UN80 Anniversary, President's Travel & other topics – PGA Spokesperson's Briefing

Good afternoon everyone. On Iran and Israel, the President of the UN General Assembly, His Excellency Mr. Philemon Yang, welcomes the announcement by President Trump of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He calls for the two countries to respect the ceasefire agreement and cease hostilities. He reiterates that military might does not bring durable peace. He calls on all parties to engage in diplomacy and pursue dialogue in order to settle any disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

On the UN18 initiative, President Yang convened an informal meeting today to hear an update by UN Undersecretary General for Policy Mr. Guy Rydo on the UN80 initiative. Following an interest expressed by Member States at the meeting, President Yang stated that in two days we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Charter, a time to reflect on the last 80 years and all that this organization has achieved, and also a time to look to the future to make sure the organization is fit for purpose and is capable of responding to the challenges of that will come in the next 80 years.

Along these lines, there will be an informal meeting of the Plenary to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter on 26th of June in the General Assembly hall from 10am A reminder that the original UN Charter is now part of an exhibit that was launched yesterday at UN headquarters. The UN charter's principles are as powerful today as in 1945, rooted in respect, solidarity and a shared purpose to protect we the peoples. Its core values remain essential. The UN Charter is also very clear in encouraging Member States to settle disputes through diplomatic means. We encourage you all to check the historical exhibit in the visitors lobby, which features the UN Charter, iconic images and videos from the conference.

This exhibit will be on display until September and then with regard to a signature event of the President, President Yang is convening a high level thematic debate tomorrow in collaboration with the African Union on the multifaceted aspects of peace and security in Africa and the future of peacekeeping operations. This debate focuses on one of his priorities, achieving peace and security in Africa. We have sent out information, including the program for this event, just to add a debate on the responsibility to protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity also takes place tomorrow and then with regard to next week, the President is organizing an interactive multi stakeholder hearing on 30 June ahead of the High level Meeting on the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons which is scheduled to take place on the 24th to the 25th of November. And finally with regard to Upcoming Travel for the President President Yang will travel to Sevilla, Spain to attend the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, which will be held from 30th of June to 3rd July 2025. The President believes that a conference provides an opportunity to reform financing at all levels.

Ahead of the trip, President Yang will undertake an official visit to the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome. From the 27th of June to 28th of June. He will deliver the 2025 McDougal Memorial Lecture at FAO headquarters. This was short. If there are no questions on the floor.

Hi Eddie.

Thank you, Sharon. Can you tell us anything about the program on the 26th for the commemoration of the signing of the UN Charter?

Yes, there will be. The President General assembly will be speaking, making remarks, as well as the Secretary General. I will also share later today the complete detailed program with correspondence.

Are there any other questions? Sure.

Hi Sharon.

Is there any news from France and Saudi Arabia about the rescheduling of the Palestine 2 State Solution?

We have heard that it's tentatively scheduled for the end of July, but we'll come back once we have confirmation on this. But that's tentative. Are there any questions online?

Okay, thanks everyone. Enjoy. Stay cool.