Foreign minister states at UN Catalonia's 'wilingness' to be involved in world affairs

The Catalan foreign minister, Ernest Maragall said at the UN in New York that the Catalan government is ready to “very explicitly” take on the “very ambitious” aim of taking part in international scenarios, such as the multinational event taking place at the UN, as well as those in the European Union.

Catalonia has a real “willingness” to become involved in world affairs, said Maragall, who also reaffirmed Catalonia’s commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"2030 agenda is too important to leave it at the hands of states. Even though the document says it's their responsibility, what is clear is that without involvement of cities and regions, we will not overcome it," he said.

Migrations and freedom of speech in 2030 agenda

"Europe has to go quicker and further. I believe the EU is ready to lead this territorialization of the 2030 agenda. From Catalonia, we will promote and join any initiative towards this aim."

With representatives of several countries in the audience, Maragall also emphasized Catalonia's commitment to peace and justice. "2030 agenda does not pay enough attention to issues such as handling migrations, both the economic and the one seeking refuge of violence, but also the quality of democracy and freedom of speech, at the moment in danger in a lot of places in the world."

Reference to Pau Casals

He also repeated a part of the iconic speech of Catalan cellist Pau Casals at the UN in 1971, where he talked about Catalan commitment to peace and said that "Catalonia has been the greatest nation in the world"