Inaugurating the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, the newly appointed President Philemon Yang presented his vision of unity among diversity.
In order to address a number of global issues, such as climate change, growing violence, and a halt in sustainable growth, Yang also advocated for greater international cooperation.
Yang emphasised the importance of equitable economic growth powered by innovation and green economies, ensuring that the benefits of economic development are accessible to all nations, large and small.
He urged states to tackle current crises, such as those in the Gaza Strip, Haiti, Ukraine, and the Great Lakes region of Africa, adding that peace and security will also be top concerns.
He declared, “We have to make every effort to reduce tensions and instead foster global trust.”Human rights will continue to be a top priority for the Assembly, which will also be striving to improve the coordination of humanitarian activities and strengthen international law and justice systems.
According to Yang, doing this will make sure that aid reaches the people who need it most and that the organisation responds to disasters quickly.
He then on, emphasising the need to protect human dignity, “Last but not least, we will address the pervasive challenges of international terrorism, drug and human trafficking, and modern slavery.”
He continued, “As President of the General Assembly, I am dedicated to guiding these conversations and utilising our combined knowledge and resolve to produce meaningful solutions.” At the session’s beginning, UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke as well, emphasising the need for swift action by everybody to address a world that is “in trouble.”
He applauded President Yang’s vision and leadership, vowing his full support to bring the different member states together around common aims.
He declared, “The UN has been the forum for multilateral solutions, based on cooperation, discourse, diplomacy, and the UN Charter, since its founding.
“Recognising the seriousness of the current state of affairs worldwide, the UN head stressed the need for practical solutions in a number of areas, such as lowering poverty, inequality, and the climate issue. He stated that we need solutions to bring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back to life and end poverty and inequality,” stressing the importance of prioritising economic growth and job creation, especially for women and young people.
The Secretary-General also emphasised the importance of developing technologies, including as artificial intelligence (AI), and the need to ensure they serve as tools for advancement rather than impediments.
“Step by step, solution by solution, we can rebuild trust and faith in one another,” he said, urging continued adherence to the ideals that have governed the organisation since its inception in 1945. Following the approval of resolution ES-10/23 at the tenth emergency extraordinary session earlier this year, the State of Palestine will be seated among Member States at the General Assembly for the first time.
In addition, the resolution granted the State of Palestine the ability to attend Assembly meetings and vote, but it did not provide it the ability to run for office or cast a ballot in UN Main Organs like the Security Council or the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The State of Palestine still needs a special recommendation from the Security Council to be granted membership; the increased rights and privileges do not grant it.
In Essence
Yang’s emphasis on greater international collaboration is crucial as the world faces interconnected crises such as the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the instability in Haiti, and the challenges in Africa’s Great Lakes region.
His focus on peace, security, and trust-building reflects a commitment to reducing tensions and fostering diplomatic solutions.
Yang’s vision prioritizes equitable economic growth, innovation, and green economies, aligning with the global push for climate action and sustainable development.
The UN’s call to revive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) echoes the urgency to tackle poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, ensuring no nation is left behind.
