Paraguay

Mr. President of the General Assembly, Distinguished Heads of State and Government, Esteemed Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I. Opening

We live in a convulsed, volatile world, one that is going through, as never before, extremely difficult days, of tremendous challenges.

Armed conflicts; tensions in every corner of our globe; a crisis of multilateral institutions and of the international system; the siege on the values of democracy by the twin threats of populism and authoritarianism; the risks of cyberwarfare and the inadequate application of artificial intelligence; the brutal inequity in the distribution of wealth; climate change that endangers our very existence: these are but a few of the immense problems we face.

I fear, therefore, that I will not come here today to give a speech that generates sympathy, but rather the discomfort and concern that we should feel about what is happening. I believe we must be honest and admit that we are failing—all of us—in the construction of a better world.

Well then: if there is a place and an opportune moment to debate and propose the crucial decisions that will change the course of our humanity, it is in the General Assembly of the United Nations. And given the delicate juncture we are living through, we are obliged to do so.

The good news is that not everything is lost; for as a great military hero, and later statesman, of my country, Bernardino Caballero, said: "the future is the child of the present." This means that we can have a better destiny if we act today and here.

Thus, even amid the "discouragements" that can "prostrate many spirits," we will be able to "contemplate the luminous horizons of the future"—but only, as Caballero crucially added, if we can make ourselves "worthy of the respect and esteem of generations to come."

That is: we will only be worthy of occupying the high offices we hold today if, instead of sweeping problems under the rug, we tackle them with clarity, with firmness, and with courage.

Despite the arduous reality we are living through, I remain optimistic. I do not fear the future, because I trust in the capacity of human beings to overcome challenges. But it is imperative—I would even say obligatory—to eliminate the Veto in the United Nations Security Council and to redefine the mechanisms of international cooperation.

We need to build frameworks that promote equitable and sustainable development, in which all countries, regardless of their size or power, can benefit equally from global progress. Only in this way will we be able to fulfill the promises this forum represents and make ourselves "worthy of the respect and esteem of generations to come."

II. Armed Conflicts

Ladies and Gentlemen, the maintenance of peace should be the fundamental pillar of multilateralism.

However, today's reality shows us a sad panorama: around 20 international armed conflicts and more than 110 active internal conflicts worldwide demonstrate that the institutions created to preserve peace have not been able to fulfill their mission.

War remains a plague that spreads over humanity. This scourge tears apart the social fabric, annihilating communities and leaving a legacy of incalculable suffering. Every life lost is a testament to our collective failure to fulfill the most basic of our responsibilities: to preserve peace and protect human dignity.

The history of my nation is a living testimony to the cruelty and immense suffering that wars bring. With the War of the Triple Alliance, Paraguay experienced a war of extermination that sadly foreshadowed the genocides of the twentieth century.

As another great Paraguayan, Manuel Gondra, said, Paraguay is a "small but proud country," and it was only for this reason that it survived that bloody war.

However, it knows that the price to pay for armed conflict is very high. For this reason, Paraguay knows better than anyone not only the calamity of war, but also what it means for a small country to be invaded or attacked by more powerful powers.

It is for this reason that we express our most sincere solidarity with all victims of armed conflicts, whether internal or international in nature. We reaffirm our firm and resolute commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, and we advocate, without exception, for the non-use of force as a way to resolve disagreements between nations or peoples.

III. Ukraine, Israel, Africa

In this context, we reiterate our firm support for Ukraine, backing its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We underscore the urgency of finding diplomatic solutions that lead to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, with the aim of ending this conflict and ensuring stability in the region.

As with the case of Ukraine, we believe that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, always seeking solutions that respect the fundamental rights of all parties involved. This conviction also guides our position with respect to the growing crisis in the Middle East.

Our relationship with the State of Israel is founded on solid pillars such as faith and hope. This is the reason why Paraguay has been one of the countries that has stood most firmly by Israel's side following the grotesquely treacherous attacks by Hamas, by intolerant terrorism, on October 7, 2023.

Paraguay reaffirms today its recognition of Israel's legitimate right to defend itself. We also reject any attempt to equate, in a biased manner, the responsibility between Israel's democratically elected authorities and the leaders of the terrorist group Hamas. At the same time, we make an urgent call for the implementation of a solution that alleviates the humanitarian situation, ends the violence, and guarantees the immediate release of the hostages, promoting constructive dialogue that leads to lasting peace.

We cannot fail to express our deep concern over the situation in Africa, where UNHCR estimates that there are currently around 25 active conflicts, some longstanding and others emerging, all with devastating consequences for the lives and future of the inhabitants of that continent. We aspire to the return of peace and stability in that region of the world.

