A/77/PV.2 General Assembly

It is my sad duty to pay tribute to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September 2022. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to pay our condolences to the Government and the people of the United Kingdom, the wider Commonwealth of Nations and the bereaved family of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We are here to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Today’s tribute provides an opportunity to reflect on leadership. It is a quality that is always dearly needed for noble pursuits, particularly in times of crisis. When visiting the United Nations in 2010, Her Majesty expressed admiration for those who have the talent to lead, particularly in public service and in diplomatic life. In her remarks to the General Assembly on that visit, she observed that “[S]ome attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.” (A/64/PV.105, p.3). When the United Nations is judged by future generations, her hope, she said, would be that “[O]ur sincerity, our willingness to take a lead and our determination to do the right thing will stand the test of time.” (ibid.). The parallels between the words spoken by Her Majesty and a description of her attributes are clear. Her Majesty devoted her life to public service and to improving the lives of people within the Commonwealth. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the royal family, the people of the United Kingdom and States members of the Commonwealth of Nations. I now invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silence in tribute to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

I now give the floor to the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres.

The sun has set on a most extraordinary reign. We are here today to pay tribute to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Britain’s longest- reigning monarch. Queen Elizabeth was a pillar without peer on the world stage for more than 70 years. She acceded to the throne in a different age  — the era of Churchill, Truman, Stalin, Mao and De Gaulle. A reassuring and inspiring presence, she was an anchor of stability across decades of often turbulent history. The first part of her remarkable reign saw many nations gaining independence from Britain and the formation of the Commonwealth, a diverse multilateral group. Commonwealth members are among the most steadfast supporters of the United Nations, and we also mourn with them today. Visiting South Africa to mark its readmittance to the Commonwealth after the fall of apartheid, the Queen spoke of how faith could move mountains and recreate a nation. We join together today in this global Assembly to honour her life and legacy. On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to convey my sincere condolences to the Queen’s bereaved family, the Government and the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the wider Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II defied geopolitical gravity. She was a consummate diplomat, and she often wielded her diplomatic skills as the only woman in the room. When our institution and Queen Elizabeth were both young, she stood at this very podium and called on leaders to demonstrate their devotion to the ideals of the Charter of the United Nations. She well understood that formal bonds and agreements are only half the story. International cooperation also depends on our strength, our personal commitment and our dedication as leaders to the principles of peace, justice and human rights. At thousands of public appearances, Queen Elizabeth spoke of friendship and strong ties among nations. She supported hundreds of global causes that are at the heart of our work. For seven decades, Queen Elizabeth transcended her role to connect at the most human level with everyone whom she met  — world leaders and ordinary people alike. For that, she was among the most respected and loved global leaders of our age. Queen Elizabeth’s passing will be deeply felt, particularly by those who knew and loved her best. Her legacy is an inspiring example of leadership that serves. In her last address in this Hall, 12 years ago, Queen Elizabeth said that, over the course of her own life, “[T]the United Nations has moved from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good.” (A/64/PV.105, p.3). She concluded: “In tomorrow’s world, we must all work together as hard as ever if we are truly to be united nations.” (ibid.). Queen Elizabeth II herself worked as hard as ever until her final hours. Let us honour her by working as hard as ever to be truly united nations.

I thank the Secretary-General. I now give the floor to the representative of Mauritius, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States.

