NOON BRIEFING HIGHLIGHTS

Spokesperson for General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi
United Nations Headquarters, New York

Thursday, 16 February 2023

JAPAN

President Csaba Kőrösi today visited the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

He was briefed on how the work being done could be used to minimize the impact of natural disasters, and monitoring the marine environment and forest change from space; and air pollution.

The President said that he was very impressed with the type and applications of data, as well as the capabilities of the technology and JAXA team.

He reiterated his commitment to science-based solutions and to further UN collaboration.

The team then toured the International Centre for Water Hazard, looking specifically at how local scientific research as supporting water disaster resilience and sustainability under climate change.

During the visit, the President discussed the creation of a Global Water Information System as a key game changer.

Also today, the President met with graduate students at Tokyo’s Keio University. The President lectured on the 2030 Agenda and what needs to change to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

He also met today with local political leaders.

 

ESS

On the Emergency Special Session, I wanted to let you know that a draft resolution has now been submitted to the Secretariat.

It is entitled “UN Charter principles underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

That means that in addition to the debate next week, action is expected to be taken on the draft.

In terms of logistics, typically – and I underscore typically – there is a debate, followed by action on the draft resolution.

I’ve been asked when a List of Speakers will be available – that will be by Close of Business on Tuesday, 21 February.

 

PGA FELLOWS

And an update on the PGA Fellows, they are meeting today with some members of the Swiss delegation to the United Nations.

One of the topics being discussed is youth participation in the Security Council, particularly during May which is when Switzerland will hold the rotating presidency for the month.

 

QUESTIONS

The Spokesperson was asked if it is likely that the ESS will run past Wednesday. The Spokesperson said that is a likely scenario.

 

UN WebTV link to the briefing:  https://media.un.org/en/asset/k19/k19tvv3cz1