PGA of United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Dennis Francis: Geneva and Nairobi Engagements

The President of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), Mr. Dennis Francis, will travel officially to Geneva, Switzerland from 25 to 27 February 2024, and Nairobi, Kenya from 28 February to 2 March 2024.

In Geneva, the PGA will attend the opening of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council and participate in its High-level panel on “Harnessing multilateral efforts to embed, amplify, and realize the rights of persons with disabilities, focusing on full and effective participation and inclusion in society.”

His emphasis on the Human Rights Council’s pivotal role in addressing crises and conflicts, reiterates his commitment to protecting human rights, with a focus on women and girls, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples, while addressing the legacies of slavery and racism.

Additionally, he is set to engage with civil society and stakeholders in UN work. During his Geneva visit, the PGA will launch a campaign with UN Women and the President of the Human Rights Council to prevent workplace sexual harassment.

The PGA will also hold meetings with key officials including the President of the Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the WHO Director-General, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and the Director-General of the International Labour Organization.

Followed by a Town Hall with civil society organizations and an address to the diplomatic community on General Assembly activities. The PGA’s delegation includes his Deputy Chef de Cabinet, a Deputy Team Lead for the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Team, and a Communications Adviser. Subsequently, President Francis and his delegation will attend the Sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi from 26 February to 1 March 2024.

The focus will be on multilateralism in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The PGA will address the Opening of the High-Level Segment. In Nairobi, the PGA will meet with the President of Kenya, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.

Bilateral engagements include meetings with the President of UNEA-6 Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco, and senior officials of UNEP and UN-Habitat. The PGA will engage with civil society, visit UN-Habitat projects, and advocate for the impact of climate change and environmental crises on human rights, including through an address at the University of Nairobi. The PGA’s delegation to Nairobi includes his Chef de Cabinet, an Adviser on Sustainable Development and Financing for Development, and a Communications Adviser.

Leave a reply