UNITAR
8 September 2025, New York, USA - UNITAR, in partnership with the Permanent Missions of Ecuador, Finland, and Malaysia, hosted the Transition Workshop for the 80th Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA). Bringing together current, former, and incoming OPGA staff, the workshop was a platform for exchanging experiences, best practices, and institutional knowledge to ensure a seamless handover to the 80th Session. This year’s edition held special significance as it coincided with the UN’s 80th anniversary—a milestone moment to reflect on eight decades of multilateralism and prepare the Assembly’s leadership for today’s complex global challenges.
UNITAR
The programme opened with keynote remarks from H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President-elect of the 80th Session, and Mr. Ivor Fung, Chief de Cabinet, OPGA79, on behalf of H.E. Mr. Philémon Yang, President of the 79th Session. Following this, participants heard statements from H.E. Ms. Elina Kalkku, Permanent Representative of Finland; H.E. Mr. Ahmad Faisal Muhamad, Permanent Representative of Malaysia; and H.E. Mr. Andrés Montalvo Sosa, Permanent Representative of Ecuador. Moderated by Mr. Marco A. Suazo, Head of UNITAR New York Office, the opening set the tone for an afternoon of substantive discussions. Speakers from the outgoing OPGA team, including Mr. Ivor Fung, Ms. Blanca Montejo, and Ms. Asha De Suza, shared advice on managing high-level events, sustainable development, and operational workflows, offering invaluable guidance to incoming staff.
UNITAR
Thematic panels highlighted the breadth of the OPGA’s mandate. Mr. Richard Gowan explored creative diplomacy, while Mr. Nabil El Eid and Ms. Sim Mellouh provided insights on peace, security, and human rights. H.E. Mr. Cornel Feruță, Permanent Representative of Romania, emphasised the revitalisation of the General Assembly’s work. The session concluded with remarks from H.E. Ms. Sofia Borges, designated Chef de Cabinet for the 80th Session, who underscored the importance of continuity and collaboration in advancing the Assembly’s role. By convening experienced leaders and new appointees, the workshop reaffirmed UNITAR’s commitment to building capacity and strengthening institutional memory at this historic juncture.