PRESS BRIEFING BY AMY QUANTRILL, DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT VOLKAN BOZKIR

United Nations Headquarters, New York

7 April 2021

 

PRESIDENT TRIP TO TURKEY QATAR & AZERBAIJAN

  • The President of the General Assembly is currently on first official trip of the session.
  • The President is currently travelling to Qatar where he is expected to be received by the Emir of the State of Qatar, and plans to meet separately with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.

 

WORLD HEALTH DAY

  • The President released a video message on social media to mark World Health Day. The theme of World Health Day is “Building a fairer, healthier world”, with focus on nurses and midwives.
  • The President said:  As we mark World Health Day 2021, let us join together in celebrating – and supporting – the nurses and doctors, the midwives and EMTs, and all of the others who helped us feel safer and healthier.  And let us show them real, tangible support. As the World Health Organization has called for, let us work together to Protect, Invest, Together, so that our heroes are never forced to stand the line without the support and defenses they need.

 

COMMEMORATION OF THE GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI IN RWANDA

  • The President participated in the virtual commemoration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda co-organized by the Permanent Mission of Rwanda and the Department of Global Communications. The UN General Assembly proclaimed 7 April as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda in resolution 58/234. The date marks the start of the genocide which lasted for a 100 day period resulting in the deaths of more than one million Tutsi, and Hutu and Twa sympathizers.
  • In a video message the President said: My heart is with all Rwandans today. Those who have suffered, those who have experienced loss, those who demonstrate resilience every day, and the new generation who have inherited this heavy burden of grief. I commend your dedication to reconciliation and a brighter future.

 

ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM

  • The President made opening remarks via a video message at the 10th ECOSOC Youth Forum.
  • He said: I am sure that the next two days will give rise to fruitful discussions and ideas as to how we can ensure a sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, to build peace, and uphold the human rights of the people we serve. We are looking to you, as the drivers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to guide us. Together, you are 1.8 billion strong. You will forge our pathway to 2030 and beyond. You have the power to create a better world for all. We are with you every step of the way.

 

DELIVERING CRITICAL ASSISTANCE FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES

  • The President spoke via video message at a virtual panel event titled “Delivering Critical Assistance for Palestine Refugees: Challenges and Opportunities in a Complex Context” organized by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
  • The President said: Today, UNRWA’s cash flow levels are at their lowest in almost ten years. Sufficient, predictable and sustained funding is needed to ensure stability and security for Palestine refugees. We must do our utmost to meet the Agency’s anticipated needs, including those arising from conflicts and instability in the region, and the COVID-19 pandemic.