Statement by Permanent Representative Dr. Zlatko Lagumdžija at the Informal Interactive Dialogue with the Candidate for President of the 80th UN General Assembly
Statement by Permanent Representative Dr. Zlatko Lagumdžija at the Informal Interactive Dialogue with the Candidate for President of the 80th UN General Assembly
15 May 2025, New York – Statement by Dr. Zlatko Lagumdžija, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations, at the Informal Interactive Dialogue with H.E. Annalena Baerbock, Candidate for President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.
Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor. On behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we already align with the EU statement and I thank H.E. Ms. Baerbock for the presentation of the vision for the presidency of the 80th Assembly session.
Following the recent meeting with Ms. Baerbock and the Eastern European Group, where all present members at the meeting affirmed their unequivocal support for her presidency, it was a privilege to be part of that circle of support from the region and wider region, and we remain resolute in our commitment to her candidacy.
I wish to outline two key reasons and related questions as to why we believe Ms. Baerbock’s election as President of the GA would be vital for the United Nations at this important junction.
First, Ms. Baerbock is a candidate from Germany. Since World War II, the most distinctive characteristic of German foreign policy has been its commitment to multilateralism, rules-based order, and respect for international law. Ms. Baerbock, as former Foreign Minister, has played a leading role in upholding these values. Active leadership of Germany, alongside Namibia, with your personal leadership Mr. President in the “Pact for the Future”, the most important document adopted by the GA since the adoption of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, exemplifies this dedication to advancing multilateral cooperation and recognition that the multilateral order must evolve with an ever-changing political environment.
The question is, what can we do together to strengthen the implementation of the Pact for the Future?
Second, Ms. Baerbock as well as Germany’s critical role in strengthening regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and supporting the EU integration process for this region represents a cornerstone of peace and security in Europe. Ms. Baerbock’s commitment to peace in the Balkans reflects her understanding of the fragility of peace, particularly in regions like ours which is scarred by the Srebrenica genocide and the war crimes that were finally sentenced by ICTY, established by the UN as indispensable part of the respect for the international law and prevention of genocide. And today, we are hearing unacceptable voices of denial of the Srebrenica genocide and promotion of war criminals.
This candidacy carries profound historical significance; this year marks the 80th Anniversary of the UN Charter and the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Germany’s commitment to anti-fascism and promoting reconciliation is symbolic of its dedication to peace. Ms. Baerbock’s candidacy stands as a powerful symbol of this commitment, a reminder of our shared responsibility to foster international cooperation, peace, and transparent and inclusive dialogue.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our full support of Ms. Annalena Baerbock’s candidacy for President of the 80th Session of the UNGA. We salute her leadership and vision, and we look forward to the opportunity to work closely with her in advancing the goals of the General Assembly.
Thank you
