Kampala – January 27, 2015

[Thank you Fred (Opolot) and Jean-Victor (Nkolo)]

I would like to welcome those who are watching this press briefing online, on television and all who are here in this room.

I thank you all. Best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year to you all.

I am very happy and honoured to return home on an official visit. This is my first such visit to Africa as President of the General Assembly.

You must have heard about the monster snowstorm into the Northeast coast of the United States. It is one of the largest snowstorms in the history of New York. This storm may or may not be linked to climate change.

Regardless, I will this afternoon participate in tree planting ceremony at the CHOGM Gardens, symbolizing our efforts to address the critically important global challenge of climate change.

Later today, I will give a Public Lecture on the theme: “The United Nations at 70: Towards a Transformative Socio-economic Development Agenda”. I will speak in some detail about the work of the UN General Assembly, especially for the period ahead. My remarks for the lecture will be available to you all.

Tomorrow, I am scheduled to meet H.E. Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, and will then proceed to Addis Ababa, where I have been invited to address the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Allow me to highlight some major issues of interest to the international community, and in particular the General Assembly.

1. I condemn, in the strongest terms, the increasing heinous and brutal terrorist attacks across the world such as the recent beheading of Japanese hostage(s) by ISIS. I would like to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to the affected families, the Government and people of Japan and express the solidarity of the United Nations General Assembly. There is no justification for terrorist attacks, and we should all condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and work towards stopping it. As part of the 69th session priorities, I am co-hosting a High-Level Event on 6 April, on promoting tolerance and reconciliation, together with the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations.

2. Four months in my Presidency, we have made progress on a number of issues, including:

  • The international community, and the General Assembly, has given unprecedented attention to the Ebola crisis in West Africa, including through the establishment of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response. I salute the efforts of the national governments, the people, and the entire international community for their remarkable dedication and commitment.
  • The intergovernmental negotiating process for the Post-2015 development agenda was launched on 19 January, 2015. A special Summit is scheduled to adopt it on 25 – 27 September, 2015.
  • The preparatory thematic discussions on the Third Conference on Financing for Development scheduled for July, were completed and negotiations
  • The Arms Trade Treaty entered into force on 24 December, 2014. This will be a useful instrument in limiting trade in illicit small arms and light weapons;
  • We also endorsed the Outcome Document of the Second International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which I attended. This was an important conference for the continuing development of landlocked countries such as Uganda.

3. Regarding the priorities I set for the 69th Session of General Assembly, many events and activities are planned to take place from February through September:

  • The process to negotiate the Post-2015 Development Agenda has been launched. We must be ready to seize this opportunity to transform people’s lives, especially by putting in place effective means of implementation. On 9 – 10 February, I am convening a High Level Thematic Debate in New on Means of Implementation, to exchange views on this matter.
  • On Climate Change, COP20’s Lima Call on Climate Action laid the foundation for an internationally binding agreement expected to be adopted in December this year in Paris at COP21. I am convening a High Level Event on 29th June to provide a platform for Member states to keep the momentum as we build up to Paris.
  • Regarding the Reform of the Security Council, I appointed the Permanent Representative of Jamaica to spearhead this process. Consultations are on-going among Member States with a view to finding a way forward on text-based negotiations. The next round of negotiations is scheduled to begin in February.
  • With regard to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, a High Level Event is scheduled for 6th March. It will jointly serve to mark International Women’s Day, as well as the 20th Anniversary of the Beijing Plan of Action. The Event will focus on the role women in the post-2015 development agenda.
  • I am also hosting a High Level Debate on strengthening Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organisation on 4th May. This will provide further impetus to reap dividends that can accrue from this cooperation, be it in socio-economic or political fields, such as peace and security.

4. We have also scheduled other important engagements on crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as on the demographic dividend, with particular focus on investments to address youth unemployment. Uganda needs to be prepared to actively engage in all these processes. And as much as possible, we need to incorporate them in our national planning processes.

I thank you for your kind attention, and will now take a few questions.