Comoros President Azali Assoumani has arrived in New York to participate in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, which officially opens on September 22. He is leading a delegation that includes Foreign Minister Mbaé Mohamed and diplomatic advisor Djaé Ahamada Chanfi. The president has taken up residence at the Comorian Permanent Mission to the UN, where a briefing was held to review the delegation's agenda. The ambassador of Comoros to the US, Ismael Chanfi, confirmed that the president's program is on track.
President Assoumani's agenda includes several bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, focusing on issues such as the Comorian island of Mayotte, the Comoros Emergent Plan (PCE), reform of the international financial architecture, climate change, and tensions in the Middle East. A meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled for September 21. The president's delegation also includes close advisors, government officials, and lawmakers. The Comoros Emergent Plan aims to drive economic growth and development in the country.
The 81st UN General Assembly session takes place in a challenging global context, marked by a fragilization of the UN's authority, erosion of international law, and an increase in conflicts, humanitarian crises, and international tensions. The theme of this year's session, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a UN at the service of all," aims to encourage the 193 member states to work collectively to address global challenges and restore trust in the multilateral system.
The UN General Assembly is characterized by four key moments: the annual review, examination of the thematic issue, general debate, and bilateral meetings. The annual review assesses progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015. The thematic issue for this year focuses on restoring trust in the multilateral system. The general debate provides an opportunity for heads of state and government to address the assembly and express their positions on key international issues.
President Assoumani is expected to engage in several bilateral meetings to discuss key issues, including the Comorian island of Mayotte, which has been a point of contention between Comoros and France. The president will also discuss the Comoros Emergent Plan, which aims to drive economic growth and development in the country. Climate change and tensions in the Middle East are also expected to feature prominently in the president's discussions.
The UN General Assembly also provides an opportunity for member states to announce their support for key international principles and express solidarity with other countries. The assembly takes place as the current secretary-general's term comes to an end, with eight candidates vying for the top position. Despite the challenging global context, the UN General Assembly remains a crucial platform for countries to defend their positions and engage in diplomatic efforts.
The Comoros delegation's participation in the UN General Assembly reflects the country's commitment to engaging with the international community and addressing key global challenges. The president's meetings and discussions will aim to promote Comoros' interests and contribute to finding solutions to pressing global issues. The UN General Assembly will provide a platform for the Comoros to engage with other countries and international organizations.
Key points
- President Azali Assoumani of Comoros attends the 81st UN General Assembly in New York to engage in bilateral meetings and address key global issues.
