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PRESS BRIEFING <\/strong><\/p>\n BY MONICA GRAYLEY,\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n SPOKESPERSON FOR\u00a0GENERAL ASSEMBLY\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n PRESIDENT DENNIS FRANCIS<\/strong><\/p>\n United Nations Headquarters, New York<\/strong><\/p>\n 15 July 2024<\/p>\n Video link<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Good afternoon, everyone!<\/p>\n GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT, DENNIS FRANCIS, TO TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE<\/strong><\/p>\n The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Dennis Francis, will undertake official visit to the Republic of Singapore from 18 to 19 July.<\/p>\n During his stay, the PGA is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with key leaders of Singapore, including President H.E. Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.<\/p>\n His itinerary also includes site visits to Marina Barrage, Punggol Regional Library, Singapore Council of Women’s Organizations, and the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development.<\/p>\n Additionally, the PGA will participate in a roundtable dialogue at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies with members of the academic community in Singapore.<\/p>\n As acknowledgement to Singapore\u2019s leadership of the Forum of Small States (FOSS), the visit highlights the critical role that small states play in the multilateral system, and their contributions to the work programme of the United Nations, including in addressing global challenges such as climate change and sea-level rise.<\/p>\n Throughout his engagements, the PGA will also discuss the importance of digital inclusivity and access, and how rapid digital transformations can be leveraged to achieve our collective goals of peace, progress, prosperity, and sustainability, ensuring no one is left behind.<\/p>\n The PGA\u2019s delegation includes his Chef de Cabinet, an Adviser to the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Team, a Communications Adviser, and a Security Officer.<\/p>\n Travel costs for the visit are jointly covered by the OPGA\u2019s Trust Fund and the Government of the Republic of Singapore.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n PGA CONDEMNS ATTACKS IN THE GAZA STRIP WHICH KILLED OVER 90 PEOPLE<\/strong><\/p>\n President Francis condemns the attack against the Al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis in southwest Gaza on Saturday, which killed over 90 people and left hundreds injured.<\/p>\n The PGA reiterated his call for the immediate end of violence in the region and for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n VIOLENCE AND HOSTILITY HAVE NO PLACE IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS, PRESIDENT FRANCIS SAYS<\/strong><\/p>\n The President of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly is shocked and distressed at the attempted assassination of the former President Donald Trump during a campaign speech over the weekend in the city of Butler, in the state of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n The PGA says that: \u201cWhether in domestic or international politics, violence and hostility have no place in the conduct of political affairs. It is in the nature of life, and of politics, that we have differing views and opinions about fundamental issues affecting people. Such differences however ought never to make us enemies of our neighbours and interlocutors.\u201d<\/p>\n On behalf of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Mr. Francis wishes President Trump a full and speedy recovery and equally speedy return to the former President\u2019s activities on the hustings.<\/p>\n The GA President also would like to express his deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Corey Comperatore, who lost his life on Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n The PGA wishes a speedy recovery to the people who were injured during that tragic event.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDELIVER WE MUST\u201d, PGA SPEAKS AT HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS<\/strong><\/p>\n This morning, President Francis addressed the High-Level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the opening of the Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum, in the General Assembly Hall.<\/p>\n This year, the theme is “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions\u201d.<\/p>\n The PGA stressed the need for accelerated action to implement the Sustainable Development Goals for people and planet.<\/p>\n He said that the theme leads to the urgency of finding \u201csustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions that would enable us to effectively deliver on our 2030 commitments. Because deliver we must.\u201d<\/p>\n Only 17 per cent of the 17 Global Goals are on track, six years away from the 2030 deadline.<\/p>\n President Francis stressed that \u201cWe literally have no more time to lose.\u201d<\/p>\n More on the PGA\u2019s speech, visit our website www.un.org\/pga\/78<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n PGA DENNIS FRANCIS MARKS NELSON MANDELA DAY<\/strong><\/p>\n President Francis chaired an informal meeting of the GA to celebrate the Nelson Mandela International Day, which is marked every year on 18 July.