• Yesterday the President said he was shocked by Monday’s attack on Kabul University in Afghanistan, which took innocent lives.
• He added that terrorism is always unacceptable – and especially in schools. No one should have to fear for their life while pursuing an education.
• He said he was standing in solidarity with the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan.
• The President also said yesterday that he was appalled by the terror attacks that took place that day in Vienna, Austria.
• He added that, as one of the four UN Headquarters locations, Vienna is a city of peace and a cultural crossroads.
• He said the General Assembly stands firmly with the city’s people and against terrorism everywhere.

PRESIDENT MEETS WITH CROSS-REGIONAL GROUP OF AMBASSADORS

• In terms of the President’s schedule today, he has separate meetings with the Ambassadors of Andorra and Switzerland.
• The President will also meet with the five Permanent Representatives of MIKTA, a cross-regional group that brings together Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia.

CO-CHAIRS NAMED FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY REVITALIZATION GROUP

• The President informed Member States today that he has named the co-chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly.
• He reappointed Ambassador Michal Mlynár of Slovakia and appointed Ambassador Egriselda Aracely González López of El Salvador.
• In his letter, the President flagged the importance of the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group in enhancing the General Assembly’s role, authority, effectiveness and efficiency.
• He noted that, according to a resolution from last session, the Secretary-General will brief the group this session on the impact of COVID-19 on the Assembly’s work. This will be an important opportunity to review how the Assembly has adapted its working methods to continue addressing evolving global challenges.

SPECIAL SESSION ON COVID-19: MODALITIES RESOLUTION TO BE ACTED ON THIS WEEK

• The Spokesperson was asked for an update on the draft resolution that would establish the dates, format and scope of the General Assembly’s special session on COVID-19.
• He responded that the General Assembly plenary would meet this Thursday, 5 November, to take action on the draft resolution. Following that, planning would proceed for the special session, which would most likely be held on 3-4 December.
• In response to a further question, he said the plenary meeting would be held in person.

DRAFT RESOLUTION ON RIGHT TO PRIVACY UPDATED TO INCLUDE TECHNOLOGY & COVID-19

• In response to a question, the Spokesperson later confirmed that the General Assembly’s Third Committee had held an interactive dialogue on 29 October with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy.
• Asked about a related draft resolution, the Spokesperson later noted that the resolution on the right to privacy in the digital age had been adopted by the Third Committee since the 68^th session without a vote.
• This year, Brazil and Germany introduced an updated draft, which covered such topics as use of artificial intelligence, spread of misinformation, digital divides, and protection of the right to privacy while developing technological means in response to disasters, epidemics and pandemics (COVID-19).  As of today, this draft had been co-sponsored by more than 40 Member States.