Senior Reporter
kevon.felmine@guardian.co.tt
Yesterday’s 47th Plenary Meeting of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly was historic for T&T as for the first time a T&T national was elected President. Dennis Francis, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of T&T to the UN, was elected by acclamation in New York.
The first paragraph of the annexe to the General Assembly Resolution 33/138 of December 16, 1978, states that the President at the 78th session should come from Latin American and the Caribbean. In February, the group endorsed Francis, a diplomat with more than 40 years of experience. In accordance with resolution 70/305 of September 13, 2016, the President-elect will take the oath of office at the moment of handing over the gavel in the final plenary meeting of the 77th session. Francis replaces Hungarian diplomat Csaba Korosi.
At a media conference after the meeting, Francis said he was honoured that the assembly placed trust and confidence in him. He said 193 countries spoke unanimously, which expresses a great deal about the power and potential of the UN in making important decisions and it was his hope and expectation that during his leadership, the assembly make considerable progress on several issues.
“This is not in denial of the fact that challenges exist. They are there. We have identified them, but I am committed to working closely with my colleagues to see whether we can identify a way forward that could help ensure the delivery of Agenda 2030 by 2030 to uplift mankind to give people everywhere who need our help and support to give them hope so that they can live their fullest lives,” he said.
He said the Russia/Ukraine war did not stop the Assembly’s work as it meets routinely and the war provides context on how it would act.
On the issue of refugees, he said this is a reality of the time and a problem for countries generating and receiving them. Francis said there are tough, multi-dimensional issues which the Assembly will confront and the outcome will express the international community’s political will.
Francis said the value of education is universal, regardless of whether it is in the most sophisticated country or the poorest of the poor. It is the key to unleashing people’s creative energy and intellectual capacity, he added, noting that it was UN policy that T&T ascribed to in providing free public education to its citizens.
“It was not so 70 years ago. It was only for the elites. You had to have the money to pay. If you did not have the money, you could not get an education. I am a product of that system,” he said.
Francis described the situation in Afghanistan, where girls cannot get an education, as unacceptable.
Addressing the Assembly, Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne relayed Government’s gratitude for electing Francis. He said during T&T’s 60 years as a member, its contribution to multilateralism influenced and helped shape the UN’s work.
Browne added that T&T listened to others, including those who did not necessarily share its point of view, and consistently chose the path of constructive engagement and served in the role of bridge building. He said T&T continues to offer the world a unique perspective as a small state that values peace, security, equitable development and the rule of law.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago holds the firm view that our nation’s attributes will continue to add great value as one of our best and brightest will serve as President of the General Assembly. It is a position we have never held before in our history, and our campaign has underscored our unwavering commitment to the United Nations and its founding principles,” he said.
He told the Assembly that Francis is one of T&T’s most distinguished diplomats and he commands respect and admiration at all levels.
Browne said the T&T Government is confident he will continue to demonstrate great leadership and the highest degree of professionalism in presiding over the assembly.
“Today, the people of my small nation are beaming with pride and enthusiasm as Trinidad and Tobago continues to do our part to ensure that multilateralism prevails and that no one is left behind,” he said.