The 78th session of the UN General Assembly commenced on Tuesday, inaugurated by the newly appointed General Assembly President, Dennis Francis.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a message delivered by his deputy Amina Mohammed, highlighted the pressing global challenges testing the United Nations. Despite these challenges, Guterres urged action for peace, human rights, sustainable development, and climate change mitigation. He emphasized the importance of harnessing technology, like artificial intelligence, for the benefit of humanity.
General Assembly President Dennis Francis acknowledged the daunting global agenda and urged member states to empower the vulnerable, promote shared prosperity, and leverage youth, innovation, and technology for accelerated progress. He called for a renewed spirit of global cooperation and multilateralism to ensure the security and dignity of all.
Francis stressed the need for long-term investments to address the intertwined challenges of climate, conflict, and poverty, emphasizing tailored solutions for conflict-affected regions. He also highlighted the persistent issue of global hunger and the imperative of closing gender gaps, confronting violence against women, and promoting equal rights.
Furthermore, Francis underscored the importance of addressing discrimination against minorities and promoting human rights. He called for the development of sustainable societies in harmony with nature to ensure the survival of humanity and the planet.
In summary, the 78th UN General Assembly session begins amidst significant global challenges, and leaders are emphasizing the need for collective action, multilateral cooperation, and a focus on peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
