Referring to “unity in diversity,” he stressed the need for collective action to address pressing global challenges and achieve tangible progress.
Pivotal meetings for collective action
Highlighting the mandates given to the 79th session, he announced crucial events, including the high-level meeting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Program of Action for Youth and the World Social Summit for Development.
“These mandates are an integral part of our efforts to address the challenges facing our world,” said Mr. Yang.
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, scheduled for July in Spain, has been described as “crucial” in order to “increase the urgency of financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
Other high-level meetings will focus on the structural obstacles facing middle-income countries, including moving away from gross domestic product as the primary measure of economic progress.
The high-level interactive dialogue on culture and sustainable development and the high-level meeting on sand and dust storms are two other key moments to create momentum for change.
Philemon Yang (on screen), President of the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly, outlines his priorities for 2025.
Defending human rights and equality
The president reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to human rights and equality, noting that “throughout our work, we must remember that our mission is to leave no one behind.”
He highlighted the proclamation of a second International Decade for People of African Descent, as well as plans to advance the rights of older persons and address global prison reform on the occasion of the 10th anniversary. of Nelson Mandela’s rules, “in order to guarantee humane treatment of prisoners”.
In the same vein, the General Assembly should award the Nelson Mandela Prize for the third time, in 2025. This Prize is awarded every five years to two exceptional personalities who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity. It promotes values guided by the objectives and principles of the United Nations.
Recognizing the ongoing struggle for gender equality, Yang called for participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, saying he will push “for both prevention and accountability” and that he is committed to “promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women, in all aspects of my presidency”.
The 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 will also be an opportunity to address persistent challenges in promoting the role of women in peace and security.
-Advancing climate action and technology
The former Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of sustainable development and digital transformation.
Like the third UN Ocean Conference, to be held in June, will focus on supporting “blue economies” and accelerating progress on SDG 14, which aims to conserve and develop sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources.
Furthermore, the World Summit on the Information Society, which is to be held in Geneva in July, will tackle digital divides, thanks to the creation of an independent international scientific group on artificial intelligence.
This group aims to “build a foundation of reliable scientific knowledge, firmly bridge digital divides” and “create a free, open and secure digital future for all”.
Ending the liquidity crisis
Mr. Yang called on Member States to address the UN’s current liquidity crisis, warning that late payments and withholding of contributions could trigger “a crisis of confidence in the United Nations.”
He underlined the importance of the issues: “the financing of the United Nations must therefore never be subject to the resolution of political problems. It’s the opposite. We all need to fund our organization to solve our problems.”
In a call for unity, the President stressed that “as with all our priorities, we will be measured by our actions. We cannot succeed alone. We are counting on you, the Member States.”
80 years of the United Nations Charter
A commemorative meeting of the Assembly will be held on June 26 to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Charter.
“We need to recapture the spirit of San Francisco. This powerful spirit must continue to guide us all,” said the President of the Assembly.
Consultations are also underway for a possible UN80 summit, which would be held in September to mark the anniversary of the Organization.
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