Concern expressed over international situation

The Council of Presidents of the General Assembly of the United Nations has expressed its concern over continuing challenges and uncertainties in the international situation and their impact on efforts for sustainable development and the maintenance of international peace and security.

In a declaration issued at the end of a two-day extraordinary meeting held on the initiative of President Guido de Marco, the council reiterated its concern at the situation in the Middle East.

The council condemned terrorism and expressed its conviction that reform of the Security Council was an important aspect of efforts to enhance the standing and relevance of the United Nations and of support for multilateralism.

During the meeting the council discussed the present and future role of the United Nations and other issues including the revitalisation of the General Assembly.

Members of the Council, drawing on their experience as presidents of the General Assembly, had a comprehensive and fruitful discussion on a wide range of issues on the global agenda that have an impact on the work of the General Assembly and the United Nations as a whole.

The president of the 58th Session of the General Assembly, Julian R. Hunte, outlined to the Council the work of the session to date, including the successful outcome of the High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development and other important aspects of the work of the session.

He also outlined the key provisions of resolution 58/126, entitled Revitalisation of the Work of the General Assembly, which was adopted by the General Assembly on December 19.

The Council gave its full support to the early and comprehensive implementation of this resolution, which followed on earlier revitalisation initiatives and which would enhance the role and authority of the General Assembly and bring about significant improvements in its work methods.