Virtual Informal Meeting of General Assembly with President-elect

Volkan Bozkir of Turkey, the newly elected president of the 75th UN General Assembly, holds an informal meeting of the world body.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / General Assembly
• Video Length: 00:50:25
• Production Date: 22 June 2020
• Asset Language: English
• Personal Subject: TIJJANI MUHAMMAD-BANDE
• Subject Topical: EPIDEMICS; GENDER EQUALITY; HUMAN RIGHTS; HUMANITARIAN CRISIS; MULTILATERALISM; POVERTY ELIMINATION; UN CHARTER
• MAMS Id: 2549064
• Parent Id: 2548930

Description

The expectations and views of each of the world’s regional groups and its members “will be equally important and valuable to me”, Mr. Bozkir told the General Assembly. “I will represent the UN membership as a whole”, making clear that he would serve “the best interests of the UN and its Member States”.

Mr. Bozkir said that he would work in sync with the Secretary-General’s agenda and priorities, to be “as effective as we can”, and liaise closely with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) also, to “harmonize” their essential work.

A career diplomat and politician for nearly 50 years, Mr. Bozkır said “today is the start of a new chapter for me”.

He thanked the current Assembly president for his “wisdom and calm”, leading Member States through the “unexpectedly challenging session” that continues, which has been hugely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I will be ready to continue close cooperation and collaboration with you and your Office, in the coming months for a smooth and efficient transition”, he assured.

In congratulating the president-elect, the UN chief António Guterres maintained that Mr. Bozkir would be presiding over “a crucial year in the life of this Organization”.

He stressed the importance of highlighting the value of multilateralism during the Organization’s 75th anniversary; the continued need to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic; and the need to evaluate a range of global challenges, from climate change to human rights and gender equality.

Acknowledging Mr. Bozkir’s aim of establishing greater trust among countries, the UN chief spelled out, “this is essential for progress at any time, but especially now”.

Before welcoming the next Assembly president, the UN chief thanked incumbent Tijjani Muhammad-Bande of Nigeria, for his “capable stewardship” during the “extraordinary time” of COVID-19.

“You have displayed great dexterity in moving to new working arrangements that have enabled the Assembly to remain open for business during the COVID-19 crisis”, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Muhammad-Bande said the General Assembly would observe the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Charter on Friday, through a virtual meeting that reflects on the UN’s foundational document, including its role today and in the decades to come.

“This occasion reminds us of the need to re-commit to multilateralism, as we are one humankind, one world, and one United Nations”, he underscored.

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