PRESS BRIEFING
BY MONICA GRAYLEY,
SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PRESIDENT DENNIS FRANCIS
United Nations Headquarters, New York
14 February 2024
PGA SPEAKS AT UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO ON GENERAL ASSEMBLY’S ROLE
Today in Japan, the President of the General Assembly was the guest speaker in a symposium at the University of Tokyo Institute for Future Initiatives on the role of the UN General Assembly.
Mr. Dennis Francis started by outlining the priorities of his Presidency and how to rebuild trust and reignite solidarity to deliver peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.
In his remarks, he highlighted major global challenges ranging from war, conflict, climate change to food insecurity, debt distress, and multidimensional poverty.
Mr. Francis believes that the world is at an historical inflection point. He stated that peace is the bedrock; “without it, all else falters – including sustainable development and human rights – and, as we have seen, may even reverse.”
The PGA mentioned the continued war of aggression against Ukraine and the conflict in the Gaza Strip—as well as violence and conflict in several other theatres across the world—and how these issues have recently been addressed by resolutions adopted by the General Assembly.
The PGA answered questions by the students on topics including youth radicalization, multilateralism, and cyber security, amongst others. Mr. Francis also expressed his appreciation for “Japan’s contribution to global leadership and, in particular, its long-standing commitment to international cooperation.”
Prior to attending the symposium at Tokyo University, the PGA met with Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, Chief Representative of Komeito, and conveyed his appreciation for the efforts of Japan and the party to promote multilateralism and accelerate action towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
On Thursday, the PGA will meet with the country’s Prime Minister, H.E. Fumio Kishida, as well as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E. Ms. Yoko Kamikawa.
Mr. Francis will hold a discussion with the Parliamentarian Coalition on Women, Peace and Security and speak to the press before returning to New York tomorrow evening.
PGA CONDEMNS ATTACKS AGAINST THE PRESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
President Dennis Francis issued a post on his X social media account calling on all parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip to protect journalists and media workers.
The PGA highlighted that “since the onset of the current phase of conflict in the Middle East, close to 125 journalists have lost their lives and many were severely injured including in Rafah.”
He strongly condemned “any and all attacks on journalists who are protected under international law and who are crucially keeping us informed.”
The PGA said that impunity for crimes against the press must end.
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