HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESS BRIEFING BY BRENDEN VARMA, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MIROSLAV LAJČÁK

U.N. MUST LEAD CHARGE IN FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE, PRESIDENT SAYS IN BONN

• The President delivered remarks to the 23rd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn today.
• He said, “Climate change is real. And it is dangerous.” He added that it can be abated – but only through multilateral agreement, and multilateral action.
• The President noted that, during the General Assembly’s General Debate this year, 84% of UN Member States highlighted the fight against climate change as a priority. That was the highest number of references to climate change on record for a General Debate.
• The President said, “The people who are suffering most from climate change are not in this hall. But that does not mean we are not accountable to them. We must meet the agreed goal of mobilizing USD 100 billion per year by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries.”
• Adding that we need bold, and innovative partnerships, he stressed that “the United Nations must be the master coordinator. It must lead the charge.”

PRESIDENT INVITES YOUTH TO ENGAGE ACTIVELY WITH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

• While in Bonn today, the President also met with young people, who have been participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
• Among the topics discussed were climate change, migration and youth engagement in general.
• During the dialogue, the President encouraged the youth representatives to play an active role during the General Assembly’s 72nd session.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING TO ELECT WORLD COURT JUDGE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

• Asked when the General Assembly would meet again to continue with the election of the last remaining judge for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Spokesperson said that the date had not yet been determined but would be announced soon.