In connection with the war in Ukraine, the president also recalled the June peace summit in Switzerland, in which Russia did not participate. He called on the actors who had not done so to sign the declaration that arose from it.
According to him, Russian aggression has global consequences, including the weakening of nuclear security, the reduction of the availability of electricity and food, and the disruption of the rules-based world order. “Let’s not forget that hesitation strengthens the aggressor. If we don’t talk about injustice and aggression, many others will soon be waiting here to find out how far they can go in bending international rules,” said President Pavel.
During the speech, one of the key topics of the president’s trip to the USA was discussed, and that is cyber security. As individual countries maintain security in real space, they should not allow the cyber world to become a lawless world of crime.
“As the digital transformation progresses and our dependence on advanced technologies increases, so does the severity and scope of cyber threats, which respect no borders. Cyberespionage and attacks against our hospitals, media, infrastructure, national institutions and businesses seek to destabilize our democratic systems and undermine our principles,” the president said in his speech.
He also highlighted the potential of the African continent and the importance of cooperation with it. “The Czech Republic will continue to cooperate with African countries and listen closely to their opinions and needs. Africa is a continent with enormous potential waiting to be unleashed. We want to see how Africa flourishes, grows stronger and creates opportunities and job opportunities for young people,” said President Pavel.
On Monday, at the opening Summit of the Future, Pavel identified new technologies and climate change as the main global challenges for the UN, recalling the recent massive floods that hit Central Europe and claimed 24 lives. The Czech president should also address the Security Council on Wednesday, his bilateral meetings with the top representatives of the organization are also planned.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the next speaker before the General Assembly after Pavlov, while his Slovak counterpart Peter Pellegrini and French President Emmanuel Macron are also scheduled to speak on Wednesday.
Already on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave speeches, the general debate was opened by UN Secretary General António Guterres. The session of the General Assembly ends on Monday.
With Pellegrini for his compatriots
Pavel is accompanied in the USA by the business mission of the Chamber of Commerce, focusing on start-ups and innovative companies in the field of cyber security and defense. On Wednesday, the president will move to Chicago, where he will deliver a speech at the university there on Thursday. He will also meet with compatriots and, as part of a round table focused on current security threats, with representatives of Czech and American companies.
The last item on the program of the president’s visit to the USA on Friday will be Iowa’s second largest city, Cedar Rapids, where the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library is located. Part of the visit will be the unveiling of the astronomical clock modeled after the Old Town Astronomical Clock in Prague. The President of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini, will also take part in the festive event, announced the Castle.
