Mr Anouparb Vongnorkeo delivers a statement to the UN General Assembly.

Asean calls for revitalised UN General Assembly amid evolving geopolitical landscape

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) continues to advocate for a revitalised General Assembly of the United Nations to reflect the evolving geopolitical landscape and ensure that the voices of all nations are heard.
On behalf of the 10-member bloc, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Laos, the chair of Asean, to the United Nations, Mr Anouparb Vongnorkeo, stressed the importance of this on Wednesday when addressing a General Debate on the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly.
The Lao envoy said Asean recognises the pivotal role played by the General Assembly in addressing global challenges, promoting international cooperation, and fostering dialogue among nations.
“As a region committed to the principles of multilateralism, we emphasise the need for a revitalised General Assembly that reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape and ensures the voices of all nations are heard,” Ambassador Anouparb said.
He noted that member states have diligently worked together since the inception of the General Assembly itself, to find innovative ways to further enhance the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of the General Assembly.
These deliberations have successfully produced hundreds of outcomes under specific clusters and headings. The progress and outcomes are testaments to commitment to the multilateral system, towards the credibility and integrity of the United Nations.
Asean in this regard, the envoy said, would like to emphasise the following:
“First: we firmly believe that it is imperative to implement relevant Resolutions to revitalise the work of the General Assembly. The implementation of these resolutions is not merely a moral imperative but demonstrates our shared responsibility for upholding the rule of law;
“Second: We encourage collaborative efforts to strengthen the General Assembly’s mechanisms, streamline its processes, and make it more adaptable to emerging global challenges;
“Finally, the General Assembly’s role in promoting sustainable development cannot be overstated. Revitalising the General Assembly allows us to pool resources, share expertise, and work together towards a more sustainable and equitable future.”
Asean notes that in this session, Ambassador Anouparb said, discussion regarding the clusters on Role and Authority, as well as the working methods of the General Assembly will take place.
“We look forward to interactive dialogue with the UN Secretariat later in June this year. Asean remains committed to engage constructively in the process with a view to making meaningful progress this year,” the envoy added.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update February 22, 2024)