Addis Ababa, September 19, 2023 (FBC) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, attended the beginning of the 78th UNGA in New York.
Antonio Gutters, Secretary General of the UN, while opening the General Assembly, underlined the necessity of coordinated actions to tackle global challenges such as climate change, conflict, and financial crises.
Deputy Prime Minister Demeke is also scheduled to deliver his maiden speech over the course of the week.
Meanwhile, on the margins of the 78th UNGA that kicked off today, Demeke Mekonnen called for expedited efforts to meet the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking today at a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative (GDI) called by the People’s Republic of China, Demeke commended China for organizing the meeting.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the world is off-track in achieving the SDGs, and GDI contributes its part in filling this gap.
China is undertaking projects in over 200 countries, including Ethiopia, through this initiative.
The People’s Republic of China Vice President Han Zhang, opening the high-level forum, said China supports the efforts of UN agencies and countries to implement the SDGs.