Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Philémon Yang
Side Event of the Action Days to the Summit of the Future on the Role of the General Assembly in Strengthening Peace and Security
Saturday, 21 September 2024, 10AM
Baha’i International Community, 866 United Nations Plaza #120
[As Delivered]
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
I would like to begin by thanking the Permanent Missions of Portugal, Liechtenstein, Costa Rica, Norway, Netherlands, Japan, and Kenya as well as UN University Rector Tshilidzi Marwala for their contributions to this event.
The advancement of peace is the cornerstone of the theme I have chosen for this 79th session of the General Assembly: “unity in diversity”, alongside sustainable development and human dignity for everyone, everywhere.
Peace is not only of central importance to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – it stands at the very heart of the United Nations, itself.
Yet today, peace faces unprecedented challenges.
Armed conflicts continue to rage, from Gaza to Ukraine, Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti to Myanmar.
International law is being disregarded, and civilians endure the worst of the suffering.
While the advancement of peace may feel out of reach amid these challenges, we are not building without a foundation.
My predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly for the 78th session, launched a Digital Handbook thatexplores the varied previous actions of the General Assembly on matters of peace and security over the course of nearly eight decades.
It identifies tools that the General Assembly can use to respond to crises and help maintain international peace and security.
As we strive to realize the outcomes of the Summit of the Future, including the Pact of the Future—where “peace” is mentioned 114 times— we must draw inspiration from the past.
Recent sessions of the General Assembly have demonstrated its commitment to international peace and security, including through the resumption of the 10th Emergency Special Session and various plenary debates under the veto initiative.
As President of the 79th session, I will be a listening ear on how the General Assembly can cooperate across the UN system to enhance and make full use of its role and authority to address evolving global challenges.
With this, we can creatively deliver a more peaceful and sustainable future for those who need it the most.
I thank you.
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