Statement by the Republic of Latvia on the Revitalization of the Work of the United Nations General Assembly
Thematic Debate on the Role and Authority of the United Nations General Assembly
25 April 2024
Distinguished co-chairs, colleagues,
I would like to thank the Co-Chairs for convening today’s timely thematic debate dedicated to the working methods of main committees and for your tireless efforts in guiding us through the Revitalization process of the General Assembly. Also, we extend our appreciation to the chairs and vice-chairs of main committees for presentations and meaningful insights.
We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add following remarks in our national capacity.
Latvia recognizes the imperative need to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the General Assembly by adapting its working methods. By fostering transparency, inclusivity and streamlined process, we can ensure that the General Assembly remains a dynamic forum for multilateralism.
We have recently joined those 28 Member States that have signed the voluntary pledge on limiting side events during the general debate, that was welcomed by the Annex II of the Resolution 77/335. We find that it is crucial to maintain focus on the main agenda and prevent distractions from the issues being discussed.
We would like to express our gratitude to the Secretariat for fulfilling its mandate established by OP 20 of the same Resolution 77/335 to make sure that the General Assembly and its subsidiary organs are aware of the overlapping high-level meetings. It is important for all, but especially for smaller missions, that multiple important meetings are not held in parallel and to ensure the effective participation of all delegations.
Further, in order to truly revitalize the General Assembly, we must enhance the current time management. In our view, transitioning from lengthy and sometimes static statements to concise, focused ones would significantly boost the efficiency of the General Assembly.
The UN General Assembly is a unique forum for all Member States to come together and foster multilateral discussions of international issues. However, the views of member states can vary. To address differences and to strive finding common ground, informal consultations could be convened at the early stage, whenever there are signs that Member States are diverging on a particular topic.
In conclusion, let me underline that the General Assembly could benefit from exploring innovative approaches to debates and decision-making by the use of digital tolls and platforms. Repositories, virtual meetings and other technologies would enhance efficiency, transparency and accessibility. That would lead us to more inclusive and impactful engagement from all Member States.
Thank you.