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New York UN

STATEMENT BY MR MARK SEAH, CHARGE D’AFFAIRS a.i. OF SINGAPORE, AT THE GENERAL DEBATE ON THE REVITALIZATION OF THE WORK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 20 FEBRUARY 2024, ECOSOC

20 February 2024

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Thank you, Co-Chairs,


1        It is very good to see you both guiding our process this year, building upon the excellent work of your predecessors. My delegation aligns with the statement delivered by Algeria on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Lao PDR on behalf of ASEAN.  As my delegation has already made clear our observations and suggestions in our national statement at the 10 November 2023 debate, I will be brief.



Co-Chairs,


2        The 78th session will focus on the Role and Authority of the General Assembly and the Working Methods of the General Assembly.  We should therefore ensure that the hard-won initiatives reflected in Resolution 77/335 are implemented. These include reinforcing and adequately resourcing the Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA)[1]; establishing a repository of relevant information on the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General; and the principles we agreed upon in Annex II of Resolution 77/335 to preserve the primacy of the General Debate.



3        However, we should not rest on our laurels.  We should work towards even more transparency and effectiveness in our working methods.  My delegation had previously mentioned the issue of allowing anonymous requests for votes; Member States should address this issue in the relevant committee and in the next iteration of the GA Revitalisation resolution.  My delegation also hopes that we will go further than a repository, and actually “outline and describe the process for the selection of the UN Secretary-General”. As before, my delegation urges our friends in the P5 to see such proposals in a positive light, in line with the principles of transparency and inclusiveness described in OP 58 of Resolution 77/335. 

 

Co-Chairs,


4        In these troubled times, we need to revitalise and reinforce the United Nations. To do so, we need to ensure a strong and revitalised General Assembly at its core, able to effectively set norms, create standards, develop international law, and express the collective will of nations. 



5        Thank you for your attention.

  .       .       .       .


* 1]  Pursuant to OP88 of Resolution 77/335.

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