NOON BRIEFING HIGHLIGHTS
Spokesperson for General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi
United Nations Headquarters, New York
Monday, 6 February 2023
TüRKIYE/SYRIA
Let me start with the earthquake.
President Csaba Kőrösi this morning at the formal plenary of the General Assembly led a moment of silence for the victims of the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.
On behalf of the General Assembly, he also extended his deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Governments and peoples of Türkiye and the Syrian Arab Republic for the tragic loss of life and damage that resulted from the recent earthquake.
Related tweet: https://twitter.com/UN_PGA/status/1622633038076162050
SG’s GA BRIEFING
The General Assembly this morning heard a briefing by Secretary-General António Guterres on his priorities, then discussed them in an informal meeting.
President Kőrösi had said that he looked forward to hearing from Member States.
Quote “it is now on us to manage and prevent crises, build solidarity and pursue solutions at national, regional and global levels, anchored in the universality of human rights, that lay a solid foundation for sustainable and transformative change.”
Full remarks: https://www.un.org/pga/77/2023/02/06/report-of-the-secretary-general-on-the-work-of-the-organization/
PGA FELLOWS
And in the General Assembly Hall today, we were joined by the six PGA Youth Fellows. One of those fellows is Syuzanna, who will be with our comms team for the next several weeks.
YOUTH DELEGATES
On the topic of youth…
This afternoon, the President will have a conversation with youth delegates to the 61st Session of the Commission for Social Development.
The topic is “a youth-centric discussion on sustainable transformations for environment, education and employment”.
The opening message that the President is expected to give can be summarized as – you have a seat at the table. It’s time to show your suggestions.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This afternoon the General Assembly will take action on two draft resolutions.
One related to the LDC5 conference.
The other, if approved, would create a new International Day. 17 February would be observed annually as Global Tourism Resilience Day.
BILATERALS
In terms of his bilaterals, the President will meet today with Ambassador Maurizio Massari, the Permanent Representative of Italy.
SCIENCE BRIEFING
Tomorrow is the all-day science briefing in support of sustainable solutions.
Eminent scientists and academics to brief UN General Assembly on the economics of water; climate, conflict and cooperation; and early warning for pandemic preparedness.
Full programme was circulated today to Member States.
A media advisory is available at https://www.un.org/pga/77/2023/02/02/general-assembly-president-to-convene-science-based-briefing-to-member-states/
QUESTIONS
The Spokesperson was asked about comments by the Ukrainian PR at the stakeout, informing about a human rights-related event on 22 February. The Spokesperson confirmed via email that the event isn’t being organized under the umbrella of the General Assembly.
