Paris, 1 November 2017 – The President of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák , today left Paris, France, for Manama, Bahrain, where he will address the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum on 2 November and meet with Bahraini officials.

The President arrived in Paris on 31 October to address the Leaders’ Forum of the 39th United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference. The theme of the Leaders’ Forum was “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of UNESCO in the multilateral system”. In his remarks that day, he said, “We need multilateralism – more than ever before… If we want the next generation to be born into a better world, we only have one option. And that is strong multilateralism, with the United Nations System at its core.”

He added, “Multilateralism must go beyond ceremony. It cannot be something that takes place only on formal documents, or at high-level events. If we are to ensure this, we need to prioritize real interaction, and real dialogue… Dialogue is not an option – it is our duty. And it is a duty not for some – but for all.

The President also highlighted the achievements of UNESCO, saying, “It has rallied actors from all over the world to protect our shared cultural heritage. It has promoted cooperation for advances in education, science and technology, which benefit us all. As a critical specialized agency, it has offered vital support to many UN initiatives.”

While in Paris, the President attended a high-level lunch hosted by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, and discussed regional developments in the Balkans with H.E Mr. Bakir Izetbegović, a Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also briefed European Union representatives to UNESCO about his priorities for the 72nd session of the General Assembly and developments at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Climate change, sustainable development and biodiversity were the main themes raised during a separate meeting that the President held with the French Minister of Ecological and Inclusive Transition, H.E. Mr. Nicolas Hulot. During that bilateral discussion, the President praised France’s global leadership on the environment.

The President traveled to France with his Special Assistant and Political Coordinator, Lenka Miháliková; his Spokesperson, Brenden Varma; and his Adviser, Isis Gonsalves. Travel costs were covered by the United Nations regular budget

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Brenden Varma, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, 1-347-556-3433, varmab@un.org.