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STATEMENT BY CDA a.i. MARK SEAH FOR BRIEFING BY THE 78TH PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DENNIS FRANCIS ON HIS PRIORITIES FOR THE RESUMED PART OF THE 78TH SESSION 16 JAN 2024, 1000HRS, TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL

16 January 2024

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Mr President,


  Thank you for this briefing.  My delegation aligns with the remarks given by the G77 and China, and AOSIS.


2 The 78th GA has been challenging. However, it was also productive, in large part due to your proactive and strong leadership.  Allow me to make a few observations in response to your briefing.


  • First, my delegation is heartened by the prominent and active role the GA has played on issues of international peace and security, especially where the Security Council has failed to agree on a prompt and united response. While the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, encourage the Security Council to work closely with the GA, on behalf of which it exercises its powers. 

  • Second, we agree with you on the importance of accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to follow up on the outcomes of the SDG Summit. We should not let geopolitical divisions and politics derail our existing commitments. We look forward to the inaugural UN Sustainability Week in April.We welcome your focus on small states and small island developing states (SIDS), including on their interests such as sea-level rise. The 4th SIDS Conference in Antigua & Barbuda in May this year will be a crucial milestone. 

  • Third, we welcome your commitment to championing and mainstreaming gender equality. 

  • Fourth, we look forward to the Summit of the Future this September, and commit to working constructively with all Member States to achieve ambitious, and actionable outcomes in order to strengthen the UN and multilateral system to ensure that it is able to tackle present and future challenges. 


3 We are confident that you will continue to guide the GA with a steady hand as we continue with our work in this session. You have my delegation’s full support.


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