN Security Council.
I am certain that we can count on your precious experience and know-how after you finish your tenure.
And that our fruitful and productive cooperation will continue in the years to come, and will be even further enhanced.
So, I wish to thank you very much for your support.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you all very much for your presence here today.