It will be “no ordinary session”, it has engaged, with the multilateral system assaulted by the crises which overlap and the increased disunity.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Baerbock only becomes the fifth woman in history preside over the general assembly.
In a symbolic gesture connecting the past to the present, it was sworn in on the founding charter of the UN of the San Francisco conference in 1945 – and accepted the hammer decorated with the assembly of its predecessor, Philémon Yang from Cameroon.
The Charter itself, preserved by the American national archives, has returned to the UN headquarters for the first time in decades.
Now exposed until September, The 1945 document is more than a historic artifact – It is a living reminder of the collective commitment to strengthen peace, to maintain human rights and to pursue shared values and objectives thanks to multilateral cooperation.
The hammer carries its own legendary weight. A gift from Iceland, it is larger and more decorated than those used in the United Nations conference rooms. Symbol of order in the “Parliament of the World”, it is used to open and close meetings, adopt resolutions and, sometimes, bring the assembly to silence.
The president of the Baerbock assembly speaks to journalists outside the general assembly room.
The world needs the United Nations
In her addressMs. Baerbock has recognized the dark realities confronted with millions around the world – hungry children from Gaza and Afghan girls prohibited from school – to the families of Ukraine hiding missile attacks, and island from the Pacific looking at their houses swallowed by the sea.
“” Our world suffersIndeed, ”she told the delegates in the room of the General Assembly.
“” But imagine how much pain there would be without the United Nations.“”
Ms. Baerbock highlighted the vital role of the UN in humanitarian assistance, citing millions that rely on agencies such as the UN children’s funds (Unicef), the global food program (Wfp) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
It urged Member States to return the UN “adapted to the 21st century” by progressing reforms, implementing the Pact for the future adopted last year and focusing on substance rather than procedure.
“” The general meeting must focus on its mandates and respect its commitments,She said, promising to serve the 193 members also, to be “a bridge manufacturer” and to make sure that each voice is heard.
Among the priorities it has set for the coming year are the UN80 reform program, guiding the process of selection of the next secretary general and peace, sustainable development and human rights.
Secretary General António Guterres approaches the first plenary meeting of the 80th session of the General Assembly.
The charter is not self-executing: guterres
Secretary General António GuterresCongratulations Ms. Baerbock for her election, praised her vision and experience, while urging governments to summon the same determination that brought together the Nations to establish the United Nations 80 years ago.
“” The United Nations provide the place. The charter provides the tools, ” he said. “” But nothing can happen without this assembly – all of you – working as one.“”
Mr. Guterres underlined the need to cure divisions, to recruit international law, to accelerate action on the Sustainable development objectivesand transition to renewable energies while supporting developing countries.
He underlined the pact of last year for the future as “shot in the arm” for multilateralism and called on Member States to “re-accumulate confidence and faith in others”.
Philitarmon Yang (right), president of the general assembly during his 79th session presents the emblematic hammer of the Assembly in Annalena Baerbock (center), president of the assembly at his 80th session. On the left is the secretary general António Guterres.
The “collective promise” remains
Earlier in the day, the outgoing president of the Assembly Philémon Yang closed the 79th session, highlighting initiatives on humanitarian law, control of mild weapons, sustainable development and children’s work – as well as dialogues on multilingualism and the role of women in mediation.
Mr. Yang, who underlined gender equality and Security advice The reform during his mandate also supervised the commemoration of the 80th anniversary.
“” Member States have clearly indicated that despite growing world conflicts, the Charter and the United Nations itself represent a collective promise for a better future world” he said.
A year of high participations
The presidency of Ms. Baerbock arrives at a pivotal moment for the United Nations.
In addition to the navigation of Ukraine’s conflicts in Sudan, the Assembly will supervise the implementation of the Pact for the future and are preparing for the critical selection of the next Secretary General.
She challenged delegates to adopt courage and unity: “If girls in Afghanistan or parents in Gaza can wake up – in the darkest hours of life – and move forward, then we too. We owe them. But we also owe it, because there is simply no alternative. »»
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
