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

United Nations Headquarters, New York

19 February 2021

 

PRESIDENT RECOGNIZES IMPORTANCE OF CIVIL SOCIETY CONTRIBUTIONS TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY

  • The President participated this morning in a virtual ‘One-on-One’ briefing with civil society organizations, which was organized by the Department of Global Communications’ Civil Society Unit. The purpose was to strengthen transparency, hear directly from civil society and to brief civil society partners on developments in the General Assembly and on how they can engage in high-level events.
  • In his opening remarks, the President said the General Assembly is the most democratic body of the most multilateral institution in the world. It is therefore essential that the views and inputs of civil society groups, which are broad and diverse, are taken into consideration on a regular basis.
  • He also acknowledged the importance he attaches to civil society inputs and collaboration.
  • Questions were asked by civil society representatives from all over the world. Topics ranged from COVID-19 vaccines and the President’s #Vaccines4All initiative to digital technology to gender equality. Other topics that came up involved the use of social media in fighting climate change and ways in which the General Assembly and civil society can work together to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

PRESIDENT ALARMED BY UNREST IN SOMALIA, CALLS FOR CALM

  • Following the press briefing, the President expressed his alarm at reports of gunfire in Mogadishu.
  • He called for calm and restraint and urged the Somali leaders to engage in dialogue and implement the 17 September electoral agreement.

 

SPOKESPERSON ASKED FOR UPDATES ON SECRETARY-GENERAL SELECTION & APPOINTMENT PROCESS

  • Asked if the President had received any applications from individuals interested in serving as Secretary-General, the Spokesperson said the President had not received any signed letters or curricula vitae.
  • In response to further questions, the Spokesperson said that individuals could only become candidates once their names were circulated to Member States by the Presidents of the General Assembly and Security Council.