On behalf of the Group of African States, I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s plenary meeting to pay tribute to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The African Group expresses its deepest sympathies and condolences to the royal family and to the Government and the people of the United Kingdom on the sad demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The outpouring of sympathy and expressions of sorrow from across the world testify to the respect and love that men and women across continents had for her. It is a difficult task to summarize the achievements of the longest-reigning British monarch, spanning over seven decades, from the era of the Second World War to the twenty-first century, during which she personally witnessed profound social, economic and political changes across the globe. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had a lasting and strong connection with Africa. She undertook numerous visits to our countries, forging renewed friendships, as she oversaw independence sweep through our continent. It is also a fact of history, albeit a very sad one, that colonialism in Africa was not plain sailing; it was accompanied by violence and atrocities. But it goes to the credit of Her Majesty not only to have built bridges with our continent, but also to have strengthened our relations and brought many of us together under the Commonwealth. She played a unique role as a symbol of unity in diversity as the Head of the Commonwealth. During her reign, the Commonwealth grew from just eight countries to 56, representing a third of humankind. She was able to win over hearts, and she befriended many of our revered leaders, with whom she had lasting and strong bonds of friendship. She visited more than 20 African countries during her reign, going to the same countries more than once. She visited my own country in 1972. That has remained a memorable visit. Her exemplary delegation, determination and devotion to the service of the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth will be forever remembered. Her values and principles have inspired countless people across generations. This is indeed a sad loss to all those who believe in the rule of law, democracy and human rights. She will remain a towering figure in the history of the United Kingdom and our contemporary world, and she has left an indelible mark in our hearts and minds. Her legacy and spirit will endure the test of time. May her soul rest in peace. During these trying times we offer our sympathy and solidarity to His Majesty King Charles III and the other members of the royal family, as well as the Government and the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. We wish His Majesty well and every success on his ascension to the throne.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asia-Pacific States.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting to commemorate the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I have the great honour and privilege to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Asia- Pacific States. I wish to convey our most profound condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the family at this time of global mourning. Today we pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was held in deep respect by many people. As the longest-serving monarch in British history, she lived through many momentous historical events of domestic, regional and global importance. In her seven-decade reign, Queen Elizabeth visited the Asia-Pacific region many times, reinforcing our sense of community and our relations. She leaves behind an indelible imprint, as her ideas inspired many ordinary people to work towards economic progress and the greater good. Queen Elizabeth II was a patron of many charitable organizations and the arts. As a philanthropist, she committed herself to serving others. She worked for causes that aimed to improve the lives of the poor and the marginalized around the world. Throughout her outstanding life of service, she demonstrated that it was possible to improve human relationships and elevate the human condition. With her passing, we are thoroughly inspired by her enduring legacy and a life dedicated to service. Today we renew our commitment to building a better, more peaceful and inclusive world for all. I now wish to deliver a statement in my national capacity. On behalf of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people, we convey our deepest condolences to the people and the Government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty led her country with steely determination and unshakeable conviction, addressing complex challenges in an evolving global landscape, punctuated by climate crises, pandemics, regional conflicts and more. President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., said that the Queen would be remembered for exemplifying “a true monarch’s great dignity, commitment to duty and devotion to all those in her realm.” Her Majesty is an enduring symbol of royal tradition, international cooperation and our trust in the rule of law. The Queen brought the British monarchy to a deeper level of engagement in twenty-first-century international diplomacy. The Filipino people are in solidarity with the family of King Charles III and the people of Great Britain at this difficult time. May Her Majesty’s soul rest in peace.

I now give the floor to the representative of Suriname, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States.

I have the honour to deliver this statement as Chair of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC). The States members of GRULAC are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Throughout her life, Her Majesty devoted herself to serving the people of the United Kingdom and to contributing to peace and prosperity. She represented the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with balance, wisdom, respect for institutions and democracy. Having ascended to the throne at a young age, she was able to garner the respect and the trust of people, both at home and around the world. Her reign of 70 years bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march for human dignity. As the longest-serving monarch in British history and the longest-recorded reign of any female Head of State in history, she succeeded in adapting the monarchy to a changing world and changing public perception of the institution, while maintaining traditions associated with the Crown. She steered the institution’s evolution into a forum for effective multilateral engagement, whose potential to drive tremendous socioeconomic progress remained incontestable. The members of GRULAC express their deepest condolences to the royal family and the Government and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. May Her Majesty’s soul rest in peace.

I now give the floor to the representative of Greece, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States.

I stand here today on this solemn occasion, representing the Group of Western European and other States. We have all come together to join our voices in paying tribute to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history. Let me begin by extending our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to His Majesty The King, the entire royal family, the people and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the peoples of the Commonwealth. For more than 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II was a pillar of stability and unity for her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world. Through many momentous historic events and changes, she showed tremendous wisdom, charisma and a rare and remarkable dedication to her duty and responsibilities. She was indeed a truly inspirational leader, who commanded enormous cross-generational respect, deep unity and appreciation, not only in her nation but also all over the world. A great deal has already been said and written about her amazing life, work and numerous accomplishments. I am sure that much more will be said and written about her incomparable legacy in the days and years to come. I would like to just briefly touch upon the fact that she was also a true friend and a staunch supporter of the United Nations. Having repeatedly attended and addressed meetings at United Nations Headquarters, throughout her long-lasting reign she always kept the values and ideals that constitute the foundations of the United Nations close to her heart. She was a strong advocate and supporter of multilateralism, international cooperation and bridge-building among nations. Equipped with a deep understanding of world affairs, she worked copiously to find solutions to global challenges, always advocating for a world at peace, with respect for international law, prosperity and development for all. To say that she is going to be truly and deeply missed is an understatement. Her passing marks the end of a momentous and remarkable era, and her example and lifetime achievements will forever hold a prominent place in our collective history. Once again, we would like to offer our most sincere condolences to her family and loved ones and the people and the Government of the United Kingdom, who are still in the process of mourning this great loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

I now give the floor to the representative of the host country.

