Transcript of the Press Briefing by PGA’S Spokesperson
79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
September 23, 2024
Good afternoon, everyone.
I hope you are all doing well in this busy week.
Just some words first on the Summit of the Future.
And this Summit of the Future is being chaired by the PGA.
As you are aware, at the opening of the Summit of the Future yesterday, the Pact of the Future was adopted, together with its annexes: The Global Digital Compact and the Declaration for Future Generations.
The PGA welcomes the adoption of the Pact for the Future. And in his opening remarks, the PGA said that “the commitments embodied in the Pact and its annexes reflect the collective will of Member States and must guide our actions”.
He also said that “the Pact must encourage us to promote international peace and security, invigorate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, foster just and inclusive societies, and ensure that technologies always serve the common good of humankind.”
In the days leading up to the adoption of the Pact, the PGA met with many Member States to listen to their views in order to get the Pact to the finish line.
He wishes to take the opportunity to express his gratitude to the co-facilitators – the Permanent Representatives of Germany, Namibia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Jamaica, Sweden, and Zambia as well as their teams – for their incredible leadership and hard work in the negotiation process.
Now just a few reminders.
As you are aware, of course, the General Debate starts tomorrow and will end on Monday 30 September.
The theme of the General Debate is Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.
The live list of speakers has been shared with you. Please continue to check for updates in the UN Journal.
We have also shared with you a list of the PGA’s activities during the High-Level Week, as well as the speakers lists for other high-level events, as well as related content.
Another reminder, just in terms of High-Level Week, there is a High-Level Meeting on the Existential Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise, which is on 25 September; the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance; and the High-Level Meeting to Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of nuclear weapons, both taking place on 26 September.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me – I’m right here on the second floor – or you can reach out to me by email or phone – if you need assistance.
Thank you.
Do you have any questions for me.
Question: Just to repeat my question, from Nigeria. So, if you had a slot given to a President who then turns out is represented by the Vice President, does that change the slot or does it stay?
Spokesperson: That one, I would have to find out and I would have to ask Protocol, so I can get back to you after the Press Conference if that’s okay. Sure.
Question: Hi Sharon. Today I noticed that in the General Assembly, if a leader passes about 3 minutes of time, then the mic is automatically switched off. That happened to the Italian Prime Minister. It also happened to multiple world leaders. So, I’m just wondering, is that a cause of friction between the UN and the different countries?
Spokesperson: Definitely not. I believe that is … again, I would have to check, but I believe that has to do with technical issues at this point because we have been having a few here and there. Hi.
Question: Just to follow up on that. That would be the first year that I can remember that mics have been turned off to stop people’s … it was not intentional, is that what you’re saying?
Spokesperson: That’s what I’m saying. The protocol is for leaders, world leaders, to be able to finish their statements. Any other questions, any questions online? Sure.
Question: (inaudible)
Spokesperson: Yes, we should be able to provide it. Sure. No problem. Any other questions online? Okay, so everyone, have a great day.
Correction: The decision to limit statements to five minutes at the Summit of the Future plenary was taken by the General Assembly in resolution 76/307, which sets out the modalities for the meeting.
In an effort to accommodate all speakers at the Summit, the Assembly decided, in its decision 78/555 on the establishment of the list of speakers, that the time limit would be enforced by means of automatic microphone cut-off.
Member states were reminded numerous times of this in the lead up to the Summit. All Member State representatives who have delivered their national statement to the Summit have been afforded their full five minutes – no one has been cut off early.
Watch: https://youtu.be/y4bRR2e4rGc?si=e4AHv7Pt316FhgWk
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Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: + 212 963 0564 M: +1 646 342 5873 Email: birchs@un.org
