PRESS BRIEFING BY MONICA VILLELA GRAYLEY, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT ABDULLA SHAHID
Good afternoon!
PGA strongly condemns suicide attack in Afghanistan that killed over 30
The President of the General Assembly strongly condemns a suicide attack in Afghanistan, that killed dozens of innocent lives and left at least 70 people injured, earlier today.
The blast took place during the Friday prayers in a mosque in the city of Kandahar.
Mr. Abdulla Shahid expresses his profound condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to all of those who were injured in the explosions.
Mr. Shahid deeply shocked and saddened by the killing of Sir David Amess
On a personal note: Mr. Abdulla Shahid is deeply shocked and saddened by the news on the untimely passing of his friend, Sir David Amess, who was stabbed to death earlier today in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Amess, a member of the UK Parliament, died after being stabbed multiple times during a meeting with constituents at a church in Essex, England.
Mr. Shahid condemned this cowardly attack. He said that Sir David was a dear friend, an able politician and a great leader and champion for multilateralism. Mr. Shahid sends his deepest condolences to the Amess family and to all friends who are mourning this terrible loss.
PGA discusses Climate Action in Holhuashi Dialogues with Permanent Representatives
The PGA started his day at 8.30 am. today for the first Holhuashi Dialogues, a monthly informal discussion with Permanent Representatives to the United Nations. The theme this time was Climate Change and Humanitarian Situations.
In his Twitter account, the PGA said that “revitalizing the UN calls for regular consultations with Member States”. These meetings, here in New York, will be held under Chatham House rules, and in the interest of transparency, an informal summary will be shared with Member States.
PGA delivers messages on International Day for Rural Women
The GA President has issued a video message on the International Day for Rural Women.
Mr. Shahid highlights that in low-income economies, 64% of rural women work in the agricultural sector, with only 15% having access to land rights. A gap that increases income insecurities and aggravates the disparity in decision-making.
The PGA says that the International Day for Rural Women, with the theme “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food For all”, is also a reminder to accelerate actions for change, to break down the societal barriers that continue to deprive rural women their right to participate in political and communal affairs, and their ability to break through glass ceilings.
PGA calls for accelerated actions to tackle hunger on World Food Day
Tomorrow, we will mark World Food Day. This year’s theme is “Our actions are our future. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life”.
Mr. Abdulla Shahid says that this year’s theme resonates deeply with the message he has been emphasizing throughout this Presidency of Hope.
During his ‘super session’ on the environment, featuring High-Level Meetings on Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Desertification, as well as the Second United Nations Conference on Oceans, in Portugal, the PGA invites all stakeholders to accelerate actions to transform our food systems in an environmentally sustainable manner. He highlights that the world remains off track to achieve zero-hunger targets by 2030.
PGA’s Agenda
This morning, the PGA received at this Office the Rector of the University of Peace, Mr. Francisco Rojas. He also held separate bilateral meetings with the Permanent Representative of China to the UN, H.E Mr. Zhang Jun, the special rapporteur, Ms. Fionnuala Ní Aoiláin, and the Chairs of GA Main Committees. This afternoon, the PGA will address the Sixth Committee, and later meet the Ambassador of Bulgaria to the UN, Lachezara Stoeva, and Ms. Rosa Malango, the new Director of the Regional Committees.
This is all for today. I will now take your questions.
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