‘Let us tell the next generation their futures are worth fighting for,’ says outgoing Assembly President |

“Last year’s achievements would not have been possible without…Abdulla Shahid,” speak Secretary General António Guterres.

“Despite the unprecedented times, he has brought Member States together for a common goal.”

Deeply tested

Like the previous oneThis session is marked by a series of deeper challengesHe told participants, citing rising prices, growing food insecurity and the “shadows of a global recession”.

The head of the United Nations continued, citing “an undefeatable global pandemic – and the emergence of another medical emergency in monkey smallpox – and deadly heat waves, hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters”.

Meanwhile, fierce daily conflicts continue to put millions of lives in jeopardy.

He cites examples of deepening poverty, inequality that continues to impede recovery and development, and the “moral bankruptcy of the global financial system” punishing countries. developing countries and blocking their path to sustainable recovery with the climate emergency “meaning – literally – setting our planet on fire”.

Leaders overcome challenges

As the Council worked last year to tackle these challenges, the top UN official acknowledged Mr Shahid’s steady hand and “great skill”.

In unprecedented times, he has brought “fresh vision on issues such as gender equality, climate action and the unique perspective of Small Island States”.

Furthermore, Mr. Guterres hailed the outgoing President as “priceless” in the first year of his career Our Common Agenda report – a blueprint for global cooperation and strengthened multilateralism – by facilitating Member States consultations, which “pave the way for progress “.

“His presidency has shown exactly that – hopefully we can stay united and face the challenges ahead,” the UN chief said. Mr. Shahid for his “strong managerial role”.

UN Photo / Evan Schneider

Abdulla Shahid (right), President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, hands over documents to Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly. On the left is Secretary General António Guterres.

Experimenting with multilateralism

The General Secretary looks forward to working with Csaba KőrösiNew Council President, as he continues Mr. Shahid’s “spirit of cooperation and hope” during the 77th session.

Noting that the road ahead will be “challenging and unpredictable”, he said that “the next session will continue to test the multilateral system like never before. And it will further test cohesion and trust among Member States”.

However, the top UN official assured that by using diplomacy, negotiation and compromise – “our commercial tool” – the UN could “continue to support people and communities around the world.” world”.

“We can pave the way for a better, more peaceful future for all,” he attested, “And we can rebuild trust in the United Nations and the multilateral system, which remains humanity’s best hope.”

Vision and dedication

Before congratulating Mr. Kőrösi, the UN chief once again acknowledged President Shahid for his vision and “tireless dedication” to the Organization, multilateralism and the General Assembly.

He also thanked member states “for coming together during this unprecedented time”.

Another difficult year

In welcoming the Chairman of the 77th session of the National Assembly, the Secretary-General looks forward to working closely with him on many of the world’s challenges and solutions to address them.

“Next year will be another difficult year. But the United Nations was created for moments like these,” he said, explaining the need to coordinate global cooperation from Government halls, business halls to UN meeting rooms. United Nations.

Mr. Guterres emphasized the need to work together to: rescue Sustainable development goals (SDGs), and urgently get it back on track; reform the morally bankrupt global financial system and help developing countries access the financing and debt relief they need; reverse the climate crisis and provide ambitious support for developing countries to make this transition and adapt; and heal the divisions that scar our world and build peace.

As we conclude this session and look forward to the next, let us all renew our commitment to cooperation and the eternal tools of diplomacy, dialogue and debate. “Let’s work as one to create a better, more peaceful future for all.”

Farewell love

In his final speech as Council President, Mr. Shahid spoke of his “unprecedented journey” during his challenging and triumphant presidency; twist and turn; and laughter and friendship.

He described it as “a journey of new hope”, which would not have been possible “without the support, friendship and guidance of all Member States”.

I thank you, dear Ambassadors. You made me feel like part of the family from day one. Despite the difficult times we’ve endured, we’ve celebrated so many occasions over the past year. We have come together to celebrate unity, camaraderie and hope as a family.

‘Choose hope’

The outgoing President of the National Assembly calling those present “Do not lose hope and doubt” or “turn your back on those who look to us at the United Nations for solutions”.

“Let us use the tools at our disposal to ensure global peace and justice…[and] tell the next generation that their aspirations, their future, their planet, are things worth fighting for,” he insisted.

“We owe it to ourselves, to our peers, to our children, to our grandchildren, to humanity, to choose hope.”

He welcomed President-elect Csaba Korosi and wished him “the best” in leading the 77th session.

Click here to view the entire meeting.