UN Secretary General praises Annalena Baerbock as new General Assembly president

In a significant morning briefing at the United Nations General Assembly, Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as president for the upcoming eightieth session. Guterres praised Baerbock's vision of "better together," highlighting its relevance in addressing the pressing global challenges faced today. He assured her of his full support as she embarks on this pivotal role.

The Secretary-General also expressed gratitude to the current president, Philemon Yang, for his leadership during the ongoing seventy-ninth session, which is nearing its conclusion. Guterres emphasized the importance of upholding the values of solidarity and collaboration that have been foundational to the United Nations since its inception.

In a related note, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed is currently in Marrakesh, Morocco, attending the Ibrahim Governance Weekend. This high-level gathering brings together African political and business leaders, civil society, and international partners to discuss financing for Africa's development. During her visit, Mohammed is engaging with Moroccan officials to address Africa's development priorities and the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Looking ahead, she will travel to Geneva to participate in the eighth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which focuses on reviewing progress and sharing best practices in disaster risk management.

Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Secretary-General condemned the reported killings and injuries of Palestinians seeking aid, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. This statement reflects the UN's commitment to addressing the urgent needs of those affected by conflict and violence.

Overall, the discussions at this briefing highlight the UN's ongoing efforts to foster international cooperation and address critical global issues, from leadership transitions to humanitarian crises. As the organization prepares for its next session, the focus remains on collaboration and solidarity in tackling the challenges ahead.