79th UNGA Commences, with UNGA Session President Calling for End of Wars and Working for Peace

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) commenced on Tuesday, bringing together the world's heads of state, governments, and high-level representatives in New York, and running until September 30. President of the 79th session of UNGA Philemon Yang called for joint action for the peace and well-being of the world's citizens, stressing that essential resources must not be converted into military stockpiles, which fuel an arms race not seen since the Cold War. In his opening address, Yang spoke about the conflicts raging from the Middle East to Ukraine, and from Haiti to South Sudan, causing death, destruction, and immense suffering. He reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and urged all parties to adhere to international law, including humanitarian law, and to work toward a just and lasting solution based on the United Nations Charter, relevant resolutions, and international law. Yang warned of a troubling decline in the protection of h uman rights, noting that millions remain trapped in the grip of poverty, warning against inaction and standing powerless before such crises. Addressing Africa, the President of the 79th session of UNGA said that the continent is one of the United Nations' priorities, and that Africa must be supported. Yang concluded by saying that the road ahead is difficult, fraught with obstacles that may sometimes seem insurmountable, however, he reassured that they are not impossible, and that the tools, knowledge, and collective will are available to overcome these challenges when action is taken together, with courage and conviction. Source: Qatar News Agency