Outgoing General Assembly president ‘optimistic about UN’, despite mounting crises
Speaking on the eve of the end of his term, Sir Francis described his year leading the UN’s main policy-making body as “the honour of a lifetime”.
“It was a really eventful session,” he said.
Focus on sustainable development
The General Assembly comprising all 193 United Nations member states, and the veteran diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago has adopted ‘Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability’ as the motto for his presidency.
It starts with the adoption of a landmark political declaration in SDG Summit adopted by the General Assembly in its first formal action of its 78th session last September, “increases the urgency of our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
Separate high-level meetings on three health-related issues – pandemic prevention, preparedness and response; Strengthening universal health insuranceAnd eradicate tuberculosis – also ends with political statements.
“The High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development, “Meanwhile, it has led to a resounding consensus on the need to reform the global financial architecture – aimed at aligning our 2030 Sustainable Development ambitions with the resources needed to deliver,” he added.
First Sustainability Week
The General Assembly also celebrated its 75th anniversary. Universal Declaration of Human Rights in December with an informal general meeting and awards ceremony for recipients of the United Nations Human Rights Award.
Francis convenes the first General Assembly Sustainable Development Weekheld in April, focused on issues such as tourism, transport, infrastructure and energy, while a key event on debt sustainability highlighted the concerns of countries in exceptional circumstances.
This week is dedicated to building momentum for Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing Statesheld in May in Antigua and Barbuda, and Summit of the Futurebegins next week in New York, and promotes global efforts to achieve sustainable development.
“Throughout that time, we have been reminded of our core responsibility to build lasting peace.“The key to the success of every other pillar of the United Nations’ work,” said Mr. Francis.
Emergency special session resumes
He added that following the terrible escalation of violence in the Middle East, the General Assembly took bold action to resume its 10th meeting.th Emergency session.
In accordance with the “Uniting for Peace” resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 1950, the body can convene an “emergency special session” within 24 hours if Security Council “failed to carry out its primary responsibility” in maintaining international peace and security.
Learn more about the Emergency Special Session in our explainer.
Middle East Resolution
Mr. Francis said the Congress passed three important resolutions related to this issue.
The Firstly calls for the protection of civilians and the maintenance of legal and humanitarian obligations, while the second call for immediate ceasefire and all parties comply with their international organizations, as well as release all hostages and ensure humanitarian access.
The third resolution determined that the State of Palestine was eligible to become a member of the United Nations and recommended that the Security Council consider the matter favorably.
“These demands of the General Assembly represent the will of the international community and – as I have said often on many occasions – I reiterate them frankly here today.“It is time to end the violence in Gaza,” he said.
Action on gender equality
Mr. Francis also expressed pride in his administration’s work on gender and youth. This includes re-establishing the Gender Equality Advisory Board and engaging regularly with young people, whether at UN Headquarters or elsewhere in the world.
The outgoing National Assembly Chairman also pointed to another important achievement during his tenure, which was raising awareness of the threat posed by rising sea levels.
The heads of state and government will address the issue later this month, he said.with the aim of providing specific instructions for future work“ .
United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis is visiting the Kiev region in Ukraine.
A single organization
Journalists also asked Mr Francis questions, including whether he was optimistic or pessimistic about the UN’s ability to play a leading role in the face of challenges such as the Middle East crisis, the war in Ukraine and the climate emergency.
“I am optimistic about the future of the United Nations for a number of reasons,” he replied. “Because There is no other organization on the planet like the United Nations that has the capacity or commitment to do what the United Nations does. There simply is no other organization that exists.“ .
He stressed the power of the United Nations to convene 193 countries to discuss their issues and concerns “in a rational, civilized manner” to seek solutions.
“We may not always win in the way we would like, but the values and principles that the United Nations stands for, which is to resolve disputes by peaceful means through negotiation and conciliation, mean and allow people to come here and express their views freely and openly on the important issues of our time,” he said.
“And so I remain bullish – in the terminology used in financial markets – I am optimistic about the United Nations.“ .
