Tue 19-09-2023 21:09 PM
NEW YORK, 19th September, 2023 (WAM) — Global unity and solidarity are needed in the face of myriad crises that threaten to reverse decades of development gains and resign millions to poverty, the President of the UN General Assembly said in his address to the opening of its 78th General Debate on Tuesday.
Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago underscored the Assembly’s role as a unique and truly global platform for debate, dialogue, and problem-solving through multilateral diplomacy.
For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic more than three years ago, Heads of State and Government from most of the UN’s 193 Member States are meeting in the iconic General Assembly Hall for their annual week of debates.
“This year our imperative is clear: to unite the nations, to be united in conviction of common purpose and in solidarity of joint action,” said Mr. Francis.
He stressed that a common approach is needed now, as much as at any point in history, as the international community confronts conflict, climate change, debt, energy and food crises, and poverty and famine.
These challenges are rolling back decades of hard-won development gains, thus condemning millions to lifelong intergenerational poverty and hardship, he said.
Appealing to a common humanity, he implored leaders to make “full and effective use” of the General Assembly as the global forum to ignite change.
“Let us listen and learn. Let us rebuild trust and reignite global solidarity. And let us find common ground to address the challenges we face,” he said.
Tariq Al Fahaam