Let me begin by extending my deepest condolences to the royal family, who have lost their dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Let me also extend my condolences to the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth of Nations. They have lost not only a monarch, but also a dedicated, generous and valiant servant of peace. The United States shares in that sorrow. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a true diplomat and a dear friend of the United States of America. She met 14 United States Presidents and participated in four State visits, five State dinners and two unofficial visits. That is a lot of diplomacy, and we were truly grateful for every minute of it. As President Biden said last week, Queen Elizabeth deepened the bedrock alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. Because of her, our relationship was all the more special. In this Hall, I want to highlight that Queen Elizabeth was also a staunch supporter of multilateral institutions. A few years ago, at a banquet for our previous President, Queen Elizabeth made that belief clear. She said: “After the shared sacrifices of the Second World War, Britain and the United States worked with each other and with allies to build an assembly of international institutions to ensure that the horrors of conflict would never be repeated.” She noted that “While the world has changed, we are forever mindful of the original purpose of these structures: nations working together to safeguard a hard- won peace.” That was Queen Elizabeth’s diplomatic legacy. She showed friendship and respect to newly independent nations. She elevated the cause of liberty and justice. Through the Commonwealth, she helped to foster a community that promoted peace and prosperity for all. Queen Elizabeth spent more than seven decades of service as Head of State, wielding her wisdom, her wit and her kindness towards the good of her kingdom and the world. Her life, marked by dignity, grace, courage and character, inspired millions worldwide. I know that it will continue to inspire generations to come.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom. Dame Barbara Woodward (United Kingdom): On behalf of the United Kingdom., I thank Member States for their expressions of sympathy and condolence. The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of an era in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. It is a time of sadness, deep sadness, but also of reflection and gratitude for a life of devoted service that touched so many people in the realms and across the world. As we gather today in tribute to Her Majesty, I am reminded of the words of a former United Nations Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjöld: “We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny, but what we put in it is ours.” The frame of Her Majesty’s destiny was set from the moment that she, aged 10, became heir to the throne in 1936. In her broadcast from South Africa in 1947, she made clear what she planned to put into that frame: “My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.” Since Her Majesty’s death, I have spoken with many colleagues here at the United Nations, who shared their own memories and reflections on her reign. She travelled to more than 100 countries, forging bonds and leaving a lasting impact in every country that she visited. I had the immense pleasure and privilege of meeting her and of working on two of her many State visits during my career. She was quite simply the United Kingdom’s greatest diplomat. Her life was dedicated to fostering peace and friendship through the Commonwealth and the world. The United Nations was central to that ethos. She was committed to this Organization from its very beginning. In 1946, as a young princess, Her Majesty welcomed delegates to the first meetings of the United Nations in London as the world recovered from the horrors of the Second World War. Ten years later, in 1957, she made her first speech here as Queen (see A/PV.707). The United Nations had increased to 82 Member States, and Her Majesty encouraged representatives to persevere in the pursuit of the ideals enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. More than half a century later, in 2010, Her Majesty delivered another speech to the General Assembly (see A/64/PV.105), by them comprising 192 Member States, celebrating, as the Secretary-General remarked, that, in her lifetime, the United Nations had moved. from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good. The extraordinary length of her reign spanned decades of change at the United Nations and in the world. History was made in her lifetime. As Her Majesty reflected on one of her visits overseas, with the benefit of historical hindsight, we can all see the things that we would wish had been done differently or not at all. Faced with the complexity of history, Her Majesty reminded us of the importance of forbearance and conciliation and of being able to bow to the past but not to be bound by it. It was that sentiment that brought the world together to found the United Nations and work for peace, human rights and development. It remains a principle to guide our work today.

Australia welcomes this opportunity to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Australia. With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end. This is a time of sadness for the United Kingdom, for Australia, for the Commonwealth and for the world. Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history and, remarkably, the second longest- reigning monarch of a sovereign State in the world. Her Majesty served our nation and the Commonwealth for 70 years. As head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty presided over a group of diverse countries across five global regions. We are united by our shared democratic values and respect for good governance, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and sustainable, economic and social development. Commonwealth members are committed to those values, which are articulated in our Commonwealth Charter — advancing the full, equal and meaningful participation of all persons in democracy, building effective, accountable, transparent and inclusive institutions, advancing equitable access to justice and promoting the rule of law. King Charles III has committed to continuing Her Majesty’s legacy as the new head of the Commonwealth. Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II showed a deep affection for Australia, which she visited on 16 occasions. Her Majesty knew Australia well. As she said at the Sydney Opera House in the year 2000, “Since I first stepped ashore here, I have felt part of this rugged, honest, creative land. I have shared the joys and the sorrows, the challenges and the changes, that have shaped this country’s history”. We recall in particular the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster — from floods and bush-fires to war and a pandemic. Indeed, through the noise and turbulence of the years, she embodied and exhibited a timeless decency and performed her duty with fidelity, integrity and respect for everyone she met. This time of mourning will pass, but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians have always held Her Majesty will never fade.

