AN INFORMATIONAL NOTE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, H.E. MR. VOLKAN BOZKIR  

22 July 2021 

Significant efforts have been taken to ensure the UN is able to host an in-person High-level week.  


In the letters of 14 July and 23 June 2021, the President of the General Assembly set out the scenarios and proposals to Member States for High-level Week and the General Debate in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These options were derived from extensive consultations with Member States, including from the Business Continuity meetings held throughout the 75th session that gave Member States, including the Host Country and the United Nations, the opportunity to discuss the various options available. 

The President has advocated the value of in-person meetings throughout the 75th session and, following the application of appropriate measures, has convened in person meetings of the General Assembly throughout the year. As the situation on New York improved, the President implemented an increase in the number of delegates in the General Assembly Hall from 1 to 1+1 and for the High-Level Week to 1+3. As a result of his strong advocacy, Member States are now able to determine their level of representation to the general debate. Visiting dignitaries will be able to hold bilateral meetings in the UNHQ; booths will be provided for that purpose. 

To ensure that all Member States have an equal opportunity to participate in High-level Week the option for Member States to send a pre-recorded video statement was included if delegations are unable to travel due to on-going COVID-related concerns. This option is not intended to replace in-person attendance but rather provide delegations with an alternative means to attend that is mindful of the disparity in the implications of the pandemic on delegations, including due to the matter of vaccine equity. 

The President of the General Assembly has worked closely with the Membership and the UN system to ensure the General Assembly can meet in person to benefit from in-person diplomacy, including for the leaders that will attend High-level Week.