Acknowledging that the world faces increasing uncertainty and geopolitical rifts, Csaba Kőrösi reminded the delegates that The United Nations was created from the ashes of war and devastation, with the aim of being “a well of solutions”.“.
“Meeting humanity’s most pressing challenges requires us to work together, and we re-energize inclusive, networked and productive multilateralism, while focusing on it,” he said. focus on what unites us.”
© UNICEF / Anton Skyba for The Globe and Mail
A man walks in front of a crater left by an explosion during the escalating conflict in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Ukraine War: ‘The Turning Point’
Mr. Kőrösi stressed that the conflict in Ukraine was a “turning point”, and that unless the world was on guard, the “methods” of war stemming from the Russian invasion could become part of the “toolkit” of Russia. of international life”.
“This war must be stopped. It kills people, it kills development, it kills nature and kills millions of people’s dreams,” he stressed.
The new president added that The risk of using nuclear weapons is now higher than in the past 40 years.
“This ominous reality calls for all of us to unite around disarmament,” he noted.
© UNICEF Malawi
A teacher and her students wear face masks at a primary school in Malawi.
No ‘business as usual’
Mr. Kőrösi also warned that conflicts will worsen as our planet heats up and its natural resources become more scarce.
“The water crisis is poised to become our next biggest threat. Recent weeks have seen record-setting temperatures, raging fires and devastating floods. Looks like Mother Nature is fighting back,” he said, adding that the world cannot go back to ‘business as usual’ after COVID-19.
The Hungarian diplomat also pointed out that although ‘more manageable’, The pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the globecoupled with severe food insecurity, soaring energy prices, record inflation and disruptions to global supply chains.
“We will not return to normal. The only way to achieve better results is to convert. The contours of the transformation we need are known in advance. The Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, Frame Sendaithe Paris Agreement and Our Common Agenda, all of which point us in the right direction. What remains to be seen, is whether we deliver,” he said.
UN Women Vietnam / Pham Quoc Hung
Girl studying science in Vietnam.
Science as a guide
New General Assembly President stressed that his term will promote “Solutions Through Solidarity, Sustainability and Science”, enhance the role of science in shaping UN agency decisions.
“I will work to accelerate measurable progress in the transition to sustainability – and foster the solidarity we need to achieve breakthroughs or avert future disasters. . Get the warehouse of Sustainable development goals simply not enough. We need more science on our side if we are to deliver the 2030 Goals,” he said.
Mr. Kőrösi is also committed to meaningful collaboration with civil society partners, academia, the private sector as well as researchers and practitioners to deliver solutions rooted in facts, information, and insights. verified and scientific.
“We also have to actively reach out to young people, engaging them in what we do so that when they sit in these chairs, they can come up with better plans and better ideas than we do.” ta,” he added, noting the recent landmark resolution to create the United Nations Office of Youth.
UN Photo / Evan Schneider
Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at the first plenary session of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Keep up the challenge
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, was the second person to speak during today’s General Assembly session.
He congratulated Mr. Kőrösi and emphasized that Unfortunately, the challenges that defined the 76th session, are still present.
“We are facing a world that is in great peril in our work in promoting peace, human rights and sustainable development,” he said, calling for unity to show great promise and potential of the United Nations.
Mr. Guterres told delegates at the General Assembly that the world was looking at them using all the tools at their disposal to negotiate, form consensus and produce solutions.
“Debate. Intentional incident. Diplomatic. These eternal tools represent the best path to a better, more peaceful world,” he stressed.
The UN chief concluded his speech emphasizing that the 77th Session of the General Assembly must be a moment of transformation, “for people and planet alike”.