May I begin by underscoring how appreciative Papua New Guinea is to you, Mr. President. We commend your welcome recognition and your decision to convene today’s meeting  — a solemn occasion to pay special tribute to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, beloved Queen and the Head of State of my country, Papua New Guinea, and Her Majesty’s United Kingdom and of her other realms and territories and head of the family of the Commonwealth of Nations. My delegation associates itself with statements made by representatives from various regional groups. I recall that, upon the achievement of our self- government as the United Nations mandated territory of Papua and New Guinea in 1974, our founding leaders requested Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to serve as Papua New Guinea’s constitutional Head of State. The same year, in 1974, she visited Papua New Guinea and formally accepted to be our country’s constitutional Head of State. In 1975, when Papua New Guinea achieved full independence, her son and heir apparent, then Prince Charles, as Crown Prince and Prince of Wales, represented her. Her Majesty made two other subsequent personal visits to our country, which are fondly remembered by many of our people. As we celebrate the extraordinary life or Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, for Papua New Guinea and the Commonwealth, it is also mixed with great sadness  — from our mountains to the valleys and across the islands. Our land and our people of 1,000 tribes share our grief with the royal family and the Government and the people of the United Kingdom and her other realms and territories in the Commonwealth family, following the passing of our beloved Mrs. Queen, as Her Majesty was affectionately known throughout Papua New Guinea. Her Majesty’s reign spanned the entire lifetime of our country, as its Head of State, stopping short of reaching the full 47 years of our nationhood by a mere few days. For us, it is indeed a remarkable milestone in itself. Her Majesty was indeed a unifying and stabilizing force for our country’s unity in diversity, which she understood well in her special way. For us, Her Majesty has indeed left an indelible mark of the highest order. We embrace the knowledge that Her Majesty’s legacy  — epitomized by her zeal for excellence, her grace, dignity and spirit and call to duty, care and compassion for a better world for all — will also serve as the touchstone of tomorrows still to come. It has indeed been a great honour and privilege for Papua New Guinea to have shared its journey with our Queen and Head of State. The nostalgia and the many memories shared with Her Majesty will be long treasured by all Papua New Guineans. Today, as we pay homage to Her Majesty’s passing, we also acknowledge the ascension to the throne, on the very day of the anniversary of our national independence, of our new monarch, King Charles III, by the grace of God, King of Papua New Guinea and of his other realms and territories and head of the Commonwealth. We congratulate His Majesty and wish him well in his new reign. In conclusion, it is most fitting that I am reminded by Her Majesty through her 5 April 2020 video message, on the coronavirus disease, to the people of the United Kingdom and to her realms and territories and the Commonwealth. She said, “The pride in who we are is not a part of our past. It defines our present and our future”. May Her Majesty’s soul rest in eternal peace.

