UN chief; UNGA President mourn Queen Elizabeth II, condole with family, UK

By Cecilia Ologunagba

New York, Sept. 8, 2022

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday, paid tribute to late Queen Elizabeth II for her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people.

Guterres in a statement said he was deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven decades, died at the age of 96 in Balmoral, Scotland, the Buckingham Palace said on Thursday.

“I extend my sincere condolences to her bereaved family, the Government and people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the wider Commonwealth of Nations.

“As the United Kingdom’s longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world.

“She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth,’’ Guterres said.

The UN chief said Queen Elizabeth II was a good friend of the United Nations, and visited the New York Headquarters twice, more than fifty years apart.

According to him, she was deeply committed to many charitable and environmental causes and spoke movingly to delegates at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.

“The world will long remember her devotion and leadership,’’ he added.

On his part, President of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, extended his heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the people of the United Kingdom, and of the Commonwealth on the demise of Queen Elizabeth II.

Shahid, in a statement on Thursday, said he was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“Queen Elizabeth’s steadfast leadership during these turbulent times has been a source of stability and resilience for people around the world.

“Her Majesty had dedicated her life to public service and the service of the Commonwealth,’’ he said.

According to him, his country, Maldives is a member of the Commonwealth, extolling the support of the great leader.

“I am grateful to Her Majesty for the support she has shown to its 56 members who have championed the cause of small islands over the years.

“The international community has lost a great advocate for peace, sustainable development and human rights,’’ he said.

Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven decades, died at the age of 96 in Balmoral, Scotland, the Buckingham Palace said on Thursday.