Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, delivers his inaugural address at the Opening of the 78th Session of the General Assembly. In his speech, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity to serve as President and outlines his vision for the session.
"I am committed to carrying out the functions of this esteemed Office with transparency, accountability, and dedication, by the Charter of the United Nations," he states.
Francis acknowledges his predecessor, President Csaba Kőrösi, and expresses his commitment to building on the achievements of past leaders. He extends appreciation to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for entrusting him with representing the people of his country at the United Nations.
President Francis emphasises that his presidency will be guided by the values of tolerance, inclusion, cooperation, and respect for human dignity.
"I take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution that Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed continues to make, especially in championing the development Agenda, which constitutes the centrepiece of our work," he says.
President Dennis Francis discusses the four priorities for the 78th session: Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability. He highlights the challenges of climate, conflict, and poverty, underlining the importance of a multilateral system.
About Prosperity, President Francis emphasises the need for long-term investments in conflict-affected regions and calls for enhanced financing, technology, debt sustainability, and capacity building. He urges Member States to follow through on the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and accelerate the transition to clean energy while supporting climate adaptation.
The President mentions upcoming international conferences on Small Island Developing States and Landlock Developing Countries as crucial events to address pressing global development issues.
