(UN)Philemon Yang

It was an honour to address the opening session of the Council of Presidents of the UN General Assembly. The Council is a truly unique body. It brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and experience, all of whom have filled the same role – President of the General Assembly. It is my sincere hope that I can draw on this unique and diverse group and that, together, we can learn from our past and help to influence a better tomorrow.

.@KamalaHarris will be a president for all Americans. She actually cares about making your lives better. Donald Trump only thinks about himself. I want you to remember this: if someone doesn’t respect you, they should not represent you. That’s not what you need in your life. And we don’t need Donald Trump leading our country for another four years.

I am deeply alarmed by the Israeli Parliament’s adoption of two laws which, if implemented, will prevent the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from undertaking its essential work in Gaza and in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem. @UNRWA, an agency directly established and mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 302 (IV) of 18 December 1949, plays a critical role in providing protection, shelter, food, water, and medical care to millions of Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. A collapse of UNRWA operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as a result of these two laws would exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian situation. This is unacceptable. I urgently call on the Government of Israel to abide by UN resolutions and to allow UNRWA to continue its indispensable work.

The world has enough capital, but barriers prevent it from reaching people and financing climate action. At the G20 Task Force on Global Mobilization Against Climate we challenged the status quo to rethink climate finance, and to scale up investments in sustainable development.

On #UNDay, we honor 79 years of the UN Charter guiding our efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world—one that spares future generations from the scourge of war. I extend my deepest thanks to all UN personnel for their tireless service. Together, we must recommit to our shared mission for a better future for all. Full Video: youtube.com/watch?v=2ZRf4h…

It was my pleasure to meet with the UN Youth Champions for Disarmament on the first day of #DisarmamentWeek. Engaging with passionate young leaders is crucial, as their voices and contributions are key to sustaining peace and security. I appreciated hearing their valuable insights and perspectives. The role of youth is critical in shaping a more peaceful and secure future. #Youth4Disarmament

Today is #WorldPolioDay More than 20 million people are walking today who would have been paralyzed by #polio if not for efforts to deliver vaccines to children around the🌎. Let's continue the push to vaccinate every child. Together, we can #EndPolio. 🔗bit.ly/2WH9Lpb

I appreciate the Chairs of the six Main Committees taking the time to give me an update on the Committees' progress this session. I urged the Chairs to ensure the Committees conclude their work on time and reiterated my willingness to extend my support if and when required.

Today, I was glad to meet with the Western European and Other States Group to express my gratitude for their warm welcome and support since I assumed the Presidency of the General Assembly. As we move forward, it is crucial that we take action to implement the commitments of the Pact for the Future. My door remains open as we work together for a stronger, more united UN.

Deeply honored to attend the commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the Mandate on Sexual Violence in Conflict this morning. Listening to the impactful keynote addresses by advocates, including former U.S. Secretary of State @HillaryClinton, reaffirmed the urgency of our collective mission. My thanks to all speakers for their tireless work toward justice and dignity for all.

Today I met with H.E. Christian Lindner, Federal Minister of Finance of Germany. We discussed the importance of implementing the Pact for the Future and reforming the UN. I thanked Germany for its essential contributions to the UN system.

Had a productive meeting today with Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the International Court of Justice @CIJ_ICJ, and Mr. Philippe Gautier, Registrar, to discuss key issues ahead of the Court's report to the UNGA. The ICJ’s role in providing advisory opinions on critical matters is vital to upholding international law. I look forward to presiding over the report presentation this Thursday, 24 October.

Deeply honored to address my peers at the Africa Group, whose unwavering support for the Pact for the Future ensured that this historic outcome reflects the special challenges faced by countries, particularly African countries, that are on the frontlines of today’s crises. Together, we will amplify Africa’s voice throughout the 79th Session, ensuring that Africa’s priorities are front and center.

As I addressed the Third Committee today, I reaffirm that human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, peace and prosperity. In a world where respect for human rights is deteriorating in many parts, we cannot remain silent. From Gaza and Lebanon, to Sudan, Ukraine and beyond, we see the devastating results of increasing violence, conflict and persecution. We face immense challenges. Our collective response must be rooted in global solidarity, commitment to international law, and an unwavering respect for the promotion and protection of human rights for everyone, everywhere. Let us continue to find unity in our common humanity and work towards a future that is safe, just, equal, and inclusive for all.

Honored to deliver remarks today at the Dialogue with the Circle of Women Ambassadors on gender parity. The Pact for the Future makes it clear that none of our goals can be achieved without the full, safe, equal and meaningful participation and representation of all women in political and economic life. I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality throughout my Presidency. Together, we must take bold action to empower women and girls everywhere.

Glad to meet with the African Union Peace and Security Council Troika today. We discussed the upcoming 18th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting between the AU PSC and the UN Security Council, focusing on critical issues such as Sudan, Somalia, the Sahel, and more. I look forward to our continued collaboration for peace and security in Africa and globally.

Today I met with representatives of Jordan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Norway, Palestine, Slovenia, South Africa, and UNRWA. We discussed the potential consequences of draft legislation under consideration in the Israeli Parliament regarding UNRWA, an agency mandated by the General Assembly.

Had a warm meeting with H.E. Ms. Carla Maria Rodríguez Mancia, Permanent Representative of Guatemala. We reflected on her contributions, including her work as Vice-President of the General Assembly, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing multilingualism at the UN. Wishing her all the best in her future endeavors and looking forward to continued collaboration with Guatemala.

Had a good meeting with H.E. Mr. Cornel Feruţă, Permanent Representative of Romania, to discuss ongoing efforts to revitalize the General Assembly and strengthen its work. Looking forward to continued collaboration in advancing our shared priorities.

Today I met with H.E Mr. Evangelos C. Sekeris, Permanent Representative of Greece. It was my great pleasure to congratulate him on Greece's election to the @UN Security Council. We discussed Greece's priorities for their Council term and the importance of the Pact for the Future and the revitalisation of the General Assembly.