UN General Assembly President unveils priorities, paving the way for a productive and successful session

These priorities range from financing for development and eliminating child labour to achieving peace and security in Africa. These priorities are expected to inject new vigour into the work of the UN General Assembly.

“As with all our priorities, we will be measured by our actions. My team and I intend to “walk the talk” and deliver on my promises to you, the Member States of the United Nations,” stated President Yang.  “For the challenges we face, require that we commit to work together to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves,” he added.

President Yang’s priorities for the resumed session address the three pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. These priorities are:

·         Peace and security in Africa

·         Combatting the illicit use of small arms and light weapons

·         Preserving human dignity in armed conflict

·         Eliminating child labour

·         Financing for development, and

·         Turbocharging the SDGs, including through digitalization. 

Multilingualism and the empowerment of women will be cross-cutting issues at the core of his priorities for the session. 

With its membership of 193 Member States, the General Assembly stands as the most powerful platform for multilateral discussion on the full spectrum of international issues.

The landmark Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, adopted in September 2024, have set the stage for a renewed international system that is responsive to the realities of today’s world and the challenges of tomorrow.

The President will support Member States in advancing implementation of the Pact for the Future during the resumed session by convening three informal dialogues. These dialogues will be an opportunity to engage in open, inclusive and action-oriented discussions to shape the path forward.

“Unity in Diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone, everywhere” is the theme of President Yang’s mandate. The cornerstone of his Presidency will be built on the principles of unity in diversity, fostering an environment where every voice is not only heard but valued.

The 79th Session of the UN General Assembly is charged with delivering on numerous mandates, some of which have already been executed successfully. Many more are planned for 2025 which include: the High-level meeting to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth; the World Social Summit for Development; and the High-level meeting to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

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