GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENTS COUNCIL MEETS WITH ASSOCIATION OF PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES IN NEW YORK TO DISCUSS UN REFORM, 2005 SUMMIT OUTCOME

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENTS COUNCIL MEETS WITH ASSOCIATION OF PERMANENT

REPRESENTATIVES IN NEW YORK TO DISCUSS UN REFORM, 2005 SUMMIT OUTCOME

The Council of Presidents of the General Assembly and the Executive Committee of the International Association of Permanent Representatives held a joint meeting on 15 November in New York.

Emphasizing the importance of strengthening the General Assembly so that it can fulfil the role envisaged for it under the UN Charter as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations, the Council of Presidents and the International Association committed themselves to continue to work actively together.  They also agreed to support the efforts of the President of the General Assembly towards revitalizing the General Assembly, so that it can effectively strengthen the work of the Organization.

A number of issues contained in the 2005 World Summit Document were addressed, including the implementation of key decisions on development, security and human rights, as well as management reform.  The meeting stressed the importance of achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 as envisaged in the Millennium Declaration.

While regretting that the Outcome Document did not deal with disarmament and non-proliferation, the meeting welcomed the decision by the Summit to establish the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as the Human Rights Council.  It also acknowledged the need for management reform, to enable the United Nations to more effectively deal with the incidence of poverty and war and promote sustainable development.

The Council of Presidents and the International Association noted the diversity of the peoples of the world and recognized that all cultures and civilizations contribute to the enrichment of humankind. 

* *** *

For information media • not an official record