Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will leave Dhaka on September 17 for New York to attend the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and will address the Assembly on September 22.
“Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all” is the theme of this year’s UNGA.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the announcement on Thursday.
What will be the focus of Bangladesh?
The key issues of this year’s UN General Assembly are particularly relevant for Bangladesh, the foreign minister said.
“We think that important discussions will be held in addressing the ongoing food and energy crisis by avoiding war, uniting everyone to deal with the financial uncertainty, effective global initiatives for world peace, multilateralism and sustainable development, climate change, women’s empowerment, and achieving the SDGs,” Dr Momen said at a briefing.
“In addition, the Rohingya issue and its permanent and sustainable solution will also be widely discussed at the session, which will help to maintain international pressure on Myanmar to repatriate the Rohingya.”
He said the prime minister would highlight Bangladesh’s “incredible development advancement, inclusive economic progress and success in the health sector” during her speech.
Besides, the prime minister will address issues like global peace, security, safe migration, the Rohingya crisis and climate justice, Dr Momen said.
The prime minister is expected to join high-level meetings, titled SDG Summit 2023; Thought for Food – Collaborating for food supply chain innovation to accelerate the SDGs; Towards a Fair International Financial Architecture; and High-level Debate on Financing for Development (FfD), among others.
These high-level events are to help recovering countries achieve Sustainable Goals which were vastly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the foreign minister said.
Besides, the prime minister will attend a meeting on “Climate Ambition Summit”, “High-Level Breakfast Summit on Climate Mobility” at the invitation of the UN Secretary General António Guterres.
The prime minister will attend a few other high-level meetings related to the health sector, such as “Sheikh Hasina Initiative of Community Clinics: Innovative Approach to Achieving Universal Health Coverage Inclusive of Mental Health and Disabilities”; “Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response’ and “High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage”.
Dr Momen said: “As a whole the presence of the Bangladesh delegation led by our Prime Minister is expected to strengthen the position of Bangladesh in multilateral forums and expand the field of international cooperation in matters related to the interests of our country.”
What is UNGA?
The UNGA is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussions on the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote, according to the UN.
The UNGA also makes key decisions for the UN, including appointing the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council, electing the non-permanent members of the Security Council and approving the UN budget.
The Assembly meets in regular sessions from September to December each year, and thereafter as required.
Heads of state or government convene in September and discuss the most pressing global challenges of the moment and collaborate on solutions.
The 78th UN General Assembly began officially on September 5. The high-level week, when leaders will join the session and the biggest meetings will take place, will run from September 18 to 26. Other meetings are held in the days before and after high-level week.
Halfway to the deadline of the 2030 Agenda, the leaders at this year’s assembly will review the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provide their political guidance to the process.
Source : Dhaka Tribune