Hosted by UNITAR in Partnership with the Permanent Missions of Ecuador and Portugal to the UN
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13 May 2024, New York, USA – The UNITAR New York Office, in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Ecuador and Portugal, successfully conducted a workshop on the relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council. The workshop took place in the UNHQ Trusteeship Council Chamber, with approximately 150 United Nations personnel in attendance.
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The opening remarks were delivered by Mr Marco Suazo, Head of the UNITAR New York Office, who introduced and warmly welcomed H.E. Mr Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and H.E. Pedro Comissário, President of the Security Council. H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis emphasized the responsibilities of the Assembly, underscoring the necessity for the General Assembly to intervene when the Security Council is unable to act. Furthermore, H.E. Pedro Comissário noted that the relationship between the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council is "embedded in the Charter itself."
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Panel 1 was moderated by H.E. Ana Paula Zacarias, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the UN. In this discussion, H.E. Yamazaki Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN, stated that the procedures and practices of the Security Council are complicated. He emphasized the importance of considering how to effectively utilize the Security Council and appreciated the General Assembly's peace resolutions. He also mentioned that Note 507, which contains the compendium of the Council’s working methods to improve transparency, will be completed by the end of this year.
H.E. Martini Kimani, Executive Director of the NYU Center on International Cooperation, presented insights on the rules for elective members from an institutional perspective, claiming that Permanent Representatives should have a deep understanding of legal organizations. Additionally, Professor Jean Krasno from the Department of Political Science at City College of New York discussed how the UN can bridge the gap between different regions in the election process, presenting the history and development of the General Assembly.
H.E. José Javier De la Gasca Lopez Domínguez, Parmanent Representative of Ecuador to the UN moderated Panel 2 Discussion. H.E. Inga Rhonda King, Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and Grenadines to the UN underlined the importance of partnership with regional organizations for a deeper understanding of local contexts.
Permanent Representative of Romania to the UN, H.E. Cornel Feruță and Director of SCProcedure, Ms. Loraine Sievers also added crucial points to how to enhance the relationship between UNGA and UNSC within the UN framework.
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Mr. Marco Suazo, Head of the UNITAR New York Office, gave the closing remarks. This workshop addressed diverse dimensions of the UNGA’s relationship with the UNSC. Through inclusive discussions and Q&A sessions, the workshop contributed to shared learning regarding the interaction between the UNGA and the UNSC among United Nations personnel from numerous member states.