Making the United Nations Relevant to all PeoplePRESS BRIEFING BY MONICA GRAYLEY, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MARÍA FERNANDA ESPINOSA
Good afternoon to you, All!
PGA SPEAKS AT VALDAI DISCUSSION CLUB, IN MOSCOW;
IN TALK TO MODEL UN STUDENTS, MS. ESPINOSA HIGHLIGHTS CRUCIAL ROLE OF YOUTH
The President of the General Assembly has spoken at the Valdai Discussion Club, in Moscow, earlier today.
The event was attended by diplomats, thinkers, policy-makers and journalists.
Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa talked about the challenges to multilateralism, UN reform, and the Security Council.
The PGA mentioned the example of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Security Council when saying that: “The success of that process is essential for the credibility and legitimacy of the Security Council in the coming years.”
The GA leader also stressed the need for partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for engaging stakeholders in the work of the UN. She outlined some examples of her work as President which has created space for them.
Ms. Espinosa highlighted the importance of the UN being closer to the people it serves and listening to their aspirations.
After her visit to the Valdai Discussion Club, Ms. Espinosa granted interviews to media outlets and moved on to meet students of the Model UN in Russia at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).
She discussed one of her priorities; “Youth, Peace and Security” and highlighted the crucial and positive role, which young people play in decision-making processes.
Ms. Espinosa spoke about the importance of increasing youth engagement in local and national politics. She noted that, at present, less than six percent of parliamentarians are under the age of 35.
The PGA added that she has worked to ensure that GA meetings include the participation of youth.
Ms. Espinosa listened to young students in Russia about pressing global issues such as: sustainable development, migration, peace and security, economic growth and universal health coverage, among others.
Following her meeting, the PGA said that she felt inspired by the knowledge the students displayed on the crucial role of multilateralism, the work of the UN and the need to make the Organization more relevant to all.
The GA leader took part in a luncheon hosted by the MGIMO University Rector, Mr. Anatoly Turknov and concluded her day with a visit to the Victory Museum, in Moscow.
More details on our website www.un.org/pga/73 and on Ms. Espinosa’s Twitter account @UN_PGA
PGA’S OFFICE TO LAUNCH SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN ON SDG SUMMIT
The PGA has written to Member States informing that her Office will begin an “SDG Acceleration Hub” social media campaign three weeks in advance of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit.
The objective is to promote the event and further encourage engagement and participation.
Ms. Espinosa has invited delegations to participate in the campaign by sharing brief quotes from Heads of State and Government expressing their views on the SDG Summit, as well as previewing any significant voluntary acceleration commitments or initiatives that are being undertaken.
The tweets will be posted on the PGA’s Twitter account and will be also shared by the UN Global Goals Twitter account as well as other platforms.
The SDG Summit will take place on 25 September, in New York.
More information on our website https://www.un.org/pga/73
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