Remarks by Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly

12 September 2023

[As delivered]

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear friends,

Let me begin by expressing my deep appreciation to the International Peace Institute and Open Society Foundations as co-organizers for this generous invitation – on a rather timely theme befitting of the current realities.

It is indeed an honour to be among such distinguished panellists – and before an audience so well versed in the dynamics shaping our multilateral system today. 

As you know, world leaders will soon gather in New York for the annual General Assembly’s high-level week and the general debate.

I have invited them to reflect upon the theme of “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity”.

On the one hand, this theme reflects the current shape of our multilateral system at a time of cascading global challenges – from climate change and conflict to poverty and debt crisis in developing countries.

On the other hand, it reflects my firm belief that only through cooperation, and coordination – and an unshakable dedication to multilateralism – can we strengthen the basis for delivering global peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.

My ambition for the General Assembly is, therefore, simple: that the UN’s most representative body should tackle these issues in the most just, effective and inclusive manner possible. 

How do we do this?

Allow me, very briefly, to propose three starting points:

First, all our efforts in the General Assembly must be anchored in the principles of the UN Charter. Our Charter.

If we are to restore trust in – and within – the United Nations, as relevant and important as it is, preaching about values will never be enough alone.

The General Assembly must lead by example – by practicing what it preaches, as global norms-setter.

By grounding our decisions in the UN Charter. 

And by vehemently denouncing behaviour that violates its cherished tenets.

Second, we must take a fresh look at collaboration across the UN system.

People around the world do not view the UN as separate entities. 

They see ONE United Nations.

One Organisation that must deliver on its historic pledge to create a world that is more safe, more just and more prosperous for all.

The methods we employ to solve today’s challenges must be equally up to this task.

The veto initiative – which mandates the General Assembly to convene a formal debate each time a veto is cast in the Security Council – has opened the door to greater transparency and accountability.

Yesterday afternoon I convened the first formal debate under my Presidency in regard to the situation in Mali.

This innovative initiative plays a pivotal role in bringing the two key organs of our institution closer together.

We must continue to explore other avenues for greater efficiency, system-wide coherence and cohesion.

And I ask, are there other ways the General Assembly can increase meaningful and complementary engagement? 

The answer is yes it can, provided there is genuine political will by and among its membership.

Our third and final starting point must centre on inclusion.

It is imperative that our multilateral system – and the institutions within it – are built for the advancement of all peoples. Effective multilateralism must be inclusive and responsive.

This means empowering and engaging both women and men. 

Communities both large and small. 

Stakeholders near or far, urban or rural, north and  south.

Not one or the other. 

Not some over others.

By involving all actors in global decisions – young people, women and girls, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, older persons and other vulnerable and marginalised groups – we can better ensure peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all populations.

As President of the General Assembly, I take this challenge to heart. 

I have therefore appointed a Special Adviser on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment to advance these issues across our deliberations, with the aim of shifting entrenched systems of inequality.

I have also assumed, and I am very proud to say this, an important role as a gender champion.

More broadly, I pledge to engage with all Member States, regional and other groups, as well as with civil society and other key stakeholders in full transparency and inclusivity – to foster a renewed spirit of cooperation and conciliation in the General Assembly.

Colleagues,

I thank you, once again, for the opportunity to engage with you.

I look forward to hearing your views on these critical issues and engaging in a productive discussion on how we can bolster our collective efforts – at the UN and beyond.

I thank you.

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