Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson of the President of the General Assembly
28 January 2025
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing
Good afternoon, everyone,
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Regarding the escalating violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the President of the UN General Assembly Philemon Yang, in his statement on Sunday, called on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease fire and recommit to the significant peace efforts undertaken within the Luanda process.
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
Yesterday was the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. On this occasion, President Yang said that “in memory of those who perished and in honor of those who survived, we must commit ourselves to creating a world where human dignity is cherished, where equality and justice prevail, and where the lessons of the past guide us toward a brighter, freer, and more just future for all.”
Informal Dialogue – Preserving Human Dignity in Armed Conflict
Today, President Yang convened a signature event, focusing on one of his priorities for the session – Preserving Human dignity in Armed Conflict. This event allowed Member States to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law. In his remarks, the President stressed that “even wars have rules. Rules that must not be ignored or contrived to justify violence.” To note, the event ends at 1 pm.
Plenary on Landlocked Developing Countries
This afternoon, starting at 3 pm, there will be a plenary meeting on Landlocked Developing Countries to discuss explanation of votes following the adoption of the Programme of Action in December 2024.
Upcoming meetings
H.E. Mr. Fergal Mythen, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN and H.E. Mrs. Agnes Mary Chimbiri Molande, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Malawi to the UN will convene an initial consultation on Friday, 7 February 2025 in their capacity as co-facilitators on the organizational arrangements and modalities for the high-level plenary meeting to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth.
Appointments
The President has appointed H.E Mr. Emils Dombrovskis, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Latvia to the UN to serve as the Chair of the judging panel of the UN Small Island Developing States Partnership Awards. He has also appointed H.E. Ms. Shiruzimath Sameer, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN as a member of the panel.
The CSO Town Hall
The President of the UN General Assembly will convene a Townhall on 12 February with civil society representatives to discuss his priorities and engage civil society on the work of the UN General Assembly. [The deadline for civil society organizations to register and submit your questions/expression of interest is 27 January 2025, 12 p.m. EST].
Upcoming trips
In terms of upcoming trips, we shared this morning details on the upcoming official travel of the President to Japan and India. He will be in Japan from 31 January to 4 February and in India from 4 to 8 February. These trips are at the invitation of the respective governments and will focus on a range of global issues, including international peace and security and the Pact for the Future.
Questions
Question: With regard to DRC, so far, the news is that the rebels have taken the airport in Goma. Attacks have been taking place against foreign embassies there, especially France, Netherlands and Germany, I think. What’s the reaction of the PGA, on the current development, since the situation in DRC is developing as we speak. What’s the reaction? What’s his line of thinking towards this crisis, and what role can the GA take in the current crisis? The Security Council met, but we haven’t really had any active steps towards resolving this current crisis, especially with the Rwandans supporting the M23. Thank you.
Response: So of course, as I said, he did put out a statement on Sunday where he has asked for a cease fire, and he has asked for all parties to recommit to the peace efforts within the Luanda process. We are monitoring what’s happening right now and then I will be able to get back to you on what may be expected from the General Assembly side.
Media Contacts
Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: + 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org
Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations M: +1 917 3614990, mariam.shaikh@un.org
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