I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this very fitting tribute to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was Canada’s longest-reigning sovereign and Head of State. We express our profound condolences to King Charles III and his family. (spoke in French) We experience this loss with many other countries for whom she was the Head of State and head of the Commonwealth. We express our respect and our solidarity with them. As she lived such a remarkable and accomplished life, her death is now an opportunity for us to reflect and acknowledge her deep commitment to the countries she served with such grace and courage, her faith in family, democracy, the rule of law and in the fundamental values of her time, as well as her incredibly strong character, humility and kindness. Her Majesty’s rule lasted for more than seven decades, during which important changes took place in the world, including for all of us at the United Nations. As the Secretary-General rightly said, she was committed to the cause of democracy, sustainable development and the crucial work of the United Nations. We join all member States, in particular the other members of the Commonwealth, to mourn the death of Her Majesty. We express our most sincere condolences to the members of the royal family at this difficult time. (spoke in English) In the Book of Common Prayer, Anglicans pray to a God “whose service is perfect freedom”. At first, that might seem like a contradiction. But in thinking of Queen Elizabeth II, we can better appreciate the deeper meaning of that phrase. In taking the throne, Her Majesty referred to her own commitment to the well- being of her peoples as a form of service that would take priority over any other personal interest. That is the life that she led. But in doing so she was able to best give meaning and integrity to her own life and demonstrated that the cloak of service to God and to her people was not heavy or uncomfortable. She wore that cloak with pleasure, dignity and good humour and made us all feel that her presence was an entirely natural and uplifting part of our own lives. The Queen found a very particular kind of freedom in her remarkable service to her people and to God over the 70 years of her reign. On behalf of the Government and the people of Canada, I thank the Queen for her lifetime commitment to service and for the example that she set for all of us. (spoke in French) Her Majesty had a special relationship with Canada and Canadians, which was demonstrated by the 23 official visits she made to Canada during her reign. She often said that she felt at home when she went to Canada. She travelled a great deal and met thousands of us personally. She was interested in our lives, institutions and challenges. That affection was reciprocated by Canadians, who viewed the Queen as a model of kindness and always sincere. The Queen welcomed Canada’s commitment to democracy, its arts, culture, its dynamic institutions and constitutional evolution, as well as to its diversity with respect to geography, history, languages, population, politics and its possibilities for the future. She was both curious and compassionate. In past debates, the monarchy was often viewed as contrary to the spirit of democracy. That is certainly not true today. Queen Elizabeth II welcomed changes in democracies in the Commonwealth and supported strengthening democratic institutions in the Kingdom, throughout the world and, of course, in Canada. Canadians have varying political views and experiences. However, they greatly appreciated the Queen’s wisdom, compassion and kindness as Canada experienced several changes and was forced to meet many challenges. We all saw changes in the monarchy during her reign, which served only to strengthen the links among us. (spoke in English) No one summarized that sense of honour and constitutional tradition and the meaning of the rule of law better than the playwright Robert Bolt, when he put these words into the mouth of Sir Thomas Moore in his famous play A Man for All Seasons. Sir Thomas Moore said, “This country is planted thick with laws from coast to coast — man’s laws, not God’s — and if you cut them down … do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then?” In a famous judgment of the Canadian Supreme Court, we Canadians were introduced in a new way to the concept of the honour of the Crown, where she suggested that it must be understood generously in order to reflect the underlying realities from which it stems. In all its dealings with Aboriginal peoples, from the assertion of sovereignty to the resolution of claims and the implementation of treaties, the Crown must act honourably. Nothing less is required if we are to achieve the reconciliation of the pre-existence of Aboriginal societies with the sovereignty of the Crown. Canadians have always seen in our sovereign not an all-powerful person but a person of honour, service and deep respect for our laws and traditions, who embraced the full meaning of democracy and the rule of law. I would suggest that the alternative is the howling wind of dictatorship and tyranny, which is the precise opposite of the constitutional monarch that Elizabeth II was all her life. Ritual gives us the structure to channel our moments of celebration and grief. We are watching around the world the expression of the deepest emotions and deep appreciation — people lined up in the United Kingdom for miles and miles to pay tribute to the Queen. In saying farewell to Her Majesty, we are thanking a person — an individual who showed her commitment to the public good of our countries and to the world on a daily basis. However, we are also expressing our deep respect for our institutions, the rule of law, the celebrations of diversity and artistic expression, the infinite variety of lives well lived, which are the hallmark of democracies. It is equally a time of sadness and of great pride. In that spirit, as a Canadian, I say, God save the King.

The Government and the people of Belize are mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of State of Belize. In her role as the Head of State of Belize, Her Majesty accompanied the people of Belize through some of the most consequential developments in our modern history, including our decolonization, the achievement of independence, the consolidation of our democracy and the progress made in our economic, social and human development. Her Majesty was more than our sovereign. She was also the head of our cherished Commonwealth, which brought together 56 countries and 2.5 billion people of diverse histories, experiences, geographies and traditions into a unified community for friendship, cooperation, consultation and coordination. The perseverance and success of the Commonwealth is due in large measure to the Queen’s leadership and wisdom. The Queen was well respected, admired and beloved within and beyond the realm. Her commitment to duty, her dedication to service and her compassionate leadership distinguished her among world leaders and continue to inspire us. Her Majesty’s humanity, good humour and grace endeared her to people across the globe. In her visits to Belize in 1985 and 1994, the Queen met Belizeans from all walks of life, toured the country and partook of Belizean traditions. Many still remember her warmly and fondly. Her Majesty was up to now the only sovereign Belizeans have known. The Queen was a constant in a time of profound change, tragedy, triumph and progress. She was ever- present and had an enduring connection to the peoples of the Commonwealth. From her first broadcast in 1940, over the seven decades of her reign, the Queen delivered, on annual occasions of celebration, messages of affection and goodwill, and in more trying times, as recently as during the pandemic, the Queen lifted the spirits of the people of the Commonwealth with words of hope and encouragement, inspiration and strength. I wish to convey the deepest sympathies of the Government and the people of Belize to the royal family and to the peoples of the realm and the Commonwealth.

