On 20 October 2023, the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, delivered remarks at the plenary meeting of the Sixth Committee (Legal) of the General Assembly on the agenda item concerning the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law.
In his remarks, the Legal Counsel recognized the central role of the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the promotion and dissemination of international law. He also highlighted the continuous support of Member States to the activities of the Programme.
The United Nations Programme of Assistance was established by General Assembly resolution 2099 (XX) of 20 December 1965 to contribute to a better knowledge of international law “as a means for strengthening international peace and security and promoting friendly relations and co-operation among States”. It is one of the cornerstones of the efforts of the United Nations to promote international law. The United Nations Office of Legal Affairs is responsible for implementing the Programme of Assistance, through the joint action of the Office of the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, the Codification Division and the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.
