Our Common Agenda & other topics – PGA Spokesperson…

OUR COMMON AGENDA

Starting with Our Common Agenda… the second thematic consultation on that report is underway today in the General Assembly Hall.

The theme is "accelerating the SDGs through sustainable financing and building trust."

President Abdulla Shahid gave opening remarks this morning. He said that building trust in the multilateral system, international law and the United Nations is central to achieving our common goal of a better world.

He conveyed three key points.

First, human rights and the rule of law are fundamental elements to building trust.

Second, adequate financing for sustainable development is also a fundamental element to building trust.

Third, financing and trust are crosscutting concerns under Our Common Agenda.

As with each of the five consultations, a Member State is overseeing the session.

Ambassador Kennedy Gastorn of Tanzania, serves as the Chair for this second consultation.

And in line with all the consultations, tomorrow will feature two fireside discussions in the Trusteeship – the first comprised of UN entities, the second of UN partners.

DESMOND TUTU

Over the weekend, President Shahid participated in a memorial in honour of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, held at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, here in New York.

He said that few amongst us have ever left, or stand to leave, such a profound legacy on the world.

The Archbishop's principled and impassioned opposition to apartheid, and his commitment to non-violence and peace, will endure long after his passing.

His leadership, wisdom, and compassion will remain a source of inspiration for those who fight against injustice today and into the future.

QUESTION

The Spokesperson was asked about any Ukraine-related meetings tied to current events. She said the General Assembly is due to meet on 23 February on the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine [item 67].