PRESS BRIEFING BY MONICA GRAYLEY, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT MARÍA FERNANDA ESPINOSA

Good afternoon, everyone!

 

PGA UNVEILS UNITED NATIONS CENTRE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

This morning, the President of the General Assembly unveiled the Centre for United Nations Studies at the University of Buckingham, in the United Kingdom.

The PGA was received by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Sir Anthony Seldon.

Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa spoke at the ceremony to mark the opening of the Centre, the first of its kind in the UK.

The GA President said that as the world moves through a turbulent period, she cannot think of a better time to set up an institution devoted to diplomacy, conflict resolution and international organizations to shape global discussions.

After the opening ceremony, the PGA returned to London where she met with Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister of State for Commonwealth, the UN and South Asia at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. She also held separate bilateral meetings with Members of Parliament including H.E. Mr. Alok Sharma, the Secretary of State for International Development of the United Kingdom.

She is concluding her second day in London by meeting with representatives of the United Nations Association in the UK, academia, civil society and NGOs.

Ms. Espinosa is in London to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the YMCA.

She highlighted some big challenges for the world including climate change, economic challenges, and the health of the multilateralism system, among others.

The PGA mentioned the work that her Office is doing to prepare the upcoming High-Level Week which will include the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Climate Action Summit, the midterm review of the SAMOA Pathway for small island developing states; the High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage and the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development.

Ms. Espinosa concluded by saying that she remains confident that – together – we can navigate the challenges we face because multilateralism works.

More details on our website www.un.org/pga/73 and on Ms. Espinosa’s Twitter account @UN_PGA

 

MS. ESPINOSA WELCOMES NEW PEACE AGREEMENT IN MOZAMBIQUE

The President of the General Assembly welcomes the news of a new peace agreement in Mozambique, which has been signed today in Maputo, the country’s capital city in the presence of Heads of State, Government representatives and other authorities.

Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa commends the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, and the leader of RENAMO, Mr. Ossufo Momade, for their leadership in this important step towards ending decades of hostilities.  

The PGA said that this agreement is very good news and brings hope for lasting peace and development to Mozambique and to its people.

 

Website:

https://www.un.org/pga/73/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/UN_PGA

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/unpga

YouTube:

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