New York – 11 September 2015

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

The draft resolution before us today is the outcome of a lengthy and intense negotiation process. I commend all Member States for their commitment to the negotiation process and the spirit of compromise and flexibility exhibited by delegations throughout the negotiations.

I pay tribute to the Co-chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly, Ambassador Vladimir Drobnjak, Permanent Representative of Croatia and Ambassador Wilfred Emvula, Permanent Representative of Namibia for their steadfast leadership on this critical issue.

Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly has been one of my key priorities for the 69th session. This work is an important aspect of the broader efforts to strengthen and reform the United Nations, and the draft resolution contains significant steps in that direction.

The resolution underscores the central position of the General Assembly as the chief deliberative, policy making and representative organ of the United Nations. It strengthens the role and authority of the Assembly; encourages the improvement of the working methods; and calls for strengthening the institutional memory of the Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA).

I commend the consensual agreement reached on the need to ensure transparency in the selection and appointment of the next Secretary–General. The resolution stresses the need to observe the principles of inclusiveness and openness in the process of selecting the next Secretary-General, and invites Member States to consider presenting candidates based on the need for gender and geographical balance.

The resolution calls for my successor and the Security Council to issue a joint letter to Member States soliciting candidates for the position of Secretary-General, and to further circulate the names of candidates submitted for consideration. The General Assembly will then conduct informal meetings with candidates, further contributing to the transparency in the selection process.

It recognizes that implementation of General Assembly resolutions is critical for the body’s effectiveness and efficiency. I encourage all Member States to take an active role in following up on implementation to maximize the Organization’s capacity to address issues under its three pillars; peace and security, development and human rights.

Excellencies,

As we mark the 70 years of the existence of the United Nations and look back at the important milestones achieved during this session, this draft resolution is an important contribution in strengthening this organisation. I thank you all for your valuable contribution.