In a world of increasingly fragmented societies and deepening political divides, a greater focus on people — and bolstered trust between them — was critical to tackling the threats posed by nuclear weapons, forced migration and other urgent challenges, stressed Secretary-General António Guterres as he opened the General Assembly’s seventy-second high-level debate today.
In progress at UNHQ
Plenary
Acting on the recommendation of its General Committee, the General Assembly adopted the work programme and agenda for its seventy-second session today, deciding for the first time in 12 years to include the item “The Responsibility to Protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity”.
Commencing the seventy-second session of the General Assembly today, President Miroslav Lajčák said his tenure would be a “year of firsts” and called upon Member States to come together to help people striving for peace and a decent life.
The outgoing President of the General Assembly today stressed he was fully convinced that the only way to safeguard the future of the planet was through the faithful implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as he formally handed over the gavel to the President-elect of the seventy-second session.
Concluding the work of its seventy-first session, the General Assembly adopted six resolutions this morning, including one relating to global economic governance.
The General Assembly, adopting six consensus resolutions today on issues ranging from preventing the trafficking of human organs to enhancing the participation of indigenous peoples in the United Nations work, also took up its own revitalization, committing to enhancing its role, authority, effectiveness and efficiency.
The General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution today, transmitting to its seventy-second session the draft outcome document of its 27-28 September high-level meeting on the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
The new Counter-Terrorism Office marked a milestone in efforts to improve United Nations efficiency in fighting terrorism, delegates in the General Assembly said today, calling on its freshly appointed head to strengthen coordination among the 38 agencies, funds and programmes, and affiliated organizations to end the scourge.
Member States approved a decision on membership of and representation on the Security Council today, as the General Assembly adopted three other texts covering a range of issues and agenda items.
The General Assembly today reaffirmed its support for the Organization’s new approach to cholera in Haiti, including the establishment of the United Nations Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund, and invited Member States, donors, financial institutions, the private sector and others to extend financial support for the initiative.