HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESS BRIEFING BY REEM ABAZA, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TIJJANI MUHAMMAD-BANDE
African Union Challenges
This morning the President of the General Assembly spoke at the African Union Challenges Conference: Shaping the African Emergence.
He said that the African Continent is viewed differently by many observers, with each view shaped by the experiences of different era. The prism from which the continent is seen has, thankfully, moved from that of slavery or colonies, to one which is able to utilize its human and natural resources to solve the many challenges it faces, and thereby, shape its own emergence.
But he added sadly, a “stereotype of a continent of stuck in poverty and conflict persists. It is true that the realities of slave trade and colonialism left an indelible mark on the identity, socio-economic and political systems of the African people. Nevertheless, the new partnerships that emerged and have been emerging since the last 3 decades have brought renewed hopes to the continent, particularly, after the coups, proxy and/or civil wars which were an unfortunate feature of the immediate past of African States.
You can watch the full remarks on demand on webtv.un.org
UN75
The PGA spoke at the first intergovernmental consultations on UN75 Declaration.
He told Representatives of Member States that in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the organization, “we must be mindful of the meaning of the creation of the UN which has done so much for all of us.”
He empathized that this occasion must resonate with citizens around the world wherever they are and whatever their circumstances.
The PGA said when we agree that there was failure in some respects in resolving some enduring conflicts, “we can still take comfort that we are continuing to work to solve them within a framework.”
He stressed on the need to make these consultations inclusive to involve listening to all parties including civil society, youth and women.
He said that in all of this we should operate as one UN.
He also urged all delegations to engage with the facilitators who have a lot to offer, but they can’t do it alone.
The co-facilitators for this process are the Permanent Representatives of Sweden and Qatar.
Mother Language
Later today at Conference Room 4 the PGA will speak at the annual celebration of the International Mother Language Day.
He’s expected to say that promoting mother languages is a genuine way to identify with our roots, connect to our values and celebrate one of the invaluable cultural heritage that transform us as members of the society.
He will point out that promoting our mother languages play a dual role of fostering inclusion through diversity and enhancing quality education, by encouraging one of the most pristine heritages of mankind.
Human Rights Geneva
The President of the UN General Assembly will travel to Geneva, Switzerland on Saturday, 22 February, to participate in the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council.
In his first visit since assuming his office, the President is expected to highlight the important linkage between human rights and the priorities of the 74th session.
On Monday he will address the Human Rights Council. He will also participate in the annual High-Level panel discussion on the Mainstreaming of Human Rights, with the theme: ‘Thirty years of implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: challenges and opportunities.’
The PGA will leave Geneva on Wednesday.
Travel costs is covered by the Regular Budget of the Office of the President of the General Assembly.
More information is available on the website of the PGA: un.org/pga/74
