Secretary-General António Guterres said the past year had seen persistent poverty, inequality and conflict, while noting that it was also the hottest year on record.
Speaking at the final plenary session of the meeting, Mr. highlighted “hope and inspiration” about what can be achieved if the global community works as one. He also applauded the leadership of General Assembly President Dennis Francis.
“The challenges facing humanity are not insurmountable if we work together.“, he said.
Mr. Guterres reiterated that the United Nations and the multilateral system can only be as effective as the commitment of its member states.
“As we celebrate the achievements of the 78th General Assembly, Let us look at 79 as a moment when the world can bring about the faith, solutions and peace that our world needs.“
‘An eventful year’
Addressing the Congress for the last time in that capacity, President Dennis Francis, a veteran diplomat of Trinidad and Tobago, be remembered Main achievements of the session and the work of the Chairman.
“We started the September session in a particularly busy mood. Successful Senior Week – with the participation of SDG Summit And High-level Dialogue on Financing for Developmentas well as a number of other important achievements of multilateral diplomacy.”
He stressed that a key aspect of his work was ensuring the UN’s relevance to the world’s eight billion members, visiting 31 countries and meeting with a wide range of stakeholders – from government leaders to students, women, civil society and displaced families.
“My visit to Haiti, South Sudan and Ukraine is particularly poignant because these countries are facing conflict, insecurity and aggression,” he said, stressing that the UN’s efforts in these areas “are truly life-saving.”
President Francis delivers his closing remarks at the final plenary session of the 78th session of the General Assembly.
Israel, Palestine, ‘foremost in my mind’
Mr Francis added that although he could not meet Israelis and Palestinians on the ground, in the area near where the crisis is unfolding, “developments there remain my primary concern”.
He added that he had discussed the crisis with leaders around the world, including Pope Francis.
He expressed his “sincere hope” that the ongoing diplomatic efforts would produce a ceasefire, even if only temporary, and that this could somehow lead to a political process towards achieving lasting peace for the benefit of the people of the region.
Challenges ‘not beyond our capabilities’
The President of the General Assembly concluded his remarks by reminding ambassadors that while the challenges facing the global community are complex, they are “certainly not beyond our capacity to overcome.”
He stressed the importance of unity, calling on nations to confront global challenges with all available resources to build a more secure future, and reiterated the importance of the United Nations as “one of the greatest forces for public good in the world and that we must do our utmost to ensure its longevity.”
“Let’s rise together. Let’s fulfill the promises we’ve made and come together to build a future that honors the hopes and dreams of all. and truly unite nations…as the great Nelson Mandela once said, ‘it always seems impossible until it is done’.”
Philemon Yang grabs the hammer
The meeting also saw Philemon Yang, President-elect of the 79th session of the General Assembly, deliver a speech. oath of office of the President of the General Assembly.
Mr. Duong declared that he would faithfully perform his duties as Chairman of the National Assembly, acting “with all loyalty, prudence and conscience.”
He pledged to always exercise his powers as President in the best interests of the United Nations and in accordance with the United Nations Charter and ethical rules.
Chairman Dennis Francis then declared the 78th session closed and handed over the hammer icon to President Duong.
79th Session of the General Assembly convene in the afternoon at 3 p.m. (New York time), with the session’s annual high-level general debate taking place. from September 24.
Also is happening In September are high-level meetings on threats posed by rising sea levels (September 25), and nuclear weapons abolition And antibiotic resistance on September 26.
