The Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly (UNCPGA) recently met in Seoul, South Korea, to discuss pressing global issues under the chairmanship of Dr. Han Seung-soo. HE Nassir bin Abdulaziz Al Nasser, President of the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly, was in attendance at this sixth meeting of the Council since its revival in October 2022. The members of the Council reaffirmed the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, emphasizing the promotion of peace, security, and human rights.
During the meeting, nine former Presidents of the General Assembly joined in discussions, with a keynote address delivered by Philemon Yang, the current President of the General Assembly. The Council expressed full support for the priorities of the Assembly under the theme “Unity in Diversity,” focusing on revitalizing the Assembly and strengthening the Office of the President.
Among the key concerns raised by the Council were the increase in armed conflicts worldwide, the growing polarization of the international community, and geopolitical divisions. It also highlighted serious violations of the UN Charter and international law and called for bold leadership to uphold multilateralism. The humanitarian situation resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, particularly the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza, was also a point of discussion.
The Council condemned the Israeli law obstructing the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and urged immediate humanitarian access. It also denounced Israeli attacks on UN forces in Lebanon and expressed alarm over civilian casualties. The ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Qatar were welcomed, with a call for continued diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive peace plan based on the two-state model, in line with relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
The Council also expressed concern over the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and its humanitarian repercussions, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent nuclear escalation. Additionally, the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan was discussed, with a call for support for UN efforts in the region. Opportunities and challenges related to artificial intelligence were also on the agenda, leading to the decision to form a committee of experts to propose a global framework for regulating AI.
In order to support its work, the Council agreed to establish a trust fund and reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation in addressing current challenges and enhancing peace and security around the world. This declaration reflects the Council’s dedication to exploring ways to foster international collaboration and tackle global issues in the face of ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.
