77th session of UN General Assembly presses on issues of science, solidarity

The 77^th session of UN General Assembly, the first in person since 2019, has convened against the backdrop of blazing issues including humanitarian crises, climate emergencies, conflicts, and economic turbulence that has affected almost every continent. Acknowledging that the world currently is facing uncertainty and broadening geopolitical fissures, the new president of UN General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi reminded the delegates that the “United Nations was created out of the ashes of war and destruction, with the intention of being a well of solutions”.

He said, “Responding to humanity’s most pressing challenges demands that we work together, and that we reinvigorate inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism and focus on that what unites us.”

Ukraine war has been a “global turning point”

Mr. Kőrösi underlined that the Ukraine war has been a global “turning point”, and if the world steps away from being vigilant, the method of war and invasion can become a part of global platform. “This war must be stopped. It kills people, it kills development, it kills nature and kills dreams of millions”, he stressed. He added that the risk of nuclear war is now much higher than it was four decades ago.

Conflicts a catalyst for climate change

Mr. Kőrösi also warned that conflicts further lead to worsening of climate crisis due to increased global temperatures. This leads to reduction in growth of natural resources, triggering food crisis. “The water crisis is poised to become our next greatest threat. Recent weeks have seen record-setting temperatures, raging fires and devastating floods. It looks as if Mother Nature is fighting back”, he said.

“We will not be returning to the old normal. The only way to achieve better outcomes is to transform. The contours of the transformation we need are already known. The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement and Our Common Agenda, all point us in the right direction. What remains to be seen, is whether we will deliver”, he said calling for firm actions.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, addressing the General Assembly session after Mr. Kőrösi and congratulated him for the appointment. “Debate. Deliberation. Diplomacy. These eternal tools represent the best pathway to a better, more peaceful world”, he underscored.