PRESS BRIEFING BY BRENDEN VARMA, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT VOLKAN BOZKIR

United Nations Headquarters, New York

9 October 2020

 

PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES W.F.P. FOR WINNING NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

  • The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, extends his heartfelt congratulations to the World Food Programme (WFP) for winning the Nobel Peace Prize today. This recognition of a United Nations agency and critical pillar of the multilateral system, which serves as a vital lifeline for millions of the world’s most vulnerable people, is well deserved.
  • In addition to providing food aid to people in nearly 90 countries, WFP is a key partner in the fight against COVID-19, transporting humanitarian staff and supplies, and helping with the procurement and delivery of such crucial items as personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and oxygen concentrators.
  • Recognizing the links between preventing conflict, ending wars and fighting hunger, the President applauds the women and men of WFP for their commitment to peace.

 

PRESIDENT HIGHLIGHTS NEW CYBER THREATS IN ADDRESS TO ASSEMBLY’S FIRST COMMITTEE

  • This morning, the President addressed the General Assembly’s First Committee, which covers disarmament and international security.  
  • He noted that the Committee’s work has become more complex in recent times – including because of new security threats in cyberspace. He also highlighted the ongoing threat posed by nuclear weapons.
  • He added that it was essential to address the underlying threats to regional and global peace and security in order to truly promote disarmament.
  • The Spokesperson was asked about possible discussions on cyber torture and cyber soldiers in the First Committee. He later responded that the topics that are discussed in the First Committee are up to Member States. There are currently no specific agenda items on cyber torture or cyber soldiers. However, if the Member States choose to discuss those issues, they would fall under item 98 on the First Committee’s agenda, which deals with “developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security”. For the President’s part, he will continue to monitor the First Committee, which only just began its work on 6 October.

 

INCLUSIVITY & EQUAL ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY KEY IN FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

  • This afternoon, the President will address the Assembly’s Second Committee, which handles economic and financial matters.  
  • The President is expected to note that, this session, issues such as trade and debt have additional meaning and urgency in the context of COVID-19.
  • He will also highlight the need for inclusivity in forging a global, multilateral response to the pandemic – and the need for equal access to technology.