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

United Nations Headquarters, New York

27 July 2021

 

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT TRAVEL TO CARIBBEAN

  • The President of the General Assembly is currently visiting the Caribbean (22-28 July). 
  • The President’s first trip to Small Island Developing States will highlight the structural and developmental challenges affecting these Member States, as well their efforts to innovate and build resilience whilst fulfilling their development priorities. This trip will mark the first visit of a sitting President of the General Assembly to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados. One particular focus of the trip will be the importance of investment in sustainable tourism and the blue economy which will enable Small Island Developing States to build back better following extreme climate events, the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and in the case of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: the recent volcanic eruption.
  • In Antigua, the President was received by H.E. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and met bilaterally with H.E. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the President met with H.E. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and H.E. Dame Susan Dougan, Governor General. The President is visiting Barbados today for the final leg of his visit. He is expected to meet the Acting Prime Minister of Barbados as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Finance, and Climate.

 

QUESTIONS ON HIGH LEVEL WEEK

  • When asked for an update on the format of high-level week, the Spokesperson said the letter of 23 June was the latest formal correspondence on this matter. The Office of the President of the General Assembly also released an Information Note on High-level week and the General Debate on 22 July.
  • When asked about bilateral booths, side events and requirements for vaccination the Spokesperson pointed to the letter of 23 June which contained information on these matters.
  • The Spokesperson confirmed the honor system related to vaccination status will continue for High-level Week. By swiping their UN passes, staff and others are confirming that they have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days and have not had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 in the last 10 days. For unvaccinated people, swiping their pass means that they have not had close contact with a person with COVID-19 in the last 10 days.
  • The Spokesperson suggested correspondents contact MALU for enquiries regarding press access and logistics.