<\/p>\n In his opening remarks, the PGA stated that Mandela\u2019s \u201cvisionary leadership not only brought an end to apartheid but also continues to resonate and inspire us today \u2013 constantly reminding us that what he stood for then, still stands despite his demise.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Francis highlighted that Madiba\u2019s \u201cenduring legacy left an indelible mark around the world \u2013 and is a testament to the profound positive impact of humanity\u2019s good deeds, when we opt to be our best of being.\u201d<\/p>\n The event under the theme \u201cIt is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality\u201d took place in the Trusteeship Council Chamber and also heard from the Deputy Secretary-General of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, Ms. Amina J Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.<\/p>\n The editor and author, Richard Allen Stengel, also delivered opening remarks.<\/p>\n The philanthropist and IFAD Goodwill Ambassador, Mrs. Sabrina Elba, delivered a video message followed by interventions of all five regional groups to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.<\/p>\n Still on the Nelson Mandela Day, the PGA wrote a letter to Member States inviting the diplomatic community to participate in the traditional Nelson Mandela International Day Public Service Activity, which will take place on 18 July from 1:30 to 4:00, Randall\u2019s Island in New York City.<\/p>\n The event is co-organized by NYC Mayor\u2019s Office for International Affairs, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Department for Global Communications, Office of the President of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly, the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and in partnership with the Randall\u2019s Park Alliance. More information on the PGA\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n President Dennis Francis recorded a video on the World Youth Skills Day, which is marked today. According to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, the world has around 1.2 billion young people or 16 per cent of the population aged between 15 and 24 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n Mr. Francis believes that their engagement is vital for driving innovation and sustainable solutions.<\/p>\n The PGA says that: \u201cEmpowering youth is not just a moral imperative, it is a strategic investment in our shared future.\u201d<\/p>\n On this World Youth Skills Day, he is urging Member States, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ system, and all stakeholders \u2013 private sector, civil society, among others \u2013 to strengthen efforts in supporting youth.\u201d<\/p>\n More on the PGA\u2019s Message on his YouTube channel here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n * *** *<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n YouTube:<\/strong><\/p>\n www.youtube.com\/@Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵPGA78<\/p>\n Twitter (X):<\/strong><\/p>\n @Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ_PGA<\/p>\n Instagram:<\/strong><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/unpga<\/p>\n LinkedIn:<\/strong><\/p>\n https:\/\/lnkd.in\/eBPsvcsU<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PRESS BRIEFING BY MONICA GRAYLEY,\u00a0 SPOKESPERSON FOR\u00a0GENERAL ASSEMBLY\u00a0 PRESIDENT DENNIS FRANCIS United Nations Headquarters, New York 15 July 2024 Video link \u00a0 Good afternoon, everyone! GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT, DENNIS FRANCIS, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":372,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" [et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.23.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_margin=\"-5px|||||\" custom_padding=\"0px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.21.2\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"2803.6px\" custom_margin=\"-22px|auto||auto||\" custom_padding=\"11px|||||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.21.2\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/dQPBHQiYQpE\" _builder_version=\"4.25.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" vertical_offset_tablet=\"0\" horizontal_offset_tablet=\"0\" custom_margin=\"1px|||||\" hover_enabled=\"0\" z_index_tablet=\"0\" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=\"0px\" box_shadow_vertical_tablet=\"0px\" box_shadow_blur_tablet=\"40px\" box_shadow_spread_tablet=\"0px\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.25.