PRESS BRIEFING
BY MONICA GRAYLEY,
SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PRESIDENT DENNIS FRANCIS
United Nations Headquarters, New York
22 February 2024
GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO HOLD PLENARY DEBATE ON UKRAINE
Tomorrow, the General Assembly will hold a plenary debate on agenda Item 62 “The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine”. The meeting, in the GA Hall, will start at 10 a.m. and will be chaired by the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Dennis Francis.
The item was included in the agenda during the seventy-third session of the GA at the request of Ukraine (A/73/193).
A speakers’ list is expected to be published this evening.
The PGA will deliver his remarks at the opening of the plenary debate and will be followed by other speakers, including Government Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are coming to New York to take part in the meeting.
The plenary debate on agenda Item 62 “The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine” will be webcast on UN TV.
More information will be available on the UN Journal.
GA PRESIDENT ON INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY, 21 FEBRUARY
Yesterday evening, the PGA delivered remarks for International Mother Language Day, observed every year on the 21st of February.
Mr. Francis expressed his appreciation to H.E. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh for organizing the event and recognized UNESCO’s initiative in launching the celebration over 20 years ago.
In his remarks, Mr. Francis highlighted the importance of language in that it, “enables us to transmit knowledge and wisdom across generations—and to forge vibrant bonds among distinct cultures and civilizations.”
He acknowledged that over half of all languages are in danger of becoming extinct, with indigenous languages facing the most threats.
The PGA also communicated the importance of integrating multilingual education into our learning tools and curricula to ensure cultural preservation within academia.
PGA SPEAKS AT OPENING OF EXHIBIT “LAS HERMANAS”, HOSTED BY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
A last note: today at 6.30 p.m. here in New York, the PGA Dennis Francis will be delivering remarks at the opening of the exhibit “Las Hermanas”, hosted by the Permanent Mission of Dominican Republic.
Every year on the 25th of November, the Mirabal sisters are honoured for their bravery and political engagement.
Mr. Francis will be speaking alongside H.E., Mr. José Blanco, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations, and Ms. Minou Mirabal, daughter of Minerva Mirabal.
In 1993, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 48/104 for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
In 1999, the General Assembly officially proclaimed 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
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