P5 joint concert – Marking the 70th anniversary of the United Nations

Ambassador Wu,
Ambassador Laurin,
Ambassador Borodavkin,
Ambassador Braithwaite,
Ambassador Hamamoto,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen:

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to this extraordinary concert celebrating the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. I would like to thank the Permanent Missions of the People’s Republic of China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America for this remarkable display of unity and cooperation among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Ambassador Wu and the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China for the organization of this event, and the Symphony Orchestra of the National Ballet of China, for what I am sure will be a memorable evening for us all.

Tonight’s concert is a symbolic representation of what can be achieved when the Permanent Five unite, as they have done many times in the past. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, with this vibrant showcase of musical talent, let us reflect on what we have achieved thus far, but also look at global concerns, from maintaining peace and stability, to addressing climate change, to eradicating poverty and to finding a solution to conflicts and crises.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
We need much more of the unity that we have the pleasure of witnessing tonight, in all of our collective endeavours.

Let us hope that this magnificent repertoire of classical music will serve as an inspiration to us all, as we tackle the crucial challenges that lie ahead of our Organization beyond this milestone anniversary year.

Thank you and enjoy the evening.