On this solemn occasion of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Antigua and Barbuda wishes to join fellow member States of the Commonwealth of Nations and the States Members of the United Nations in paying its highest homage to Her Majesty. For more than seven decades, Her Majesty the Queen displayed immense and devoted leadership to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations. However, her leadership extended beyond the realms of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations. Her Majesty was a good friend of the United Nations who believed in the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. As key a player in global affairs, she was a devoted advocate for freedom, peace and security and women’s rights. As the Commonwealth transitioned into a key global affairs body, Queen Elizabeth II ensured that order was maintained and that the voice of small States was heard. Her Majesty understood the existential threat of climate change and was a staunch advocate for the protection of the planet for future generations. Indeed, her moving address at the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Glasgow, called on each and every one of us to “recognize that the time for words has now moved to the time for action”, in addressing the impact of climate change. Her Majesty exemplified grace, kindness and the highest spirit of civic duty. We therefore hope that her extraordinary life, work and leadership will continue to inspire young women and girls around the world to bravely stand in the forefront of public service and leadership. I take this opportunity to recall Her Majesty’s visit to the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. There, Her Majesty ardently championed the cause of children, and she often revered the twin-island’s splendid tranquillity and beauty. Moreover, Her Majesty proudly expressed her love and adoration for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. As we reflect on Her Majesty’s outstanding life and legacy, our hearts are with the King and the Queen Consort and the entire royal family during this time of great loss. I wish to conclude with a quote from Her Majesty the Queen. “While we may have more still to endure, better days will return. We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.” Therefore, on behalf of the Government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, I extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the royal family, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations during this time of bereavement.

I now give the floor to the representative of Jamaica, who will speak on behalf of a group of States.

I have the honour to address the General Assembly today on behalf of Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda and, of course, my own country, Jamaica. We offer our sincere condolences to the royal family and to the Government and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on 8 September, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her passing marks the end of an era for the people of the United Kingdom and, indeed, the world. Queen Elizabeth, who succeeded her father King George VI upon his death on 6 February 1952, reigned over the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the territories and realm countries of the Commonwealth for 70 years — the longest reign of any British monarch. The world has evolved over the course of her 70-year reign, and she remained a constant amid key watershed moments in history, including the end of the Cold War, the evolution of the Commonwealth and, most recently, the onset of the coronavirus disease pandemic. Despite the varying circumstances and turbulent periods of change over the past 70 years, Queen Elizabeth remained actively engaged with citizens and people across the globe. She was the most-travelled of any of her British predecessors, having visited more than 100 countries during her reign, including many in the Caribbean, some on several occasions. She was widely recognized globally for her support and patronage of countless charities and programmes and was a symbol of stability and dignity for the people of the United Kingdom, manifesting quiet and confident strength, accompanied by a calm walk and a gracious demeanour. History will long remember Queen Elizabeth for her constant and unparalleled dedication to the British monarchy and her unfailing commitment to the Commonwealth of Nations. As she declared on her twenty-first birthday, nearly four years before she would become Queen, she would devote her whole life to service. We join our colleagues in offering our condolences to King Charles III, the royal family, the Government and the people of the United Kingdom and the members of the Commonwealth on the loss of Her Majesty, and will always remember her example of service, dedication and commitment. May Her Majesty’s soul rest in peace.

On behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We extend our deepest sympathies to King Charles III and the royal family. While Her Majesty was an admired and respected monarch, to the royal family she was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her love of family was evident to all. Our thoughts are also with our friends and colleagues at the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations and fellow members of the Commonwealth, including the realm countries for which her Majesty was Head of State. Queen Elizabeth II was our longest-serving sovereign. Admired and treasured, her record reign of 70 years of service as Queen was a testament of her commitment to us all. As recalled by others already today, the Queen was a constant through unprecedented global change. She was a supporter of multilateralism and the consummate diplomat. The Queen visited New Zealand on 10 occasions. During her first tour over the summer of 1953 to 1954 alone, she and the Duke of Edinburgh visited 46 cities and attended more than 100 functions. She was unwavering in her sense of duty. She was extraordinary. And we mourn her loss. Finally, allow me to take the opportunity to convey some words of condolence from Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand. “With our deepest gratitude for your love of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand and for your life of service. Like the white heron, you were a leader of rare grace. We commend thee now to the heavens.”

