Under the theme ‘Unity in Diversity’, he emphasized the need for collective action to address global challenges and make concrete progress.
Philemon Young, outlining the mandates submitted to the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, highlighted key events including high-level meetings commemorating the 30th anniversary of the ‘World Program of Action for Youth’ and the ‘World Social Summit for Development’. did
Reflecting on these significant achievements, he said, “These mandates are an integral part of our efforts to address the challenges facing our world.”
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Spain in July (2025) has been described as “crucial” to “raise the urgency of financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
The high-level interactive dialogue on culture and sustainable development, and the high-level meeting on sand and dust storms, provide two other important opportunities to build momentum for change.
For human rights and equality
“As we work, we must remember that our goal is to leave no one behind,” said the General Assembly president, reiterating the UN’s commitment to human rights and equality.
They highlight the declaration of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent and the 10th anniversary of the Nelson Mandela Act, plans to advance the rights of older people and focus on prison reform worldwide, “to ensure the humane treatment of prisoners.”
In this context, the General Assembly is going to award the Nelson Mandela Prize for the third time in 2025. The award is given every five years to two outstanding individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity, promoting the values guided by the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Philemon Young acknowledged the ongoing struggle for gender equality and called for participation in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
She reaffirmed that she would strive “for both prevention and accountability” and committed to “promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in all aspects of the presidency of the General Assembly”.
The 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 will serve as an opportunity to address enduring challenges in advancing the role of women in peace and security.
Climate action and technology advances
Philemon Yang also highlighted the importance of sustainable development and digital transformation. The third UN Ocean Conference in June will focus on supporting the “blue economy” and accelerating progress on SDG 14, which aims to conserve and develop the sustainable use of seas, oceans and marine resources.
Meanwhile, the ‘World Summit on the Information Society’ will focus on the digital divide, strengthened by the establishment of an independent international scientific panel on artificial intelligence (AI).
The panel aims to “build a trusted scientific knowledge base, effectively close the digital divide” and “build a free, open and secure digital future for all”.
Cash crunch must end
The General Assembly president called on member states to address the UN’s continuing cash crisis, warning that delays in member states’ payments and withholding of scheduled contributions could lead to a “crisis of confidence in the United Nations”.
Emphasizing the risks, he said: “Therefore, UN funding should never be subordinated to the solution of political problems. This is the opposite of what is needed. To deal with our problems, we must continue to fund. Flow into institutions.”
The president of the UN General Assembly, calling for unity, emphasized that “like all our priorities, we will be measured by actions. We cannot succeed alone. We depend on you, the member states.”
80 years of the UN Charter
A commemorative session of the UN General Assembly will be held on June 26 to mark the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.
Philemon Young, emphasizing its historical significance, said, “We must revive this San Francisco spirit. That mighty spirit will guide us all.”
Discussions are also underway to hold a possible UN80 summit in September to celebrate this milestone.