NOON BRIEFING HIGHLIGHTS

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

Tuesday, 2 May 2023

PRESS FREEDOM

Staring with World Press Freedom Day.

The President of the General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi is a signatory to a joint statement with the president of the UNESCO General Conference, Santiago Irazabal Mourão; ECOSOC President Lachezara Stoeva; and the President of the UN Human Rights Council, Václav Bálek.

The statement calls upon all Member States to promote, protect and fulfill the right of freedom of opinion and expression.

Quote “It is time to create and maintain, in law and in practice, a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference.”

The statement also notes that the nurturing of a political culture based on respect and tolerance of divergent opinions expressed through various channels of communication, including the press and the media, is a collective benefit that contributes to the advancement of our societies.

And so, the four senior UN officials signed to the statement urge Member States, the UN system, regional organisations, civil society, and all stakeholders to safeguard the right to freedom of opinion and expression as a basis for tackling the interlocking crises that the world faces.

You will have a copy of that statement later today. The statement will be presented at today’s press freedom event at 2:30PM, and is embargoed until that time.

 

JORDAN

Turning to his officials travels…

President Kőrösi is in Jordan.

Today he met with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi.

Among the topics discussed was the situation in Syria and efforts to support the people displaced by the conflict.

The President also visited a facility run by UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

KUWAIT

The President will head tomorrow to Kuwait, at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the visit, the President is expected to highlight his priorities for the 77th session of the General Assembly, and the importance of multilateralism and international rules-based system in addressing global crises. The President will also emphasize the need for partnership in the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and a transformation to a sustainable way of life.

In addition to his bilateral discussions, the President will visit the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research to learn more about Kuwait’s Sustainable Water Development and Sustainable Energy projects, and will engage with young diplomats at the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute.

You will have a detailed media advisory in English and Arabic ahead of the visit.

 

GENDER CAMPAIGN

And we are proud to report that staff at the EU delegation to the UN have joined on the President’s campaign pledging to complete training on promoting gender equality and preventing sexual harassment.