PRESS BRIEFING BY REEM ABAZA, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TIJJANI MUHAMMAD-BANDE
Mid Term Review of the Vienna Program of Action
Today the President of the General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande opened the Mid Term Review of the Vienna Program of Action which was adopted in 2014, to contribute to the eradication of poverty in the landlocked developing countries.
Mr. Muhammad-Bande said that the Political Declaration, which was adopted today, is a testament to the strength of multilateralism as the only vehicle which can effectively address cross-cutting issues.
The Political Declaration provides a roadmap to align the objectives of the Vienna Programme of Action with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The PGA said in his statement that “landlocked developing countries are at risk of being left behind. Their economic growth has declined in the last five years and one third of their population live in extreme poverty.”
He emphasized the need to change the grim picture. “We must work to make landlocked developing countries land-linked developing countries.” He said.
Official Trip
During the weekend the PGA will start an official trip to Spain, Kuwait and Qatar.
In Spain he will participate in the Climate Change Conference (COP25). In his speech at the High-Level Opening segment he will stress the existential nature of climate change and encourage Member States to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations by recommitting to a rules-based international system that is able to provide solutions to modern challenges, including the climate emergency.
He will then head to Kuwait where he will meet high level officials and discuss issues of mutual concern.
In Qatar, The PGA will participate in the Doha Forum, meet with high level officials and deliver a lecture in Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Travel costs for Spain will be covered by the Regular Budget of the Office of the President of the General Assembly.
The other part of the trip will be covered by the Office’s trust fund and the Governments of Kuwait and Qatar.
IGN
Yesterday the President of the General Assembly sent a letter to the Permanent Representatives to the United Nations, informing them that he has reappointed the Permanent Representatives of Poland and the United Arab Emirates to the UN as Co-Chairs of the (IGN) Intergovernmental Negotiations regarding the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council.
