Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Philémon Yang
at Special UN Council of Presidents of the General Assembly (UNCPGA)
Meeting on the Summit of the Future
Saturday, 21 September 2024
at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea
(As Delivered)
Your Excellency Dr. Han Seung-soo, Chair of the United Nations Council of Presidents of the General Assembly,
Esteemed Members of the UNCPGA,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honor to stand before you today as we convene to discuss a critical moment in our collective journey—the Summit of the Future.
Today, we face a myriad of complex and interconnected challenges—climate change, global health crises, poverty, inequality, and geopolitical conflicts—that demand our unwavering commitment and collaboration.
This is why I have themed this 79th session of the General Assembly “Unity in Diversity: Advancing Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Everyone, Everywhere.”
This summit is not just a moment for reflection; it is a call to action in a favor of humankind.
The Pact for the Future is a bold vision designed to address these pressing challenges.
It sets a course for renewed multilateralism and a United Nations that is equipped to confront the complexities of today’s world.
The Summit and its outcome document are not the final goal; rather, they mark the first step in driving transformative action toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Summit of the Future is beginning of the process.
Indeed, the commitments embodied in the Pact and its annexes reflect the collective will of Member States and must guide our actions to:
- Promote international peace and security,
- Supercharge implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals,
- Foster just and inclusive societies, and
- Ensure that technologies always serve the common good of humankind.
Our work has only just begun.
We are at the beginning of the process.
The world looks to your wisdom, experience, and leadership to ensure the implementation of meaningful, tangible progress.
Your contributions as former Presidents of this esteemed Assembly are invaluable and will be invaluable in future.
You have witnessed firsthand the dynamics and triumphs of multilateral diplomacy and hold the knowledge and insight to guide us forward.
Today, I urge you to reflect on how your experiences can guide the implementation of the Pact for the Future.
As former Presidents of the UN’s most representative body, you can call it the Parliament of mankind, have the unique ability to strengthen our collective commitment to the values enshrined in the UN Charter.
Your leadership can bridge divides and build trust among Member States, reminding us all that our shared humanity transcends all the borders in the world.
I encourage each of you to engage with current leaders, share your insights, and help us not only address today’s urgent challenges but also lay the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Your leadership is crucial in lighting the way forward.
In closing, let us reaffirm our commitment to this noble cause.
With your wisdom and guidance, we can turn the vision of the Pact for the Future into a reality that benefits generations to come.
It has been a great pleasure to establish my first link with such a group of distinguished predecessors today, who will continue to work with me.
I look forward to further engagements with you and the UNCPGA working together during this session.
Thank you.
Ends
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