Enough of violence, enough of wars; but also, enough of mere words. As actors on the international stage, we must take firm and effective action.

IV. Haiti

Today I also want to open a parenthesis to address the extremely harsh humanitarian situation in Haiti, a clear example of the shortcomings of multilateralism.

Despite numerous efforts and international interventions, attempts at global cooperation have not managed to translate into the sustainable peace, governance, and security that the Haitian people so badly need and deserve.

Today, gangs control much of Port-au-Prince, plunging the country into a spiral of violence that multilateral mechanisms have not been able to effectively de-escalate.

Added to this situation is a catastrophic humanitarian reality: more than 5 million Haitians suffer from food insecurity and face the resurgence of diseases such as cholera. Although multiple promises of aid have been made, the lack of financial resources and logistical difficulties have prevented humanitarian assistance from reaching people in a timely and sufficient manner. There is a worrying dissonance between what the international community promises and what is actually delivered on the ground.

We will stand by the Haitian people in every effort to help this brotherly country.

V. Venezuela

My country, like many other peoples present here, has had its past of authoritarianism and dictatorships. That is why today Paraguayans value more than anyone the ideals of democracy and the rule of law.

We Paraguayans can speak with authority: our country lived for a long time in the shadow of dictatorship, banishment, and exile. Our reality today, however, is different, and vibrant: Paraguay has been reaffirming its democratic vocation through free and transparent elections for more than three decades: never before have we had so many years of democracy, and I dare say, against the naysayers and pessimists as always, that, with their shadows, these have been the happiest years of my homeland.

Perhaps we Paraguayans cannot agree on many things; but we do agree that there is no other way of coexistence than democracy and the rule of law. Democracy is simply non-negotiable.

That is why I must condemn today, loudly and clearly, what is happening to our Venezuelan brothers and sisters.

I come to reiterate Paraguay's position on the electoral process in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which concluded on July 28. This process ignored the will of the Venezuelan people, and was characterized by serious acts by the regime, which resulted in the persecution of leading opposition figures and arbitrary detentions.

The deterioration of democracy in Venezuela is evident, as are the systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Added to this are actions contrary to international law, especially with regard to diplomatic relations and the right of asylum.

We reiterate our support for the democratic forces of Venezuela who are fighting against authoritarianism for the return to a truly democratic system, not a facade.

VI. OAS

One of the most important criticisms of global multilateralism is the idea of the inclusion of all nations on an equal footing.

The concept of "one vote per nation" often becomes an empty concept if smaller nations are forced to trade away their self-determination in exchange for not being left out of the major international markets.

Nevertheless, we recognize that regional cooperation remains an indispensable path toward physical and economic integration. The fight against the challenges we face is impossible without a convergence of will among neighboring countries. In this sense, regional cooperation stands as the only viable alternative that allows us to work together and design national policies in coordination with other nations.

It is in this spirit of cooperation and strengthening of regional institutions that Paraguay has decided to present the candidacy of our Foreign Minister, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, for the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS).

We are convinced that his leadership will contribute significantly to the revitalization of the OAS, promoting a more inclusive and efficient multilateralism, one that responds to the challenges of the present and focuses on the well-being of all the peoples of the hemisphere.

VII. Taiwan

Within the framework of our commitment to a more inclusive multilateralism, one that leaves no nation behind, Paraguay today reiterates its unwavering support for those countries that, despite their outstanding global contribution, are still excluded from important international forums.

Paraguay not only recognizes, but deeply values, the international cooperation of the Republic of China–Taiwan, a sister nation with which we have forged nearly 70 years of solid and meaningful friendship.

That friendship is founded on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and free trade. It is a genuine friendship, forged in the adversity of being two geographically small countries alongside great powers. Our fighting spirit, however, is far from small.

In this Assembly we renew our firm support for Taiwan to become an integral part of the United Nations system. We believe that its exclusion is an injustice that we cannot overlook, because the values we share and its contribution to the international community deserve the same recognition as that of any other nation present here. If there is a country that should today be part of the United Nations system and is not, it is Taiwan.

Today, we come not only to denounce this injustice, but to raise our voice firmly to alert the international community to the threat to its integrity and to the legitimate right of self-determination of peoples.

I underscore the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. In a world full of tensions, where conflicts constantly threaten to spill over, a positive and peaceful interaction in this region is vital not only for the security of Asia, but for global stability.

VIII. Vision for the country – pillars of government

Just as we defend the principles of peace, justice, and international cooperation in every corner of the world, it is equally important to reaffirm our commitment to these values within our borders.

