Despite notable progress in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment worldwide, speakers today warned the General Assembly that the epidemic remains a global concern requiring greater collaboration among Member States, particularly in reaching the most vulnerable countries and populations.
Stressing the need for global and regional cooperation to manage and mitigate the effects of sand and dust storms, the General Assembly today adopted by consensus a resolution establishing 12 July as International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, to be observed annually.
The General Assembly today adopted the latest in a series of resolutions recognizing the right of return of all internally displaced persons and refugees and their descendants to their homes throughout Georgia, also underlining the need to develop a timetable towards this end.
After affirming their commitment last month to a landmark 2015 accord on limiting damage, losses and death from natural and man-made disasters by 2030, Member States gathered once again at the General Assembly Hall today, together with intergovernmental and other organizations, to spotlight how they are working to reduce risk and strengthen resilience, pointing to gaps in capacities and financing amid increasing weather-related disasters.
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks, as delivered by Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet, at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Pledging Conference, in New York today:
A total of 25 donors today announced contributions to the 2023 budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) after two young Palestinian student parliamentarians told the General Assembly Ad Hoc Committee of how urgently funding is needed to maintain access to all services including education — a rare beacon of hope amidst the ongoing crisis.
The General Assembly today elected by acclamation Dennis Francis (Trinidad and Tobago) to serve as President of its seventy-eighth session, after which its six Main Committees elected their respective Bureaus.
The Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine condemned today new attacks on Kyiv this morning, which killed civilians including one child. This sadly coincides with the country marking Ukrainian Children’s Day.
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the election of the President of the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly, in New York today:
Stressing the urgency of managing the risks of natural and man-made disasters to protect future generations, the General Assembly today resumed its review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 after adopting three resolutions that will deliver nearly $15 million to the special accounts of three peacekeeping missions.
