Remarks by the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis,

at the Meeting with Civil Society Representatives,

27 February 2024, Room V, Palasi, Geneva,

As Delivered

 

 

Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UN Office in Geneva,

Distinguished Colleagues,

Thank you, Madam Director-General, for that kind introduction.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you and through you, to your team at the UN Office in Geneva for organizing this timely Town hall meeting – which as it happens, coincides with my visit to address the Human Rights Council.

At a time when human rights are increasingly in jeopardy in several places in the world, it is by listening to and engaging with all stakeholders – including civil society organizations – that we can better determine what it will take to restore and sustain the peace, dignity, and the well-being of our societies.

It is beyond any doubt that today’s challenges are too vast, too complex, and too interlinked, for Member States alone to resolve.

Meeting the myriad of challenges confronting us demands that we harness and integrate the perspectives and experiences of all stakeholders – through a multi-stakeholder approach of continuous, inclusive, and transparent consultation.

That is precisely how we will ensure that the human rights of all, everywhere, are protected – in the true spirit of leaving no one behind.

These sentiments have very much guided my Presidency of the General Assembly.

They were front and center when, last December, we marked the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

They have been part of regular engagements by my team and CSOs designated Focal Points in New York, and during my official visits.

This was also evidenced during my visit to Haiti last November – where I had the unique opportunity to interact with a dynamic group of CSO representatives on critical matters affecting their country as well as on issues of health and education, women’s empowerment, and advancement of human rights for all.

And they were the foundation of my first Town hall with CSOs representatives in New York last December, during which I heard many comprehensive and innovative proposals – including how to foster peace and security, accelerate sustainable development, and protect the human rights for all people, everywhere.

During the resumed part of the 78th session of the General Assembly, Member States will partake in a range of intergovernmental negotiations.

These include preparations for the Summit of the Future, as well as negotiations on the texts of a Declaration on Future Generations, and a Global Digital Compact, among others.

The Summit offers a unique opportunity for the global community – of which you are an integral part – to forge a robust consensus on our approach towards strengthening multilateralism, addressing challenges emerging from rapid digital transformations, and reenergizing our efforts towards achieving the SDGs.

I have made it clear that while the Member States may be the ultimate decision-makers, the voices of civil society will be vital to enriching the discussions and more effectively informing the substantive content of the outcomes.

We all know that, in view of the nature of the work you do directly in communities, civil society is best placed to give voice and meaning to the immediate concerns faced by the ordinary people.

It is in that spirit that I have requested co-facilitators of the above-mentioned and all other mandated General Assembly processes to ensure meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders in the consultations.

I, therefore, encourage CSOs to share their rich perspectives by participating actively in the ongoing consultations, including by submitting written inputs.

I also encourage you to speak to me directly or to the designated Focal Points in my Office, as well as through the AskPGA platform that we have launched on our website.

Your suggestions and any questions you may have are indeed welcome.

Looking ahead, I will host the first-ever General Assembly Sustainability Week, in New York this April – focusing on key topics in our quest to achieve the SDGs, such as debt sustainability, transport, infrastructure, energy, and tourism.

Once again, I eagerly anticipate the active participation and contributions of civil society representatives in these discussions.

Dear Friends,

Distinguished Colleagues,

Let me conclude by reassuring you that, throughout my Presidency, I will remain steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that the voices of all relevant stakeholders are meaningfully considered in the General Assembly’s work.

Indeed, I am of the firm belief that the voices of civil society should not just be heard – they should be given due consideration to reinforce our inter-governmental processes.

Today, my primary goal is to hear from you, and to engage in a substantive dialogue and exchange of ideas for me to take back to New York.

I now open the floor over to you and eagerly anticipate hearing your insights and would welcome any questions you may have.

 

I thank you.