- The 79th session of the UN General Assembly opened on Tuesday afternoon in New York, with incoming President Philemon Yang outlining a vision of unity in diversity and calling for deeper international cooperation to tackle a host of global challenges, including climate change, escalating conflict, and a slowdown in sustainable development.
Mr. Yang underscored the need for equitable economic growth driven by innovation and green economies, ensuring that ¡°the benefits of economic development are accessible to all nations, large and small.¡±
Peace and security, he added, will also be key priorities, as he urged nations to resolve ongoing conflicts, including in the Gaza Strip, Haiti, Ukraine, and the Great Lakes region of Africa.
¡°We must invest in all efforts to decrease tensions and instead build trust around the world,¡± he said.
Human rights at the core
Human rights, together with strengthening international law and justice frameworks, will remain high on the agenda, with the Assembly working to enhance the coordination of humanitarian efforts.
This will help ensure its response to crises is timely and efficient, and that aid reaches those most in need, Mr. Yang said.
¡°³¢²¹²õ³Ù±ô²â,&²Ô²ú²õ±è;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.
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