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Summit of the Future presents a key opportunity to galvanize political will and turbocharge the achievement of SDGs - H.E. Dennis Francis

14 August 2024

Caption: H.E. Dennis Francis with UN staff.

Photo: © UN Guyana/Iwan Sami

H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA) undertook an official visit to Guyana August 7-10.

During his visit to Georgetown, the PGA highlighted that amidst the challenges being experienced by the multilateral system the Summit of the Future presents a pivotal opportunity to revitalize global frameworks, making them more inclusive, adaptable, effective, and equitable.

The PGA held bilateral meetings with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and other senior government officials. He commended Guyana's unwavering commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, evidenced by the country's active role in the UN Security Council.

Caption: H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly (center) with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (left) and Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service (right).

Photo: © UN PGA Office

The PGA also engaged with the UN Resident Coordinator, Representatives of UN Agencies resident in Guyana, the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the diplomatic corps and stakeholders, where he highlighted the upcoming Summit of the Future in September as a pivotal moment for reinforcing the international multilateral system.

Caption: H.E. Dennis Francis with Yeşim Oruç, UN Resident Coordinator; Heads of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes; members of the diplomatic corps and stakeholders.

Photo: © UN Guyana/Colette Hytmiah-Singh

During his visit to UN House, the PGA had an interactive discussion with youths during a session on 'Misinformation/Disinformation for Youth in the Digital Era'. He used the opportunity to share the Universal Declaration of Human Rights booklet, stressing its undiminished relevance in shaping a just digital space. He encouraged participants to continue working towards making the digital space safer and more inclusive for everyone.

Caption: H.E Dennis Francis interacts with youths during the session on 'misinformation and disinformation in the digital era'

Photo: © UN Guyana/Nadira Balram

The PGA's visit also saw engagement with Women’s Groups and NGOs where he noted that barriers that prevent women from fully participating in every aspect of society must be dismantled. He urged the inclusion of men and boys in discussions on gender equality and women's empowerment.

At an Open Forum with representatives from academia, the private sector, and civil society groups the PGA emphasised the significance of other upcoming events during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, such as the High-Level Meeting on sea-level rise, as crucial for supporting Small Island Developing States and low-lying coastal regions affected by climate change.

Caption: Participants at the Open Forum at the University of Guyana.

Photo: © University of Guyana

The PGA also visited the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and made a guest appearance on a television programme, organised by the Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, to discuss the UN’s commitment to promote the rights of people living with disabilities.

The official visit concluded with a media briefing at the UN House.

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Read this story at UN Guyana's website.