Mr. Yang underlined the need for fair economic growth, driven by innovation and green economies, ensuring that “the benefits of economic development are accessible to all countries, large and small.”
Peace and security will also be key priorities, he added. He urged countries to resolve ongoing conflicts, including those in the Gaza Strip, Haiti, Ukraine and the African Great Lakes region.
“We must make every possible effort to reduce tensions and instead build trust around the world.“, he said.
Human rights are central
Human rights, together with strengthening international law and justice systems, remain high on the agenda. The General Assembly will work towards better coordination of humanitarian efforts.
This will help ensure that responses to crises are timely and efficient and that aid reaches those who need it most, Mr Yang said.
“Finally, we will address the pervasive challenges of international terrorism, drug and human trafficking and modern slavery,” he continued, stressing the need to uphold human dignity.
“As President of the General Assembly, I am committed to facilitating these discussions and harnessing our collective will and expertise to deliver significant solutions,” he added.
UN… the place for solutions
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also spoke about the opening of the session, to mark the urgency of collective action to address a world ‘in trouble’.
He praised President Yang for his vision and leadership and pledged his full support in uniting the various member states around common goals.
“From day one, the United Nations has been the place for multilateral solutions – based on cooperation, dialogue, diplomacy and the UN Charter“, he said.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Philemon Yang (center), President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, chairs the first plenary meeting of the session.
Bring the SDGs back to life
The UN chief acknowledged the gravity of the current global situation and stressed the need for concrete solutions in several areas, including reducing poverty, inequality and the climate crisis.
“We need solutions…to bring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back to life and end poverty and inequality,“, he noted, adding that economic progress and job creation, especially for women and youth, must be prioritized.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the crucial role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the need to ensure that they serve as tools for progress and not obstacles.
“Step by step, solution by solution, we can rebuild trust and faith in each other,’ he concluded, calling for a renewed commitment to the principles that have guided the Organization since its founding in 1945.
Palestine takes a seat
The opening of the 79th session also marks the first time that the State of Palestine sits among the member states of the General Assembly, after the Adoption of resolution ES-10/23 at the tenth emergency special session earlier this year.
That solution also explained additional rights for the participation of the State of Palestine in meetings of the Assembly, but not for the right to vote or to submit its candidacy to the main UN bodies such as the Security Council or the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC programme).
The additional rights and privileges do not confer membership of the State of Palestine. A specific recommendation of the Security Council is required for this.
