UNGA president-elect pledges to build consensus, trust among member states

UNITED NATIONS  -- President-elect of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Volkan Bozkir said on Monday that he will work hard to build consensus and trust among UN member states.

"Consensus building will be at the core of all my efforts," Bozkir, the newly elected president of what will be the 75th UNGA, told an informal meeting of the world body.

The expectations and views of each of the world's regional groups and its members "will be equally important and valuable to me," he said.

"I will represent the UN membership as a whole," Bozkir told the virtual briefing, making clear that he would serve "the best interests of the UN and its member states."

Bozkir said that he will work in sync with the secretary-general's agenda and priorities, to be "as effective as we can," and liaise closely with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) too, to "harmonize" their essential work.

A career diplomat for nearly 50 years, the Turkish politician said "today is the start of a new chapter for me."

Humanitarian crises, deadly conflicts and COVID-19 are among the global problems that require global solutions, said Bozkir.

On the principle of multilateralism that underpins the "parliament of the world," he said it continues to be the most effective way to seek global solutions, and that the UNGA is "uniquely situated" to steer those efforts.

The incoming UNGA president vowed to work towards "achieving and consolidating trust and cohesion among member states, civil society and other international organizations."

Extending congratulations to the president-elect, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres maintained that Bozkir will be presiding over "a crucial year in the life of this organization."

He stressed the importance of highlighting the value of multilateralism during the organization's 75th anniversary, the continued need to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to evaluate a range of global challenges -- from climate change to human rights and gender equality.

Acknowledging Bozkir's aim of establishing greater trust among countries, the UN chief said that "this is essential for progress at any time, but especially now."

Before welcoming the next UNGA president, Guterres thanked incumbent Tijjani Muhammad-Bande of Nigeria, for his "capable stewardship" during the "extraordinary time" of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Muhammad-Bande said the General Assembly would observe on Friday the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter, through a virtual meeting that reflects on the foundational document of the UN, including its role today and in the decades to come.

"This occasion reminds us of the need to re-commit to multilateralism, as we are one humankind, one world, and one United Nations," he said.

Against the backdrop of a pandemic that has "decimated economies and exacerbated poverty and inequality," the UNGA chief said that the crisis has also emphasized how "interconnected and interdependent our world is," which serves to underscore the need to "work together to respond effectively to our challenges."

He announced a high-level meeting scheduled for June 30 to inaugurate the first session in a series of colloquia on poverty eradication.

Muhammad-Bande said he was encouraged by the president-elect's pledge to renew the collective commitment to multilateralism -- particularly in the context of the 75th anniversary of the UN -- and his inclusive approach to ensure the full participation and engagement of member states and others.