Secretary-General António Guterres said the past year had been marked by persistent poverty, inequality and conflict, and stressed that it was also the hottest year on record.
He delivered a speech at the final plenary session of the session, saying: marked the “hope and inspiration” in what can be accomplished when the global community works together as one. He also praised the leadership of Assembly President Dennis Francis.
“The challenges facing humanity are not insurmountable if we work together“, he said.
Mr Guterres reiterated that the UN and the multilateral system itself can only be as effective as the commitment of member states allows.
“As we celebrate the achievements of the 78th General Assembly, Let us also look at the 79th as a moment when the world can provide the confidence, solutions and peace that our world needs.“
‘An eventful year’
In his final address to the Assembly in that capacity, President Dennis Francis, the veteran diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago, said: recalled main achievements of the session and the work of his presidency.
“We started the session in September with a particularly hectic but successful High-Level Week – with the SDG summit And High-level dialogue on financing for developmentas well as a number of other important achievements for multilateral diplomacy.”
He stressed that a key aspect of his work was to ensure that the UN was relevant to its eight billion members worldwide. He visited 31 countries and met with a wide range of stakeholders, from government leaders to students, women, civil society and displaced families.
“My visits to Haiti, South Sudan and Ukraine were particularly moving because these countries are facing conflict, insecurity and aggression,” he said, stressing that the UN’s efforts in these regions “are truly life-saving”.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider
President Francis delivers his closing address at the final plenary session of the 78th session of the General Assembly.
Israel, Palestine, ‘top of my mind’
Mr Francis added that while he was unable to meet Israelis and Palestinians on the ground near the area where the crisis is unfolding, “the developments there remained at the top of my mind.”
He said he discussed the crisis with leaders around the world, including Pope Francis.
He expressed the “sincere hope” that the continued diplomatic efforts will lead to a ceasefire, even if temporary, and that this can somehow lead to a political process to achieve long-term peace in the interests of the peoples of the region.
Challenges ‘not beyond our capacity’
The President of the Assembly concluded his speech by reminding the ambassadors that while the challenges facing the global community are complex, “they are certainly not beyond our ability to overcome.”
He stressed the importance of unity and urged countries to address global challenges with all available means to build a more secure future. He reiterated the importance of the United Nations as “one of the greatest forces for good in the world and that we must work hard to extend its lifespan.”
“Let us rise to the occasion. Let us keep the promises we have made, and let us work together in solidarity to build a future that honors the hopes and dreams of all peoples. and truly unites the nations… as the great Nelson Mandela once said, ‘it always seems impossible until it’s done’.”
Philemon Yang takes over the gavel
During the meeting, Philemon Yang, the President-elect of the 79th session of the General Assembly, also spoke. oath of office of the President of the General Assembly.
Mr. Yang stated that he would carry out his duties as Speaker of the Assembly truthfully, and that he would do so “in all loyalty, discretion and conscience.”
He pledged to exercise his authority as President always in the best interests of the United Nations and in accordance with the UN Charter and code of ethics.
President Dennis Francis then declared the 78th session closed and presented the iconic gavel to President Yang.
The 79th session of the General Assembly calls together in the afternoon at 3:00 p.m. (New York time), where the session’s annual high-level general debate will take place by September 24th.
Also take place High-level meetings will be held in September on the threats posed by sea level rise (September 25), and elimination of nuclear weapons And antimicrobial resistance on September 26th.