I now give the floor to the representative of Rwanda, who will speak on behalf of the members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

In its capacity as Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth of Nations, Rwanda joins the rest of the United Nations family and others in extending its deepest condolences to His Majesty the King, the entire royal family, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth family. Rwanda and the Commonwealth family remember Her Majesty the Queen for her unwavering service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations. Her Majesty the Queen was an extraordinary leader, who dedicated her life to serving the Commonwealth for decades. As President Kagame said, “The modern Commonwealth is her legacy. We recall her 70 years of stewardship of the Commonwealth of Nations.” Under her leadership, the Commonwealth grew both in number and in the scope of its ambition. She championed our diversity and unity. She championed our development and our causes. Indeed, she upheld what truly defines us  — the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter and the commitment to good governance, the rule of law and protecting people’s rights. Today our devotion to the Commonwealth can be seen in the success of our family of 56 countries, spanning Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the Americas, with a combined population of 2.5 billion people. She led and guided us as we continued to imagine our Commonwealth for a changing world. Her Majesty the Queen leaves an extraordinary legacy and will be remembered for her steadfast leadership and commitment to duty. We wish the King, the royal family, the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth strength and comfort as we all mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, whose legacy shall live on in our memories. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

I now give the floor to the representative of Czechia, who will speak on behalf of the European Union.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova; and European Free Trade Association countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area; as well as Georgia, align themselves with this statement. Today we gather to pay tribute to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We would like to begin by reiterating our deepest condolences to the royal family and to the Government and the people of the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth of Nations. Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her whole life to the service of her people. She was an anchor of stability during her 70-year reign. As the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth witnessed war and reconciliation in Europe. She saw the turbulent years of the Cold War and the momentous changes of the twenty-first century. She was a source of strength in challenging times, a source of unity in times of upheaval and a source of inspiration for our generations. Whole generations grew up during the rule of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. And today we feel great sadness at this loss. Her Majesty’s character, values and personality contributed to the shaping of the post-Second World War era. For our European nations, Queen Elizabeth was a symbol of reconciliation among our countries. She experienced the devastation of the Second World War and knew the importance of trust and cooperation among nations. We will always remember her contribution to reconciliation among our nations after the Second World War and during the Cold War. Queen Elizabeth was a true believer in cooperation among nations, multilateralism and in the United Nations. When addressing the General Assembly in 2010 (see A/64/PV.105), she underlined that, while many things in the world had changed, the aims and values that inspired the Charter of the United Nations endured. Her Majesty the Queen once said that grief is the price we pay for love. Today we join in grief in mourning her passing. We will remain inspired by her devotion, dedication and commitment. Her grace and dignity will stay with us all.

I now give the floor to the representative of Samoa, who will speak on behalf of the Pacific small island developing States.

I thank you, Mr. President, for bringing us together to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I have the honour to deliver the following statement on behalf of the members of the Pacific small island developing States family, namely, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and, my own country, Samoa. We express our deepest and most sincere and heartfelt sympathy and condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on 8 September. We honour her legacy of unselfish service, not only to her country but to the Commonwealth of Nations, the global community and her family. We join the global community in celebrating and remembering Her Majesty’s sterling leadership, wisdom and unparalleled achievements and contributions. Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of hope for many and a strong and committed leader. She will be profoundly missed by all. Her serene dignity, calmness and ability to bring people and nations together through times of great social change and uncertainty was exemplary. The Pacific has fond memories of Her Majesty. She first visited Tonga and Fiji in the 1950s, and then went on to visit all of our member States in the Southern Pacific at least once during her 70-year reign. I remember her visit to my country in February of 1977 as part of her silver jubilee tour of the Commonwealth counties. We shall miss her calming presence and tender compassion, which defined for us what it is to embody civic duty and grace under pressure — an inspiration in how to deal with adversity. Many of our Pacific countries remained members of the Commonwealth after gaining independence, and three have continued to recognize the Queen as their Head of State. On a personal note, I had the great honour and privilege of meeting Her Majesty on numerous occasions during my nine years as High Commissioner of my country to the Court of Saint James, whether as a guest at her garden parties or at the annual celebration of Commonwealth Day. She was the epitome of dignity and character. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Queen’s family, the Government and the people of the United Kingdom during this difficult and sad time of sorrow. May Her Majesty’s soul rest in peace. We also take this opportunity to express our best wishes for the future reign of King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

I now give the floor to the representative of Saudi Arabia, who will speak on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

