, with the aim of shaping a more just, sustainable, and prosperous world —with equal opportunities and without discrimination— in which everyone can fully enjoy their rights, thus living in peace.
The Cabinet member argued that the sovereign equality of States; the maintenance of international peace and security; the primacy of international law and justice; cooperation for the solution of economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian problems; respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and human dignity —enshrined in the
United Nations Charter— guide the work of the ministry.
The high-ranking official mentioned that the appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the precariousness and disparity of progress, thus increasing poverty and inequalities. This has been reflected in unequal access to medical tools, technological infrastructure, supplies, and vaccines, thus affecting the care and even survival of the most vulnerable people.
"The magnitude and impact of this crisis exceeds the individual effort by any country, so joint action by all States is required. The ideal platform to coordinate this collective response, in the face of adversity, is the
United Nations," he pointed out.
The diplomat indicated that —as President Pedro Castillo has emphasized— a global agreement is required to ensure universal access to vaccines, without discrimination or privileges, putting into practice their character as global public goods —a condition Peru has advocated for at all international forums.
Yet
Ambassador Maurtua stated that the pandemic must not delay the path to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, adding that nowadays —more than ever— efforts must be joined to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda as a commitment, as well as a priority at the local, regional, national, and global levels.
"
As Mr. President Castillo stated at the (UN) General Assembly, it is about a transformation that is carried out at the homes of each family; (that means) their rights to education, health, decent jobs, decent salaries, social security, as well as housing with water and sanitation, as fundamental human rights that we must guarantee," he pointed out.
Similarly, the government official said eradicating hunger and malnutrition, in addition to achieving food security, are not just national but global goals that require international effort and commitment, including transforming food systems to ensure environmental sustainability.
Moreover, he condemned the scourge of corruption "that each year appropriates several percentage points of world GDP" which —he mentioned— could be used to address the abovementioned gaps.
During his speech at the commemorative act for
United Nations Day,
Minister Maurtua indicated that Peru fully supports the programs and commitments to fight climate change. He also underlined the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and becoming a carbon neutral country by 2050.
The event was held at Torre Tagle Palace in Lima.