Spokesperson’s Press Briefing-24 June 2025

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing.

Good afternoon, everyone

The President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, welcomes the announcement by President Trump of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He calls for the two countries to respect the ceasefire agreement and cease hostilities. He reiterates that military might does not bring durable peace.  He calls on all parties to engage in diplomacy and pursue dialogue in order to settle any disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

President Yang convened an informal meeting today to hear an update by UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy, Mr. Guy Ryder, on the UN80 initiative following an interest expressed by Member States to receive regular updates. At the meeting, President Yang stated that in two days, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Charter, a time to reflect on the last 80 years and all that this organization has achieved and also a time to look to the future to make sure the organization is fit for purpose and is capable of responding to the challenges that will come in the next 80 years.

There will be an Informal meeting of the plenary to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter on 26 June in the General Assembly Hall from 10 am.

A reminder that the original UN Charter is now part of an exhibit that was launched yesterday at UN Headquarters The UN Charter’s principles are as powerful today as in 1945. Rooted in respect, solidarity and a shared purpose to protect we the peoples, its core values remain essential. The UN Charter is also very clear in encouraging Member States to settle disputes through diplomatic means. We encourage you to check the historical Exhibit in the Visitor’s Lobby– which features the UN Charter, iconic images and videos from the Conference. This exhibit will be on display until September.

President Yang is convening a high-level thematic debate tomorrow, in collaboration with the African Union, on the multi-faceted aspects of peace and security in Africa and the future of peacekeeping operations. This debate focuses on one of his priorities – achieving peace and security in Africa. We have sent out information out, including the programme, for this event.

A debate on the responsibility to protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity also takes place tomorrow.

The President is organizing an interactive multistakeholder hearing on 30 June ahead of the High-Level meeting on the Global Plan of Action to combat trafficking in persons which is scheduled to take place on 24 to 25 November. 

Question: Can you tell us anything about the programme on the 26th for the commemoration of the signing of the UN Charter?

Response: Yes, there will be.. the President of General Assembly will be speaking, making remarks, as well as the Secretary-General. I will also share later today the complete and detailed programme with correspondents.

Question: Are there any news from France and Saudi Arabia about the rescheduling of the Palestine two-state solution Conference?

Response: We have heard that it’s tentatively scheduled for the end of July, but we’ll come back once we have confirmation. But that’s tentative.

 ___

Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org

Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations, M: +1 917 361 4990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org

More Information and Updates : Website:  YouTube:  X (Twitter): Instagram:  LinkedIn:  Photo Repository: Bluesky; Weekly Highlights: Resolutions of the 79th Session – UN General Assembly