Statement by H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly
11 February 2021
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Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
I would like to thank the Co-Chairs, His Excellency Mr. Michal Mlyn¨¢r, Permanent Representative of Slovakia, and Her Excellency Mrs. Egriselda Gonz¨¢lez L¨®pez, Permanent Representative of El Salvador, for convening this General Debate of the Ad-Hoc Working Group on General Assembly Revitalization.
Let me start by commending all of you, Member States, for your support in keeping the General Assembly functioning during the greatest challenge to our operations – the COVID-19 pandemic – since this organization was established 75 years ago. You demonstrated that the General Assembly can adapt to new challenges when there is strong political will.
Now I urge you to maintain that momentum to continue to revitalize this Assembly, to find new and improved ways of doing business, to strengthen the role of the General Assembly and improve our efficiency. In order to be effective, we must stay relevant and respond to the rapid changes taking place in our world.
I am greatly encouraged by our discussions thus far. At my Morning Dialogue focused on revitalization in December, Member States demonstrated strong political support for GA revitalization. I urge you to turn that intent into concrete steps in this Ad-Hoc Working Group, by building consensus and working towards common goals.
I cannot overstate the importance of your work. General Assembly revitalization resolutions have a real impact. Over the years they have made a considerable difference to the position of the President of General Assembly.
As a PGA candidate, and despite the grave COVID circumstances, I met with Member States in an informal interactive dialogue, successfully held in a virtual format. Elections were concluded on June, three months in advance of the opening of the session, to allow sufficient time for preparations for the upcoming session. And before officially assuming my duties, I took an oath of office and agreed to abide by a Code of Ethics. All this process is in place because you, the Member States in the Ad Hoc Working Group, were able to build consensus towards strengthening the transparency of the election as well as the effectiveness and the accountability of the President of the General Assembly position.?
Another area where this Ad Hoc Working Group has made a real difference is in the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General. Just last week, the President of the Security Council and I launched the process in a joint letter, as prescribed in the landmark resolution 69/321. That resolution, negotiated in this Working Group, brought in a new era of transparency and inclusivity to the selection and appointment process.
Excellencies,
In March, the Secretary-General, at your request, will share his analysis of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the work of the General Assembly. This is an opportunity to reflect on the General Assembly¡¯s effectiveness at adapting our working methods, which enable us to continue to address global challenges as they evolve. It is also an opportunity to identify opportunities to strengthen working methods within the General Assembly ¨C like the rest of the world. This way the General Assembly can build back better. I encourage you all to fully engage with the work of the Ad-Hoc Working Group. My Office and I stand ready to support you in this vital endeavour.
I thank you very much and I wish you all best for your work over the coming months. ??