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Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Mr. Dennis Francis,\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies\u00a0in Shanghai, China<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n 28 January 2024\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [As Delivered]<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n Mr. Li\u00a0Kaisheng, Vice President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Mr. Yang\u00a0Jiemian,\u00a0Chairman\u00a0of the Academic\u00a0Affairs Council,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Distinguished\u00a0Students and Faculty,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let me begin by expressing my deep\u00a0gratitude\u00a0to Vice-President Li <\/b>for the kind introduction,\u00a0and\u00a0to Chairman\u00a0Yang <\/b>for the\u00a0generous invitation\u00a0to join you today.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is\u00a0indeed\u00a0a\u00a0great\u00a0honour\u00a0for me\u00a0to address the venerated Shanghai Institutes for International Studies.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a premiere university and influential think-tank, your strategic research has\u00a0shaped \u2013 and\u00a0continue\u00a0influentially to\u00a0set the tone \u2013\u00a0for\u00a0robust\u00a0policy\u00a0dialogue\u00a0and\u00a0formulation\u00a0across a wide\u00a0spectrum\u00a0of political, economic and security disciplines\u00a0for more than a half century.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As\u00a0a mix of\u00a0current and\u00a0next generation leaders, I look forward to hearing your views and recommendations on the state of international affairs today.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To set the stage, let me offer you some reflections of my own \u2013 in my capacity as President of the General Assembly,\u00a0of\u00a0which\u00a0this\u00a0great country,\u00a0China,\u00a0is a highly regarded member.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ladies and gentlemen,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At\u00a0the outset, it is the case\u00a0that the world is indeed at an inflection point.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Across our societies,\u00a0we all feel\u00a0whether to a greater\u00a0or lesser degree,\u00a0the\u00a0worsening\u00a0impacts of climate change, hunger and multidimensional poverty expressing themselves in new, and more often, intensified\u00a0ways\u00a0\u2013\u00a0thus\u00a0breeding\u00a0fresh grievances and hampering efforts to realize the promise of a safer, more\u00a0just,\u00a0and more sustainable world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In parallel,\u00a0geopolitical divides have sparked new conflicts \u2013 and deepened\u00a0pre-existing\u00a0others \u2013 across swaths of Africa,\u00a0Eastern Europe, and\u00a0indeed in\u00a0the Middle East.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These worrying developments affecting the state of our global affairs are laying bare the limits of our multilateral system \u2013 and raising legitimate questions about both the relevance<\/b>\u00a0and ability<\/b>\u00a0of the United Nations to resolve complex dilemmas.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n They demand that we fortify our foundation \u2013 and recommit to the core principles of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter<\/b>, that have offered us a guiding light out of the tumultuous past since the founding of the United Nations.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For these reasons, I have anchored my Presidency on the need to unite the nations <\/b>\u2013 based on my firm belief that we are more effective and impactful when we work together; and when we harness to our collective advantage, the unrivaled power of multilateralism<\/b>\u00a0to secure peace<\/b>, prosperity<\/b>, progress<\/b>\u00a0and sustainability<\/b>\u00a0for all.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Against this backdrop, I wish to take this opportunity to commend the People\u2019s Republic of China for continuing to play a leading role in international affairs \u2013 as the international community seeks sustainable solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting us.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a founding member of the United Nations, it is worth recalling that China was the first \u2013 I repeat, the first<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 to affix its signature to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter, thus endorsing that document from the very inception of this unique organization.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the nearly eight decades since, China has been a notably steadfast supporter of multilateralism \u2013 appropriately with the United Nations at its core.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Distinguished Friends,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n As you may be aware \u2013 based on the priorities of my Presidency \u2013 the chosen theme for the 78th<\/sup>\u00a0session of the General Assembly is:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cRebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and the sustainability for all.\u201d\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n First, let me speak on my priority for Peace:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Perhaps nowhere is such exemplary leadership more needed today than in our efforts to build and sustain Peace<\/b>\u00a0throughout the world.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As you are all well aware \u2013 since the horrific 7 October<\/span> attack on Israel<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 the escalation of violence in the Middle East<\/b>, and the wrenching humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip<\/b>, continue to project the worst aspects of the human condition; precisely that which the Charter was intended to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But \u2013 regardless of the complexity of the dynamics in this conflict \u2013 as President of the General Assembly, I am gratified, indeed proud that the Assembly has not sat idly by, when the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Security Council faltered at a time of heightened crises, in executing its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It was only during China\u2019s Presidency of the Security Council that the Council was able \u2013 after several failed attempts \u2013 to adopt a resolution on the situation in Gaza.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The General Assembly has been both active and ambitious \u2013 by resuming twice its Tenth Emergency Special Session on the Middle East<\/b>, and adopting two important resolutions with the overwhelming support of the membership.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Through those resolutions, it is on record that the Assembly has unequivocally demanded a humanitarian ceasefire<\/b>; compliance by all parties with their obligations under international law<\/b>; full, immediate, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid<\/b>; and the immediate release of all hostages, without any conditions.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I reassure you that I shall not tire of reiterating these consequential demands, made in the name of humanity.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At the same time, the Middle East is by no means the only conflict of preoccupation.