UN wraps up high-level week with calls for peace, reform

UN General Assembly president Annalena Baerbock has closed the high-level week of the 80th session of the general debate on Monday.
Ms Baerbock urged nations to convert the week’s momentum into concrete action on peace, climate change, and institutional reform.
She said the United Nations remains “the house of diplomacy and dialogue” in a divided world.
Over six days, starting on Tuesday, September 23 to 29, 189 Member States spoke, including 124 heads of state and government,
UN secretary-general António Guterres also held bilateral meetings with about 150 world leaders, according to his deputy spokesman, Farhan Haq.
This, Ms Baerbock said, proved that the general assembly of the United Nations remains “the house of diplomacy and dialogue” in a divided world.
She underscored both the gravity of today’s global challenges and the possibilities of collective action.
“If this high-level week is an indication, this house is fulfilling that purpose; the United Nations is still relevant. The test is whether we act,” Ms Baerbock told the assembly.
Protracted conflicts dominated the debate, prompting repeated calls for urgent steps to protect civilians and stem violence.
Ms Baerbock stressed the Charter’s centrality to resolving disputes peacefully and warned of the cost when it is ignored.
“When bombs fall on civilians, when famine is used as a weapon, when sovereignty is trampled by force, it is the credibility of this Organization that is at stake,” she said.
Delegations also sounded an alarm on climate change and the ticking deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Dozens of delegations spoke on the impacts of climate change and the ticking clock we face in delivering on the SDGs by 2030,” she said. “That clock does not stop while we are here in this room. It’s happening now. The climate crisis won’t stop if you deny it.”
Institutional reform was also a recurring theme as Ms Baerbock pointed to the Secretary-General’s proposals as a concrete pathway to strengthen the UN’s ability to deliver.
She said the secretary-general’s report on implementing new mandates, his revised budget, and other reform proposals “offer us a concrete pathway to make this institution better, stronger, more effective, fit for purpose”.
Ms Baerbock said, “This is not only about trimming budgets; it is about strengthening delivery. It is about priorities.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa
Grassroots support crucial to fighting irregular migration, says ECOWAS parliament
The ECOWAS Parliament says grassroots engagement is crucial to developing more effective regional policies to address the growing menace of irregular migration across West Africa.

Enugu
Enugu: Police impound 195 vehicles for registration, number plate violations
The police command in Enugu has impounded 195 vehicles for registration and number plate violations.

Africa
Nigeria-South Africa relations must be anchored on respect, protection of citizens: APC Governors
The Forum of First-Term Governors under the Progressives Governors’ Forum has condemned attacks on Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa.

Enugu
Nwifuru enrols 200 people with sickle cell disease in Ebonyi health insurance scheme
The Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation has enrolled 200 people with sickle cell disease in the state’s health insurance scheme.

Politics
Tinubu building 100 housing units per LGA for vulnerable Nigerians, says aide
The presidential aide said the project was already underway and designed to provide succour to vulnerable Nigerians.

Economy
Innovation: Galaxy Backbone seeks stronger digital partnerships
Galaxy Backbone has urged stronger collaboration among the government, universities, and industry to accelerate digital inclusion.





