UN General Assembly President on Defending the Multilateral System

The Multilateral System Under Attack

• 🌍 The multilateral system is facing unprecedented pressure and is "under heavy attack," with not all member states fully invested in the UN Charter, international law, and human rights.
• ⚠️ The system is not collapsing in a single event but is expected to crumble piece by piece, necessitating a defense of the institution and its principles.

Priorities for the 80th Session

• 🛡️ The main priority is to defend the UN institution, its charter, and its enshrined principles by building a cross-regional alliance.
• 🤝 Member states are called upon to symbolically recommit by signing the 80th Anniversary Charter poster.
• 🔄 The UN80 reform initiative is crucial, acknowledging drastic changes in the political and diplomatic ecosystem and the need for new working methods.

Secretary-General Selection Process

• 🗓️ Interactive dialogues with candidates for the next Secretary-General are scheduled for the week of April 20th.
• 🗣️ The selection process will include member states and civil society, aiming to send a clear message about the UN's identity and values.
• ⚖️ The choice of the next Secretary-General will demonstrate the organization's commitment to serving all of humanity, including women and girls, and addressing global challenges.

Challenges and Reforms

• 📉 The UN faces significant political and financial pressures, impacting logistical aspects and the ability to conduct meetings and hearings.
• 💡 Creative solutions are needed to address financial gaps, including exploring public-private partnerships and leveraging digitalization and AI for efficiency.
• 🌐 The UN is a sum of its member states, and its future depends on the majority standing united to uphold the charter and principles, even in the face of headwinds.

Specific Issues and Concerns

• 🇵🇸 The UN General Assembly has renewed the mandate of UNRWA until 2029, emphasizing its crucial role in Gaza and other regions, despite recent legislation targeting the agency.
• 🇸🇾 There is a call for the protection of all civilians, including Kurdish people, in Syria and a strong urge for all parties to return to dialogue and negotiations.
• ⚖️ The UN must uphold human rights and hold those accountable for violations, emphasizing that humanity is indivisible and access to international organizations and media is vital for accountability.