Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has called for the strengthening of the Office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He made the remarks while speaking in an informal dialogue hosted by the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly (AHWG).
In his remarks at the virtual meeting, Minister Shahid emphasised the mandate and the various challenges the Office of the President of the UNGA faces within the delivery of its functions. Highlighting the lack of funding received by the Office of the President of the UNGA, Minister Shahid called on the member states to consider the increase in contribution from the regular budget. Minister Shahid also emphasised the importance of maintaining a close relationship with the Vice Presidents of the UNGA and the General Committee.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid highlighted the importance of having a geographical and gender-balanced team. He noted his team consisted of delegates from 49 countries which represented all five regions during his term as the UNGA president. He highlighted the importance of having representation from small and developing countries. He concluded the remarks by emphasising the importance of the UNGA.