By: ATN News
In a resolute display of commitment to addressing global challenges, President Dennis Francis has signaled a determined push for transformative change during his term as the 78th session President of the General Assembly. Highlighting the upcoming Summit of the Future as a pivotal event in 2024, President Francis stressed the significance of world leaders gathering in New York to forge a new global consensus on delivering for both people and the planet.
The President underscored the need to "supercharge" the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with preparations for the Summit taking center stage until September. He emphasized the importance of adapting systems for good governance and the efficient delivery of global public goods, calling for seizing every opportunity to achieve these objectives.
President Francis, whose term commenced on September 5 last year and concludes on September 10, 2024, emphasized peace as the ultimate goal of collective efforts. Describing peace as the bedrock upon which all actions rest, he urged a demonstration of political will and the ability to make the world a more peaceful and secure place.
Addressing the Security Council deadlock over the situation in Gaza, President Francis recalled the resolution adopted at the tenth Emergency Special Session. The resolution demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid. He reiterated the call for the immediate implementation of the Assembly's decisions and resolutions, emphasizing the impossibility of a military solution in the Middle East conflict.
President Francis also highlighted the Veto Initiative, emphasizing its critical role in fostering accountability and cooperation between the UN's principal organs. Under this initiative, the President is authorized to convene a formal meeting within 10 working days of a veto by one or more permanent Security Council members.
The President announced a series of significant events in the coming months, including Sustainability Week in April, the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda, also in April, and the third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Rwanda in June. Additionally, key events include a high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance and a commemorative event marking the 30th anniversary of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development. President Francis's announcements reflect a comprehensive and proactive approach to addressing pressing global issues during his term.