She said leaders must commit to ensuring the flow of essential goods and services, and reject any temptation to turn inwards and focus on protectionism.

'These consequences were never inevitable, and there are steps we can take to reverse these trends and improve the lives of those impacted,' she said. 'As we turn our mind to the challenges we face globally, we must turn to the most important thing of all - he tangata, he tangata, he tangata - it is people, people, people.

Photo: AFPĪrdern said more than 120 million people have been pushed into extreme poverty as a result of the pandemic, and inequality within and between countries has deepened. Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern delivers a pre-recorded speech to the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters on September 24, 2021, in New York. 'Without equitable access for all, we risk further variants developing which could undermine or undo our progress,' she said. 'These values have seen New Zealanders take care of one another, and work together to limit the transmission of Covid-19 in our communities.'Īrdern said New Zealand is working with nations including Australia and the COVAX worldwide initiative to support vaccination across the Pacific Islands. Values like kotahitanga, or a shared aspiration and unity towards a common goal. 'Values like manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, which in the Māori language mean kindness, and a shared sense of humanity and connectedness. 'It has been a privilege for me as a leader, to witness the practical application of New Zealanders' values to these challenges. She cited New Zealand's approach to battling the pandemic with high vaccination and a focus on the 'team of 5 million.' 'The vast ocean surrounding our islands have taken on an even greater significance in a time when our border controls are our first line of defence against a highly contagious, global virus.' In some ways, we now feel that remoteness more keenly. The Covid-19 pandemic has made both parts of this statement truer than ever. 'I have often described New Zealand as being remote, but connected. 'As I deliver this address to the General Assembly from here in New Zealand, it strikes me that even when global events threaten to disconnect and divide us, a shared instinct to connect with one another, still prevails,' she said. She addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York today via video link.Īrdern previously announced she would not travel to the General Assembly meeting due to the Covid-19 situation.

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