The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) opened on Tuesday afternoon in New York, presided over by incoming President Philemon Yang.
The opening of the 79th session marks the first time the State of Palestine was seated among Member States at the General Assembly.
In his opening remarks, Philemon Yang emphasized urgent global challenges such as climate change, conflicts, poverty, and inequality. He highlighted the importance of cooperation among Member States to realize humanity’s greatest aspirations such as peace, justice, and sustainable development.
Peace and security will continue to be of paramount importance, he said, pointing out “We will, thus, seek to build on effective peace operations and conflict resolution strategies, emphasizing the need for a concerted and unified approach to resolving conflicts and preventing new ones.” He said that he will urge the Assembly to intensify its determination to prioritize the resolution of conflicts, including the ones in the Gaza Strip, Haiti, a
nd Ukraine.
Philemon Yang said that all his actions and efforts will incorporate a gender perspective and strive to achieve gender equality, alongside promoting sustainable economic growth, protecting human rights, and strengthening international law. He pledged to continue efforts to reform the Security Council, revitalize the General Assembly, calling for global solidarity to address pervasive challenges.
For his part, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the UN Ambassador Osama Abdel Khalek requested confirmation of the implementation of the resolution adopted by the General Assembly on May 10, 2024, which stipulates that Palestine will have a right to be seated among Member States in alphabetical order. He emphasized the importance of this historic step, saying that this is not merely a procedural matter but a historic moment, and the State of Palestine must have a seat among the Member States.
In his lats remarks as the President of the General Assembly at its 78th session, Dennis Francis said “From t
he start of the 78th session, a central theme guided my presidency: Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability for All.” Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said “We close this 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly after a tumultuous year. A year of continued poverty, inequality and injustice. A year of division, violence, and conflict. A year that was the hottest on record.” “But this session also closes at a time of growing hope and inspiration in what we can achieve if we work as one. This spirit of solidarity shone through this Assembly’s accomplishments over the last year,” he added.
He stressed that the challenges facing humanity “are not insurmountable if we work together. As we celebrate the achievements of the 78th General Assembly, let’s also look to the 79th as a moment in which the world can deliver the trust, solutions and peace t
hat the world needs.” UNGA 79 is taking place under the theme “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.” The general debate will commence on Tuesday, Sep. 24, and continue until Sep. 30, with participation of Kings and heads of state from around the world. Each country will present its perspective on the topics listed on the agenda, including international, regional, and national issues.
Source: Qatar News Agency