PRESS BRIEFING BY BRENDEN VARMA, SPOKESPERSON FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT VOLKAN BOZKIR

United Nations Headquarters, New York

11 February 2021

PRESIDENT SENDS LUNAR NEW YEAR GREETINGS

  • The President wishes a happy Lunar New Year to the Chinese people.
  • In a message, he noted that, in Chinese culture, the ox represents positivity, courage, honesty and hard work — all of which are central to the work we do at the UN.
  • He said, “May the Year of the Ox bring us joy and health.”

 

ALL GIRLS DESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN & EXCEL IN SCIENCE

  • This morning, the President addressed a virtual event to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science – which was established by the General Assembly in 2015.
  • He said all girls deserve the opportunity to learn and excel in science, and we need teachers, including women, to inspire and support girls in their endeavours.
  • He added that efforts to prepare girls and young women to equally participate in the workforce, including in STEM fields, need to be accelerated. And from the laboratory to the boardroom, and Twitter to television, we must amplify the voices of female scientists.
  • The President’s message to girls was: “Believe in yourself. Throughout history many women scientists have paved the way for your success. Now it is time for you to learn, to follow your curiosity, and to break new ground.”

 

REVITALIZATION GROUP HAS STRENGTHENED TRANSPARENCY

  • The President also delivered remarks today to the general debate of the Ad Hoc Working Group on General Assembly Revitalization, which is co-chaired by the Permanent Representatives of El Salvador and Slovakia.
  • The President commended the group for helping to keep the General Assembly functioning during the greatest challenge to its operations – namely COVID-19.
  • He also highlighted the impact of General Assembly revitalization resolutions. For example, they have strengthened the transparency of the election of the President of the General Assembly – as well as the effectiveness and accountability of that office.
  • They have also ushered in a new era of transparency and inclusivity with respect to the selection and appointment process for the position of Secretary-General.

 

ASSEMBLY POSTPONES ANGOLA’S GRADUATION FROM LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRY CATEGORY

  • This morning the General Assembly plenary adopted by consensus a resolution on Angola – which was introduced by Guinea, in its capacity as Chair of the Group of 77 and China.
  • Angola was set to graduate from the least developed country category. But the plenary noted that, as a commodity-dependent country, it is highly vulnerable to price fluctuations. It has also been facing a recurring economic recession for six consecutive years, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19.
  • The General Assembly therefore decided to give Angola an additional three years before its effective date of graduation.
  • Asked whether the President had any reaction to today’s resolution, the Spokesperson said the President had taken note of it. He added that it was not really a matter for the President to weigh in on – as this was a straightforward process. He referred the journalist to the Permanent Mission of Angola for any further details.

 

INTERGENERATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS NEEDED TO BRING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TO ALL

  • Today, the President virtually addressed the first ever Sustainable Energy for All Youth Summit. In a “fireside chat” with a youth energy leader, he said that, without universal access to modern energy, and greater energy sustainability and efficiency, we will not succeed in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to poverty, food security, gender equality, jobs, climate change, biodiversity and digital connectivity.
  • He added that we need intergenerational partnerships and coalitions of action to turn the dream of sustainable energy into a universal reality for all.

 

OTHER MATTERS

  • Secretary-General Selection and Appointment Process: Asked whether an individual who had reportedly nominated themselves for the position of Secretary-General had written to the President, the Spokesperson said the President’s office had not received any formal communications on this matter.