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the last year alone, military takeovers have supplanted established orders across Western Africa<\/b>, the aggression and war against Ukraine<\/b>\u00a0has entered another bloody chapter, and violence persists in places such as Haiti<\/b>, Yemen<\/b>, Myanmar<\/b>, and Sudan<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 and we cannot afford to ignore the implications of these conflicts for global peace and security.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a permanent member<\/b>\u00a0of the United Nations Security Council with elevated influence in the Council\u2019s decision-making \u2013 and the second-largest funding contributor<\/b>\u00a0to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ peacekeeping operations \u2013 China\u2019s leading role in the maintenance of international peace and security is so significant and has been on full display.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With the full contribution of China, we urgently need to focus our undivided attention on de-escalation of all flaring conflicts and work much harder to regain traction in the pursuit of peace<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 if we hope to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Goals.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Turning to Prosperity:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We know that the path to lasting and durable peace is forged through sustainable development \u2013 as they are two sides of the same coin.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Yet, due to varied reasons, we are woefully off track on every goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development \u2013 I repeat, every single goal<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Despite the reversals, it is encouraging that the world leaders demonstrated triumph of much needed unity, over division, at the 2023 SDG Summit <\/b>last September \u2013 laying out new commitments to fast-track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As the second largest economy<\/b>, it is also commendable that China has taken its responsibility to heart by extending and sharing the benefits of national progress beyond its own borders.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Building on its strong credentials as the largest developing country \u2013 and a vital actor<\/b>\u00a0within the Group of 77 and China<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 China has galvanized efforts to empower fellow Global South countries to enjoy prosperity on a range of issues, spanning the entire sustainable development agenda and most notably, on protecting the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Furthermore, through its diplomatic finesse, China has led the way in reaching a hard-won consensus on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, in 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And in December, China\u2019s advocacy and support helped COP28 usher in the Loss and Damage Fund<\/b>, as well as facilitate the adoption of the \u201cUAE Consensus\u201d<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 which will, we hope, accelerate a renewables revolution.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond climate change and the protection of the environment, China\u2019s massive investments are helping to bring about a new era of connectivity \u2013 and achieving early, fruitful results.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More than 100 countries and international organizations have expressed support for President Xi\u2019s Global Development Initiative<\/b>\u00a0to support all 17 of the SDGs.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Three quarters of the world\u2019s countries, and more than 30 international organizations, have also signed agreements with President Xi\u2019s Belt and Road Initiative.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I am confident that with China\u2019s continued engagement \u2013 and the country\u2019s laser focus on achieving national and global prosperity \u2013 we can bring both climate action and SDG progress back on track.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dear Friends,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On that note, let me say a few words about Progress<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A critical measure of our success will hinge on how well we level the playing field to realize human rights for all<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n This is especially true as we recently commemorated the 75th<\/sup>\u00a0anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 and amid growing trends across the globe in the erosion of equal rights for vulnerable groups, such as women and girls, persons with disabilities, and those belonging to minority groups.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In my view, we stand little chance of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with half the global population, that is women left sitting on the sidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I have therefore made gender equality<\/b>\u00a0and women\u2019s empowerment a priority of my Presidency \u2013 and I am committed to working with China and all Member States to achieve meaningful progress on this issue.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As you may know, I am working to mainstream gender across the General Assembly\u2019s priorities, relying on the expert counsel of my Special Adviser on Gender Equality and Women\u2019s Empowerment<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 who is with me on this important visit. May I invite Ambassador Keisha Maguire to stand and be acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I am also grateful for the invaluable support I am receiving from the Advisory Board on Gender Equality<\/b>, which I reestablished last Fall soon after assuming the Presidency.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I count on China\u2019s robust engagement in this regard.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As host of the landmark 1995 Fourth Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Conference on Women<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 which unleashed truly game-changing progress on women\u2019s equality \u2013 China has vast potential to attack multidimensional poverty and empower literally hundreds of millions of women and girls.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For all countries, this starts fundamentally with ensuring equal access to education<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 most especially for girls.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Distinguished participants,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A final thought on Sustainability<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 a word that captures the longevity of all our endeavors, and which I know has a special significance in the Chinese context given the age and level of evolution of this civilization.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In 2024 and beyond we have several opportunities to harness in strengthening sustainability \u2013 and we cannot, and must not<\/b>, miss them.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A key starting point is to re-evaluate and to recalibrate the way we live, produce and consume.<\/span><\/p>\n