Opening Remarks by H.E. Mr Mogens Lykketoft, President of the 70th session of the General Assembly, at welcome dinner hosted by President of Human Rights Council
29 February 2016
Mr President, Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, High Commissioner, I do not want to speak for long as I have learned very quickly that an opportunity to eat during Human Rights Council sessions, should not be wasted.
Very briefly therefore, let me extend my sincere thanks to you Mr President, for providing me with the opportunity to join you this evening and indeed for inviting me to participate in this year’s Human Rights Council.
It has been a really positive experience so far.
It has been a great chance for me to understand better the Geneva perspective on the many challenges we face in our world today and to bring a little of the New York experience to Geneva.
And if I was perhaps to mention one take-away from this trip thus far, it is the ever increasing linkages between the Human Rights, Peace and Security and Development pillars of the UN, most recently expressed through the 2030 Agenda.
I therefore encourage all of us engaged at the global level to continue to advance our work coherently and cohesively.
Because I really believe that solid, focussed and meaningful international cooperation whether at the Human Rights Council or indeed at the General Assembly, can make an enormous difference.
Thank you.