New York, 23 September 2014

Malta

President Kutesa meets with H.E. Mr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta

The President of the General Assembly (PGA) met with H.E. Mr. Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta. On the pressing issue of climate change, President Kutesa recalled his intention to contribute to keeping the momentum until the Climate Summit in Paris, by organising a dedicated event in June 2015. He looked forward to Malta’s continued leadership and active participation in the work of the United Nations.

Prime Minister Muscat pledged the support of his country for the work of the General Assembly. He briefed the President on the 2015 Commonwealth Summit to be hosted by Malta in November 2015, noting that the post-2015 development framework may feature high on the agenda of the summit. The Prime Minister also agreed with President Kutesa on the important role regional organisations can play in supporting the UN. In the context of efforts to counter polarisation and extremism, Prime Minister Muscat informed that Malta hosts an International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law, focusing on the cooperation with countries in transition in North, West, and East Africa, and the Middle East.

President Kutesa meets with H.E Mr. Elmar Maharram oglu Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan

President Kutesa met with H.E Mr. Elmar Maharram oglu Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, who congratulated the PGA on his assumption of office. President Kutesa highlighted the priorities of the 69th session, emphasizing the need to define not only the goals of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, but also its means of implementation, including financing and capacity building. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan reiterated his country’s support to the work of the General Assembly and its presidency.

Japan

President Kutesa and Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan

President Kutesa and Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan

The President of the General Assembly met with H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan. They discussed the priorities of the 69th session of the General Assembly. President Kutesa commended Japan for further keeping the momentum on Climate Change. The President of the General Assembly and the Prime Minister of Japan discussed the challenges of Climate Change ahead of the Paris Summit. The PGA thanked the Government of Japan for its leadership and contribution to development and the eradication of poverty. They also discussed the need for reforms at the United Nations, including in the Security Council as well as the revitalization of the General Assembly. 

 

The President of the GA meets with H.E. Mr. Borut Pahor, President of Slovenia.

Slovenia

The President of the General Assembly met with H.E. Mr. Borut Pahor, President of Slovenia. President Pahor reiterated Slovenia’s full support for the United Nations system and for PGA’s work during the 69th session. He commended President Kutesa’s clear vision and expressed interest in a more active General Assembly on the most pressing issues on its agenda. The President recalled Slovenia’s support in advancing United Nations reforms, including the reform of the Security Council.

Chile

President Kutesa meets with H.E Ms. Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile.

The PGA today met with H.E Ms. Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile. President Bachelet expressed full support to the presidency of 69th session of the General Assembly. PGA briefed Ms. Bachelet about his priorities for the current session, in particular the high level thematic debate on the Promotion of Women Empowerment and Gender Equality to be convened in March 2015. In this context, PGA looked forward to the participation of President Bachelet at this event.

 

 

 

The President of the GA meets with Mr. Mark Suzman, President of Global Policy, Advocacy and Country Programs at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Global Policy, Advocacy and Country Programs, Bill and Melinda Foundation

The President of the General Assembly also met with Mr. Mark Suzman, President of Global Policy, Advocacy and Country Programs at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They discussed the Millennium Development Goals and health issues in relation to development and the eradication of poverty. Mr. Suzman offered the Foundation’s technical expertise in the context of the elaboration of the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The President thanked the Foundation for its leadership on health issues, adding that he would welcome support as the process unfolds.

Closing of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples

As the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples concluded, the President of the General Assembly welcomed in its closing statement the successes of the Conference, noting the unique character of its Outcome Document prepared on the basis of open and inclusive consultations between Member States and Indigenous Representatives. He expressed his conviction that its action-oriented provisions, when implemented, would “bring about sweeping changes for current and future generations of indigenous peoples.”