New York, Sept. 25 (Agencies) – Addressing the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake called on world leaders to commit to building a safe, just, and sustainable future for generations to come.

Speaking at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday morning (Sri Lanka time), President Dissanayake stressed that nations must “walk hand in hand, not apart,” as the world grapples with humanitarian, social, and environmental crises.

He expressed deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, urging an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and the release of hostages in line with UN agreements. “Strong international pressure must be applied to halt the continuing violence and killings,” he said.

Turning to global poverty, the President warned that inequality and deprivation must be treated as a “worldwide catastrophe”, noting that debt burdens have left many developing countries unable to adequately fund healthcare and education. He reminded delegates of the unfulfilled promises of the 2030 Agenda and past global summits.

On the global drug menace, he said it threatens health, democracy, and security worldwide. He urged stricter enforcement against traffickers, tighter cross-border controls, and expanded rehabilitation facilities, while inviting countries to join Sri Lanka in advancing global anti-drug initiatives.

President Dissanayake also highlighted corruption as a “destructive force” undermining democracy and perpetuating poverty. “Fighting corruption is dangerous, but not fighting corruption is even more dangerous,” he declared, stressing Sri Lanka’s ongoing reforms for clean governance.

On global conflicts, he condemned opportunistic power politics and reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to peace, shaped by its own experience of a three-decade civil war. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s support for the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine based on the 1967 borders, and urged the UN to stop being a bystander in humanitarian crises.

President Dissanayake also raised the importance of digital democracy and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). He proposed creating a neutral sovereign AI zone, warning that without equitable access, technology could deepen global inequality.

Concluding, the President said the Sri Lankan people have chosen the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, built on corruption-free governance, poverty eradication, digital transformation, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

“We must try to achieve these dreams not in competition with each other, but by working arm in arm, in peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet,” he told the assembly. “Let us become the true healers of the world.”