President of South Korea addresses UNGA 77

By
Sabrina Sohail
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President of South Korea addresses UNGA 77
The South Korean President addresses at the 77th Session of United Nations General Assembly

New York, 21 September 2022 (TDI): The President of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol addressed the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

During his address, the President highlighted a number of issues of regional and international dynamics.


Earlier, the government of South Korea had announced the 3-nation visit by its President. It kicked off with President Yoon’s visit to the UK where he attended Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

The President is currently in the USA where he is set to meet many officials. Lastly, the President will conclude his trip with an official visit to Canada.

Also Read: South Korean President attends Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral

Address by  South Korean President:

President Yoon started his address with sincere congratulations to the new President of UNGA for its 77th Session, Csaba Korosi. He hoped that under Csaba’s leadership, UNGA 77 will bring countries together in a more brilliant way to shape a better world.


Additionally, the President also expressed his respect to the Secretary-General of the UN, Antonio Guterres for his tireless devotion. He further emphasized working together for the protection and freedom of individuals as well as nations.

The President said that it is in the UN charter to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.

He added that now this freedom is endangered by the establishment of weapons of mass destruction. He said that such threats to freedom and peace should be overcome through solidarity.

On the occasion, the President highlighted UNGA 77’s theme of “watershed moment”. He stated that genuine freedom and peace can turn into reality when people are free from disease, hunger, illiteracy, and want of energy and culture.

The South Korean President also appreciated the work of UN ECOSOC and UNESCO, among others in this domain, and called for taking more action.

Highlighting global issues

On the occasion, President Yoon highlighted a number of global issues faced by the world. He called for the UN to play a central role in bringing nations together to help the weaker nations in the post-pandemic era.

The South Korean President pointed out the globally recognized issue of food and health security. Additionally, he highlighted climate change and other environmental hazards disrupted due to pollution.

He also called for nations to share their new and renewable energy technologies with others to achieve the global agenda of decarbonization.

Correspondingly, he affirmed that South Korea will continue to widely share its advanced digital technology and data. Moreover, he said that South Korea will spare no effort in providing support and in investing in education.

Korea’s efforts

In this domain, the President noted that South Korea has helped accelerate research and development for COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines. this is done by pledging $300 million toward the ACT-A.

It is a global initiative that pools together resources from governments, health organizations, scientists, businesses, and philanthropists to counteract the pandemic.

At the same time, the country is also increasing its contribution to the Global Fund to fight against infectious diseases including AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

The President said that Korea is committed to playing its role in the prosperity of the global community. Moreover, he announced that Korea will host a ministerial meeting of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) this November.

Additionally, the President told that Korea is moving forward to transform the government into a digital platform government. It will upgrade Korea’s democracy, public service, and welfare through digital technology.

In his closing remarks, the President highlighted that the very first mission of the UN after its founding was to approve the Republic of Korea (ROK) as the sole legitimate government on the Korean Peninsula and to defend the freedom of the country.

He said that the UN has played an important role in fulfilling this goal. Correspondingly, he thanked the UN for helping Korea throughout its history.

He said due to the UN’s forces during Korean War, South Korea was able to defend its territory and sovereignty.

Further, he said that the Republic of Korea will protect and expand the freedom of global citizens. The President affirmed working together with the UN to promote peace and prosperity around the world.

UNGA 77

The 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly is headed by Csaba Korosi. Its high-level meetings commenced on 19 September and will continue till 23 September.

Also Read: Former UNGA President attends 77 UNGA Session

During this time period, participants will hold meaningful debates on regional and international issues. They will also highlight the implementation of policies under the UN for education, environment, and food security.