In my country, as I said before, we live in a vibrant and full democracy. With a republican system of checks and balances, and although our political movement has a majority in Congress, we maintain dialogue with the opposition in order to carry forward the major reforms the country needs.

We are convinced that democracy cannot be empty: it must be a democracy with content and, above all, with results.

Here, economic development is crucial to ensuring the future strength of democracy. Prosperity is the greatest enemy of crime, of division, of despair. The most effective social policy, I always say, is economic prosperity.

But for that prosperity to reach everyone, it is necessary to invest in our human capital and generate the conditions for families to get ahead through their own work.

And here I want to cite two of the programs we are carrying out from my government. The first: "Zero Hunger in Schools," a commitment to eradicate 100% of hunger among school-age children, in the conviction that one cannot learn while hungry, and the "Che Roga Porã" Program, which is Paraguay's first housing access policy focused on the working class, with access installments set at rental prices, which will allow thousands of Paraguayan families to transform a monthly expense into a family asset.

Now then: there is no development without security.

Given this, both nationally and internationally, it is logical to adopt a comprehensive vision of security, with a sense of cooperation among different national and international agencies. This is my vision as President of the Republic.

Finally, we will continue to bet on institutionality and transparency as fundamental conditions for development.

Paraguay's recent attainment of investment grade status is a clear reflection of a constant effort to strengthen our institutions, combined with a tradition of economic stability that has been consolidated over the years. Dear friends: Paraguay wants to, can, and will be a true protagonist on the global stage. We are determined to take our rightful place.

IX. Natural resources + position on climate change

Paraguay is a country with abundant natural resources, valuable human capital, and a determined focus on creating value chains that promote a green economy, based on the development of sustainable technologies.

Our country is a benchmark in the production of clean and renewable energy. The generation of hydroelectric power is not only a national project, but a joint initiative with our neighbors, one that seeks to be key to achieving a more developed, sustainable, and emissions-free world.

I firmly believe that Paraguay is an example that economic development is entirely compatible with environmental sustainability.

X. Integration

Paraguay shares common challenges with other landlocked developing countries, which will be addressed in the new Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries, to be approved in Botswana this December.

Far from discouraging us, we see in these challenges an opportunity. We are transforming our difficulties into strengths, taking advantage of our geographic location as a strategic point. Our position in the heart of South America drives us to be the engine of South American integration.

With a clear vision, we are committed to becoming the region's logistics hub through the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway and the South American Bi-oceanic Road Corridor, which are shaping up to be key axes for revitalizing and strengthening the Mercosur and Pacific Alliance blocs.

As we consolidate our geographic position as an axis of regional integration and logistical development, it is crucial that this vision of growth be backed by strong investment in education.

XI. Education and technology

Paraguay's success will depend on our ability to prepare future generations for the globalized and competitive world.

Along with education, technology is a key tool for development and social inclusion.

Our nations face many challenges. But without a doubt, the issue of the ethical application of artificial intelligence and technological advances in general stands out here. Moore's Law postulates exponential growth in the development of new technologies that demand of us the creation of new regulatory frameworks to protect people, capable of facing a challenge that is approaching at a speed that is difficult to assimilate.

These new techniques, such as sandboxes and co-regulation, must have as their ultimate goal the responsible use of emerging technologies and equity in their application.

XII. Culture and Human Rights

In Paraguay, we are deeply committed to preserving our cultural heritage. At the end of this year we will host the nineteenth session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, where we hope that "Guarania" will be recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In addition, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of all our citizens, the family, and human life from conception, defending the traditional values that have made our nation great.

XIII. Closing

Despite having maintained a critical outlook, I must confess that I am an incurable optimist: I firmly believe that our future is bright and full of opportunities.

I therefore believe in those "luminous horizons of the future" I spoke of earlier: if we fight for a better present, we will have future days full of light and possibilities.

The defense of democratic values and respect for human rights must continue to be our guide. It is natural for us to have legitimate political differences, but there are principles that cannot be negotiated: democracy, the rule of law, and unwavering respect for human rights are fundamental pillars.

Although our political or ideological visions may differ, this should not divide us nor prevent us from moving forward in building cooperation based on solid foundations.

If we keep as our non-negotiable north star the ideals of cooperation, mutual respect, integration, and fraternity among our peoples, I am convinced that we will have better days.

In sum, and despite the tremendous challenges we are facing, I am convinced that, as William Faulkner once said: "humanity will not simply endure: it will prevail."

Thank you very much.