The increase in women’s presence at UN Security Council meetings throughout 2021 is an achievement, says Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He made this remark in his statement at the General Assembly Plenary Meeting on the Report of the Security Council.
PGA Shahid noted that it is encouraging to see the Security Council Report being presented ahead of time for a second time, consistent with the decision taken in 2019.
He added that during 2021, high-level meetings at the UN had increased compared to pre-pandemic times, in turn epitomizing the value of in-person diplomacy.
PGA Shahid went on to note that it is significant to remember how essential inclusivity is to the organization.
Shedding light on the increase of women’s presence at Security Council meetings throughout 2021, the PGA noted that this is an achievement he hopes will continue.
Stressing that the world has been overburdened with many crises from climate change, to terrorism, to desertification, cyber-threats and nuclear proliferation, the PGA noted that the conflict in Ukraine is yet another crisis that threatens to shake the foundations of the “increasingly” fragile multilateral system.
He stated that the Russia-Ukraine conflict has had major ripple effects on the global economy as well as disrupted both food and energy supply chains, adding that it is the most vulnerable, who are bearing the burden of this disastrous knock-on-effect.
Describing the main primary purpose of the UN to be saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to maintain international peace and security, PGA Shahid stressed that this is a shared responsibility and that the Security Council was created to maintain peace, and under article 24 of the UN charter, its role is to “act on behalf” of Member States.
PGA Shahid noted that the UNGA has a key role in relation to the council as specified by the Charter, specifically to discuss issues relating to peace and security and to make recommendations to states or to the Security Council.
Noting that the Security Council must be held to account for its actions as with any UN organ, the PGA expressed his “firm” belief that an ever-stronger, more effective, transparent, and accountable United Nations is the foundation upon which a better world can be built.
I welcome the yesterday’s debate on the resolution 76/262 – mandating a meeting of the General Assembly whenever a veto is cast in the Security Council. It is with good reason that it has been coined as ‘revolutionary’ by several world leaders I have recently met. By mandating discussion, and by encouraging reflection on every veto cast, it fosters further accountability of this great organization. I am committed to the idea that it is in our common interest to enhance our cooperation, coordination, and collaboration. I look forward to hearing your views on this year’s Annual Report as well as your suggestions for improving the interaction between the different organs of the United Nations.”Abdulla Shahid, PGA.
Highlighting that there is “always” room for reflection and growth, Shahid stated that revitalizing the organization and strengthening the cooperation between the UNGA and other UN organs, including the Security Council, must “always” be a priority.
As such, PGA Shahid noted that the organization can best serve its eight billion constituents only when they are at their best, working together in cohesion.
