Addis Ababa, September 25, 2024 (FBC) – A high-level Ethiopian delegation, comprised of various ministers, is currently attending the 79th annual session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today.
The Ethiopian delegation includes head of the delegation Foreign Minister Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, Minister of Education Prof. Birhanu Nega, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba, and Minister of Innovation & Technology Mr. Belete Molla.
The Ethiopian delegation has also participated in the UN Summit of the Future in New York in the past few days. At the Summit of the Future Interactive Dialogue on enhancing multilateralism for International Peace and Security, FM Taye stated that Africa is the only regional group with no permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This, according to him, is the missing puzzle piece of multilateralism and collective security. The reform of UNSC should address years of dashed hopes and aspirations for equality, Taye stressed.
FM Taye also held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts from China, Algeria, and South Sudan, as well as the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacebuilding & Political Affairs and Assistant Secretary for African Affairs of US State Department on the margins of UNGA 79.
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly marks a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Summit of the Future, held during UNGA, underscores the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to address pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality, while also tackling the impacts of ongoing conflicts and global health crises.
Heads of State and Government have gathered at UN Headquarters in New York on 22-23 September 2024 to address the critical challenges and gaps in global governance exposed by recent global shocks. This Summit aimed to reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Charter while enhancing cooperation and laying the foundations for a reinvigorated multilateral system. The Summit has reportedly resulted in a negotiated Pact for the Future, an action-oriented document aimed to bolster global cooperation and adapt to current challenges effectively for the benefit of all and for future generations. In addition, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has convened the Summit of the Future Action Days on 20 and 21 September 2024 to generate additional opportunities for the engagement of all actors.
The General Debate of UNGA 79 is being held in the presence of world leaders, representatives of heads of states and high-level government officials from across the globe under the theme, “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations”. Heads of State and Government and ministers are exploring solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.