Statement by H.E. Permanent Representative Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes on behalf of the Republic of Latvia on Revitalization of the Work of the United Nations General Assembly
New York, 4 November 2024
Madam President,
First, let me express our gratitude to the co-chairs of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Revitalization during the 78th session of the General Assembly -Ambassadors Cornel Feruță and Menissa Rambally for their efforts and also congratulate Ambassador Cornel Feruță and Ambassador Mathu Joyini for their appointment to carry further this important task.
We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the European Union and statement delivered by Estonia on behalf of the ACT group the and would like to add the following remarks in our national capacity.
Latvia views the revitalization of the General Assembly as a pivotal step toward ensuring that this body continues to reflect the realities of today’s world. The General Assembly resolution 77/335 reaffirms the General Assembly’s central role within the United Nations. For Latvia, revitalization is not just a matter of efficiency - it is a question of credibility, inclusivity, and relevance in addressing global challenges.
Latvia has always strongly supported efforts to enhance the General Assembly’s role, including greater interaction and synergy between the General Assembly and other UN bodies, particularly the Security Council. It is important that all states of all regions are heard and considered, ensuring that no one is left behind in decision making processes.
We welcome the resolution’s 77/335 focus on improving the transparency of key processes, such as the selection of the Secretary-General and the work of the Office of the President of the General Assembly. We advocate for further measures to enhance the institutional memory and accountability within the General Assembly organs.
On this note, we fully support all efforts made towards an appointment of a woman as the next Secretary General. After 78 years long history of men holding this important position, it is a high time for a woman to serve as the leader of the UN. We particularly support the call for nominating women as future Presidents of the General Assembly and Secretary-General. Achieving gender and geographical balance is not a goal in itself, it is a fundamental aspect of building a just and equitable global order.
Latvia commends the focus on streamlining the agenda of the General Assembly to avoid duplication and increase focus on substantive dialogue. We believe that the reduction of side events is essential to ensure meaningful participation and high-level attendance. Last year Latvia joined the voluntary pledge to limit side events during the general debate and we hope that more Member States will join this initiative.
Further, the use of modern technologies is vital in ensuring the efficiency of the UN work and the inclusion of all states, regardless of size or capacity. We commend the progress made in digital accessibility and encourage further development of platforms such as e-deleGATE and UN WEB TV, especially to ensure the accessibility for persons with disabilities. We find that a possibility to add subtitles, font size adjustments and other accessible features like alternative text for images is important and should be implemented on both platforms.
Lastly, we welcome the recently published digital handbook on the UN General Assembly’s past practice on peace and security, developed under the mandate set forth in the General Assembly resolution 77/335. The handbook is a comprehensive and valuable guide in further enhancing the role and authority of the General Assembly to address evolving global challenges in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
I thank you!