New York, 22 November 2023 (TDI): Closing the 78th General Assembly general debate, General Assembly President Dennis Francis emphasized the significance of the recent resolution on a humanitarian truce in Gaza, citing it as a reflection of the global conscience within the UN’s most representative body.
Despite resolutions being non-binding, they served as powerful political declarations, representing the majority view of the international community.
General Assembly President Dennis Francis, who took office in September, has been leading discussions on critical topics such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and UN Security Council reform.
In an interview, he highlighted the importance of unity among Member States in addressing issues related to peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability.
Regarding the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, the General Assembly played a role by adopting a resolution calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
General Assembly resolutions, though non-binding, carry moral weight, representing the majority view of the international community and conveying powerful political messages.
President Dennis Francis emphasized the significance of resolutions in shaping political discourse and fostering international relationships.
He underscored the importance of addressing the needs of the least developed countries, pointing out the outdated global financial architecture that does not adequately consider the developmental priorities of these nations.
Also read: International response to Gaza crisis at UNGA day two
Reflecting on the High-Level Week in September, President Francis highlighted the success of the SDG Summit and the adoption of declarations on health issues, emphasizing the need for global preparedness for future pandemics.
Addressing criticism that the UN, including the General Assembly, is outdated and ineffective, President Dennis Francis defended the organization as a crucial platform for coordination, consultation, and cooperation among sovereign governments.
He challenged critics to consider what could replace the UN and emphasized the UN’s role in preventing global conflicts.
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