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" vertical_offset_tablet=\"0\" horizontal_offset_tablet=\"0\" custom_margin=\"-22px|||||\" custom_padding=\"||41px|||\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/dQPBHQiYQpE\" link_option_url_new_window=\"on\" hover_enabled=\"0\" z_index_tablet=\"0\" text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=\"0px\" header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=\"1px\" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=\"0px\" box_shadow_vertical_tablet=\"0px\" box_shadow_blur_tablet=\"40px\" box_shadow_spread_tablet=\"0px\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p> PRESS BRIEFING <\/strong><\/p> BY MONICA GRAYLEY,\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> SPOKESPERSON FOR\u00a0GENERAL ASSEMBLY\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> PRESIDENT DENNIS FRANCIS<\/strong><\/p> United Nations Headquarters, New York<\/strong><\/p> 11 July 2024<\/p> Video link<\/a><\/p> \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> Good afternoon, everyone!<\/p> RHETORIC ROOTED IN HATE LEADS TO Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵSPEAKABLE EVIL, PGA SAYS<\/strong><\/p> The President of the General Assembly, Mr. Dennis Francis, spoke this morning at the High-level Commemorative Event on the first International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.<\/p> The PGA paid tribute to over eight thousand three hundred people killed 29 years ago in this \u201chorrific chapter of History\u201d.<\/p> President Francis warned against rhetoric \u201calways rooted in hate\u201d that, if left unchecked, will \u201calways lead to unspeakable evil.\u201d<\/p> He highlighted the need for \u201cremaining vigilant and guarding\u201d against narratives that dehumanize, degrade, and discriminate against a particular group of people.<\/p> In May, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 78\/282 designating 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.<\/p> The event in the General Assembly Hall was organized by the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> GA PRESIDENT TAKES PART IN EVENT ON TRANSFORMING EDUCATION<\/strong><\/p> This morning, President Francis joined the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, and the President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), H.E. Ms. Paula Narvaez, at the High-level opening of the Special Event on Transforming Education.<\/p> The event focused on the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on ensuring inclusive, equitable and quality education for all.<\/p> In his remarks, the PGA said that \u201cby mobilizing real action, ambition and innovative solutions, we can transform education to meet the demands of our rapidly changing world \u2013 for everyone, everywhere\u201d.<\/p> He highlighted the need for urgent action as 250 million children and youth are out of school and basic reading skills are lacking in 40 per cent of primary school children in the world. Some 25 per cent of young people are not in education, employment, or training.<\/p> President Francis spoke about the relation between education investments and debt increase in developing countries, where those investments are most needed to change the future of millions of children.<\/p> The Special Event on Transforming Education was convened by the Secretary-General with the Presidents of the General Assembly and of ECOSOC.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> GA HOLDS PLENARY MEETING ON UKRAINE, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ SYSTEM AND OTHER TOPICS<\/strong><\/p> This afternoon, at 3 p.m., the General Assembly will hold its 99th<\/sup> plenary meeting on several agenda times including a report by the Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity (Item 129: (A\/78\/901<\/a>). This will be followed by the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine - Item 62: draft resolution (A\/78\/L.90<\/a>)\u00a0 on \u201cSafety and security of nuclear facilities of Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant\u201d, which will be acted upon by Member States. The last topic on the agenda is Item 122 entitled \u201cStrengthening of the United Nations system - \u201cParticipation of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector in the high-level Summit of the Future\u201d.<\/p> \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> PGA CONVENES MEETING ON Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA PLEDGING CONFERENCE ON 12 JULY<\/strong><\/p> Tomorrow at 10 a.m., the PGA will convene a meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA).<\/p> The event is in the Trusteeship Council Chamber.<\/p> So far, there are 61 speakers inscribed on the list. The first remarks will be delivered by the European Union and the last will be the Holy See.<\/p> After this briefing, you will receive the list of speakers in the transcript via your mailbox.<\/p> The PGA is looking forward to a strong event and encouraging Member States, philanthropic organizations, the private sector, and the public to donate to the work of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA. Today, the PGA published an opinion article for the newspaper The National from the United Arab Emirates on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA funding being needed now more than ever.<\/p> The event will be opened by Mr. Dennis Francis. The Secretary-General, Mr. Ant\u9ac7io Guterres, and the Commissioner-General Mr. Philippe Lazzarini will also address the Conference with opening remarks.<\/p> We have a dedicated website<\/a> produced by the Office of the PGA with more information.<\/p> Access the live webcast here<\/a>.<\/p>