I would like to deliver this statement on behalf of the States members of the Cooperation Council (GCC). We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She was a symbol of wisdom, moderation foresight and right-mindedness, a model of leadership who has been immortalized in history. We recall with appreciation Her Majesty’s efforts to bolster friendly relations and cooperation with the States members of the GCC, as well as the role she played in strengthening the bonds of partnership and friendship between the United Kingdom and the GCC. Her Majesty was held in the highest international esteem throughout the decades of her reign over a friendly Kingdom. She dedicated her life to the service of her nation and to disseminate love and peace. The world will recall the great legacy and deeds she achieved during her journey. In that regard, the GCC States underscore the importance of the historical British and Gulf relations as well as the United Kingdom’s central role in promoting security and stability, while supporting efforts to achieve development and peace in the region and worldwide. Those relations rally our countries to the benefit of our peoples. In conclusion, we congratulate His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Head of the Commonwealth, on his accession to the throne of the friendly United Kingdom. We express to His Majesty our wishes of good health, and to his friendly country progress and prosperity.

I now give the floor to the representative of Fiji, who will speak on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum.

I thank you, Sir, for convening this tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the States members of the Pacific Islands Forum with a presence here at the United Nations, namely, Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, my own country of Fiji and, in addition, Kiribati. Our Pacific family joins the chorus of voices from around the globe in paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We join the international community in honouring a life of service and dedication to her people, to the Commonwealth and to the broader global community. Her Majesty was the Head of State of five of our member States. And the majority of our countries are members of the Commonwealth, which she served. Her Majesty was much more than a Head of State or the Commonwealth for many on our Blue Pacific continent. Her frequent visits to the Pacific demonstrated a keen and lifelong interest in the development of our region, a personal affection for our diverse cultures and the deepest respect for our traditions. For many of us, it is that personal connection that will be remembered most fondly. I myself was inspired when, as a young boy in my town of Lambasa, Fiji, I joined my fellow schoolmates in welcoming her to a small town on the island of Vanua Levu. Her visits had a way of energizing and catalysing community action and development interventions that lasted many years long after her departure — a mark of true leadership. The same was true of her many visits to New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Samoa and elsewhere across the region. During her many visits to Pacific Islands Forum countries, we listened to Her Majesty reflect on United Kingdom-Pacific relations. Her insights were always deeply felt and reflected a deep, keen understanding of the Pacific and its peoples with a profound sense of empathy for the region’s concerns. That interest in the Pacific was reciprocated in abundance. Many of our leaders have spoken of their close bonds with Her Majesty. The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Fiji’s Prime Minister, has stated that Her Majesty’s grace, courage and wisdom were a comfort to our people, even a world away. In Nauru, 12 September has been declared a day of remembrance for Her Majesty. In Papua New Guinea, official Government business has been halted to observe a mourning period. In Cook Islands, flags are flying at half-mast. A Fijian soldier serving in the British army was one of the few chosen as a pallbearer for the late monarch on her last journey from Balmoral to Holyrood Palace. As we pay tribute to the life and work of Queen Elizabeth II, we also offer our condolences to the royal family and wish His Majesty King Charles III a long, peaceful and rewarding reign as he embarks on a chapter filled with promise. His Majesty King Charles III is an alumnus of Martyrs Memorial High School in Oro province, Papua New Guinea, and a speaker of Tok Pisin — one of our hundreds of Pacific languages. He is also a keen supporter of many environmental and climate adaptation programmes across the Pacific. We are secure in the knowledge that the closeness between the British Crown and the Blue Pacific will endure during his reign and well beyond. It is that timeless spirit of continuity and stability that underpinned Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and serves as a foundation for enduring relations between the peoples of our region, the Pacific Islands Forum and the United Kingdom. It is fitting that I quote the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, His Excellency Mr. Henry Puna, to conclude my remarks. He said: “Her lifelong commitment to the service of all her peoples across the globe was exemplary. As the world’s longest-serving monarch, her consummate dignity and character [and] her resolute grace and calm through the 70 years at the helm of global history have set a standard of leadership and stability many can only aspire to.” We thank Her Majesty for a lifetime of service to the Pacific and to the United Kingdom.

I now give the floor to the representative of Tunisia, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Arab States.

At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting to pay tribute to an exceptional global figure, namely, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It gives me great honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States, We would like to convey our most profound condolences to the royal family and to the British Government and people on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We take this opportunity to recall her considerable and distinguished achievements in the service of development, as well as international issues and principles of friendship, cooperation and solidarity. Her role as an inspirational leader, thanks to all that she accomplished throughout her life and over seven decades of service to her people, to the peoples of the Commonwealth and the world, will be immortalized in the memory of those peoples and a source of inspiration for upcoming generations. She will remain an example of wisdom and diplomatic acumen, as well as a symbol of her country’s unity and stability. We reiterate our condolences to the royal family and the British people.