Making the United Nations Relevant to all PeoplePRESS BRIEFING BY MONICA GRAYLEY, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MARÍA FERNANDA ESPINOSA
Good afternoon, everyone!
Hope all is well with you today.
CO-FACILITATORS ON SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM ANNOUNCED
Some of you have asked about the state of negotiations on Security Council reform. Earlier today, President María Fernanda Espinosa announced that she has confirmed the name of Her Excellency, Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, from the United Arab Emirates as a co-facilitator, and appointed His Excellency, the Ambassador of Luxemburg, Christian Braun as co-facilitator in the intergovernmental negotiations for the current period of sessions.
Ms. Espinosa noted that Member States have spoken about the need to reform the Security Council, and that during the General Debate in September, at least 80 Heads of State and Government touched upon this issue. The President of the General Assembly said, and I quote: “In order to achieve tangible results in this process, we will need, without a doubt, political will”. She also stated her position about the reform process by saying that the Security Council has to adapt to new political realities. According to the PGA, the reform of this body is important not only for Member States but also for the entire United Nations system. She promised to foster dialogue, an open spirit, and to support Member States in this discussion.
Ms. Espinosa believes that a Security Council with that is more representative, is more efficient and has more transparency will increase legitimacy and assist the Security Council implementation of its own decisions.
The President of the General Assembly trusts that Member States will continue to make their best efforts to find appropriate responses to the challenges.
ESPINOSA MARKS WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY, AFRICAN INDUSTRIALIZATION DAY
The PGA has issued a tweet on World Children’s Day and on the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1989. She is joining UNICEF in the campaign #goblue. Ms. Espinosa is calling on world leaders to ensure these rights are held up for every child.
Ms. Espinosa is also commemorating Africa Industrialization Day. She uses this opportunity to stress the need for diversification and investment in human capital. The PGA believes that this is an important moment to recognize the strong link between inclusive and sustainable industrialization and decent work for all.
PGA’s AGENDA
President Espinosa started her day with a breakfast with the former Prime Minister of Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. As we speak she is on her way to a luncheon with the Secretary-General, António Guterres. This afternoon, the PGA will hold a meeting on the revitalization of the work of the GA with the ambassadors of Croatia, Jordan and Slovakia. And afterwards, she will receive in her office the State Secretary of Spain, Mr. Fernando Martín Valenzuela.
ESPINOSA TO MEET CORRESPONDENTS IN PRESS CONFERENCE
And finally, tomorrow, 21 November, the PGA will hold a second Press Conference here from 11 am. to 12:00, we really look forward to seeing you all!
And with that, I will now take your questions.
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