NOON BRIEFING HIGHLIGHTS
Spokesperson for General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi
United Nations Headquarters, New York
Friday, 16 June 2023
DESERTIFICATION
Starting with the General Assembly where there is today a high-level event in observance of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
The actual day is tomorrow, 17 June.
In his opening remarks, President Csaba Kőrösi called land degradation a threat not only to our food security, livelihoods, ecosystems, and biodiversity – but to our existence as a whole.
Land degradation wipes out the wisdom that has lived beneath us for millennia, and with it – our hope for the future.
The President spoke personally, noting that he comes from a family of farmers, who understood the values that land offered, and respected the forces of nature.
Given this year’s theme of “her land, her rights”, the President pointed to empirical research which proves that strengthening women’s land and property rights increases food security and reduces malnourishment.
This means that the international community has to support women’s land tenure… and to remove the barriers to women’s participation in decision-making.
Quote: “As we mark this Desertification and Drought Day, I urge you to recognize women’s contributions to the sustainable management of land and the broader achievement of our 2030 Agenda.
And I call upon you to promote laws and policies that give us a fighting chance at leaving no one behind.
We cannot let this foundational promise dry out.”
You have the full remarks in your inbox: https://www.un.org/pga/77/2023/06/16/pga-remarks-on-desertification-and-drought/
WEEK AHEAD
On Monday, 19 June…
At 10AM ET in the ECOSOC, President Kőrösi will speak to the resumed 5th session of the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction … so the BBNJ.
At 11AM in the Trusteeship, President Kőrösi will participate in the high-level event marking the 2nd International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The President will give remarks.
And you just heard from the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, about the event and the supporting social media campaign against hate speech, and other events related to genocide prevention.
At 4PM, there will be an event on Women in Diplomacy, it is the first time that this International Day is marked at the United Nations, since its creation in 2022. The event is organized by the Circle of Women Ambassadors in partnership with UN-Women and the Office of the President. President Kőrösi will have remarks. The Member States that are co-organizing this event include: the Permanent Missions of the Bahamas, El Salvador, Eritrea, Guyana, Kenya, Latvia, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Qatar, Saint Lucia and South Africa.
And in the back is our fellow Nathalie Gasaro, who will play a big role in the event, moderating some of the discussions.
In the evening, there will be a concert in the GA Hall to mark Monaco’s entry to the United Nations.
On Wednesday, 21 June…
Starting at 8AM, we will mark the 9th International Day of Yoga. You know that Indian Prime Minister Modi will be here to lead the event. President Kőrösi will be participating. He always laughs that he is not a yogi. But you might have seen his tweet saying that he looks forward to participating in the yoga celebrations.
Thursday 22 June…
At 10AM ET in the GA Hall… Member States will take action on a resolution related to the 8th review of the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy. President Kőrösi will have remarks to that meeting.
NO MONDAY PGA BRIEFING
And despite the very busy Monday, I will not be here. My wonderful communications colleagues will be making sure you have everything – so don’t be surprised if you get a PGA-related document from Alissa Collins, Iseult McNulty, Steven Philip or Katherine Stephan.
QUESTIONS
There were no questions for the Spokesperson.
