site.bta“We Need to Light a Spark that Ignites Change,” Says President Radev at UN General Assembly

“We need to light a spark that ignites change,” said Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, speaking during the General Debate of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly here on Wednesday. The Bulgarian head of State addressed leaders from more than 130 countries at the largest diplomatic forum.

The highlights of Radev’s speech were global security, the climate crisis, inequality, and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. 

“Our world faces a range of complex problems. From the unprecedented challenges to the global peace and security to the escalating climate crisis and the persistent inequalities. We are confronted with a complex array of issues that require our immediate attention and concerted effort. We need to light a spark that ignites change,” Radev said. 

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Radev affirmed that Bulgaria strongly condemns the war which has led to hundreds of thousands of victims, enormous suffering and destruction.

According to him, every diplomatic effort should be supported that pursues comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in conformity with the United Nations Charter and international law.  

Commenting the issue of the war in Gaza, Radev called for immediate ceasefire, free access of the humanitarian convoys as well as release of all hostages held by Hamas.

Bulgaria will maintain its commitment to uphold, protect and strengthen the multilateral framework for disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control, he noted. 

“My country actively engages in political dialogue with South-East European countries, driven by the conviction that the region's security, stability, and prosperity are crucial for the broader regional and international resilience,” the President Radev said, adding that Bulgaria is a strong supporter of the European path of the Western Balkan countries. 

“Our main priorities vis-à-vis the region are fostering good neighborliness, improving connectivity, protection of human rights and combating ethnic discrimination,” he said, adding however, that “a serious challenge on this path are the new outbursts of incitements of hatred”.

In his speech at the forum, the Bulgarian President also pointed to Bulgaria's contribution to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, not only through the implementation of the Bulgaria 2030 National Development Programme, but also through the joint projects this country is implementing with its neighbours and around the world in the fields of healthcare, education, public infrastructure, among others.

He further stressed that “progress on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is the greatest investment for the benefit of the present and future generations”.

He commented climate change by saying that Bulgaria insists on more ambitious climate objectives.

“Another challenge, that brings a lot of opportunities as well, is the need for an effective digital governance, based on a multi-stakeholder and inclusive approach, aiming for a human-centric digital transformation and a safe and open digital future,” he said.

At the end of his speech, Radev touched on one of the main topics of this year’s UN General Assembly – the UN Security Council. 

“In light of growing challenges to the principles of international law and the rules-based order established by the United Nations Charter, Bulgaria remains committed to strengthening the effectiveness and accountability of the United Nations Security Council. We support efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within this body, co-sponsoring the key UN General Assembly resolution on veto use. Bulgaria emphasizes the need for greater effectiveness and prioritizes securing an additional non-permanent seat for the Group of Eastern European States in a reformed Council,” he said.

“The actions we take today will define the future, and with courage and unity, we will rise to meet the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Radev in conclusion.

President Rumen Radev heads the Bulgarian delegation to the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.