Virtual Press Briefing by President of General Assembly

In a virtual press conference, President of the UN General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande reflects on the work of the 193-member body’s work throughout the pandemic and reminds journalists that despite the extraordinary circumstances, the Assembly has worked hard to uphold its vital mandates, perform essential services and ensure continuity for the people it serves.

• Categories: Media / Press Conferences
• Video Length: 00:40:53
• Production Date: 8 June 2020
• Asset Language: English
• Personal Subject: TIJJANI MUHAMMAD-BANDE
• Corporate Name: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL - ECOSOC; GENERAL ASSEMBLY; SECURITY COUNCIL
• Subject Topical: ANNIVERSARIES; ELECTIONS; EPIDEMICS; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS; WORK PROGRAMME
• MAMS Id: 2547611
• Parent Id: 2547611

Description

In the throes of the COVID-19 crisis, the President of the UN General Assembly has reiterated the importance of investing in health as “an investment in human capital, social and economic development and the empowerment of all people”.

“Since March 27th, the General Assembly has adopted 26 resolutions and decisions under silence procedure”, said Mr. Muhammad-Bande.

He informed correspondents based at UN Headquarters in New York, that 17 June would be a bumper election day, for non-permanent members of the Security Council; new members who will sit on the Economic and Social Council (ESOSOC); and for his successor, who will wield the gavel in the General Assembly.

“I will oversee the proceedings in the General Assembly Hall”, he said, adding that the whole process, would be streamed live on UN WebTV.

Calling 2020 “a seminal year for humanity”, the UN official pointed out that the Organization would be commemorating its 75th anniversary, including Charter Day on 26 June, which will assess the last decades’ successes and shortcomings with regard to implementing the UN’s founding treaty.

Mr. Mohammad-Bande also pointed to 21 July as the day that a virtual high-level meeting would celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, when governments around the globe agreed on a comprehensive plan to achieve global legal equality, known as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

“If we are to ensure a gender-responsive recovery from COVID-19, we simply cannot fall short of our commitments in the Beijing +25 process”, he spelled out.

At the same time, January began the Decade of Action and Delivery on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“These milestones call for action to create a better world for all”, upheld the Assembly president.

In closing, he observed that “Member States are continuing to tackle a wide range of complex intersectional issues”.

“Solidarity remains our best line of defence, and we remain nations, united striving together to deliver for all”, concluded the General Assembly President.

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