Making the United Nations Relevant to all PeopleNOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS
PRESIDENT OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY BRINGS BACK MESSAGES OF PEACE AND SUPPORT FOR MULTILATERALISM FROM THE CENTENARY COMMEMORATION OF THE ARMISTICE AND THE PARIS PEACE FORUM
United Nations, New York, 13 November 2018 – The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Maria Fernanda Espinosa, has just completed her visit to France, where she participated at the celebration of the centenary of the Armistice and the Paris Peace Forum, ensuring strong involvement on the part of the General Assembly. The message she brings from these events is clear: “We should not take peace for granted. Peace must be built every day with the will of political leaders and the engagement of the entire society. The last few days here in Paris have strengthened our commitment to multilateralism as the only way forward in addressing global challenges and working towards sustainable peace as a global community.”
During her time in Paris, the President gathered support from Heads of State and Member States from all Continents for the work of the General Assembly and her seven priorities. She also exchanged views with President Macron of France, on the urgency of strengthening multilateralism to solve global problems such as climate change and human trafficking.
In addition, H.E. Maria Espinosa met with the Director General of UNESCO, Ms. Audrey Azoulay, as well as the President of the General Conference (UNESCO), obtaining their commitment to work together to improve synergies within the UN system. The President further addressed the Council of OECD and met with its Secretary General, who briefed her on a series of issues relevant to her priorities and committed to assisting the Office of the President by providing data and technical support.
As part of her commitment to bringing the UN closer to the people, the President visited a local migrant project; “Opening Schools to Parents for the Success of Children,” financed by the Government of France. She participated in one of the classroom sessions and had the opportunity to see and hear first-hand stories from migrant women and the challenges they have faced. The President appreciated the support provided by the Ministries of the Interior, Education and Foreign Affairs, which allowed her to witness one of many good practices that will have the opportunity to be shared and promoted along with the adoption of the Global Compact on Migration.
The President ended her Paris visit with an interactive session at Sciences Po University, Paris, where she spoke to students, teachers and researchers on issues of multilateralism and the revitalisation of the United Nations. The visit was yet another opportunity for the President to engage with the public, specifically youth, and involve them in the work of the UN and the General Assembly.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Office of President of the UN General Assembly: Mark Seddon Tel: +1 917 378 1659 seddon@un.org
