The election of the President of the General Assembly for the 80th session will be held on 2 June 2025 at 10 a.m<\/strong>. in the General Assembly Hall, in line with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly was to be elected from the Western European and Other States Group.<\/p>\n H.E. <\/strong>Ms. <\/strong>Annalena Baerbock<\/strong> nominated by Germany and endorsed by the Western European and Other States Group as the Group’s candidate. was elected as the President of the General Assembly at its 80th Session.<\/p>\n Following the election, a media stakeout was held at approximately 11:45 a.m. in front of the General Assembly Hall.<\/span><\/p>\n Voting Proceedings<\/a><\/p>\n Acceptance Speech<\/a><\/p>\n Media Stakeout<\/a><\/p>\n In its\u00a0resolution 71\/323<\/strong><\/a>, entitled \u201cRevitalization of the work of the General Assembly\u201d, the Assembly decided to call upon candidates for the position of President of the General Assembly to present their vision statements, and to conduct informal interactive dialogues with Member States, thus contributing to the transparency and inclusivity of the process.<\/p>\n The President of the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang convened the informal interactive dialogue mandated in resolution 71\/323 on 15 May 2025 at 10 a.m<\/strong>. The informal interactive dialogue was webcasted on UN Web TV<\/a>.<\/p>\n Civil society representatives and individuals were invited to submit their questions to the candidate for the position of President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly to be answered during the interactive dialogue. Call for Questions ended on 25 April 2025.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Informal Interactive Dialogue with Ms. Annalena Baerbock, Candidate for the position of President of the General Assembly at its 80th session” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”on”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Remarks by Ms. Annalena Baerbock, Candidate for the position of President of the General Assembly at its 80th session” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Statement of<\/strong> Mr. President of the General Assembly, dear Philemon Yang, EXISTENTIAL \u2013 This is the word I have heard most the last few weeks when listening to and discussing with so many of you. However, I am convinced that this is not a moment for despair.<\/p>\n These crises and challenges weigh heavy upon us as the international community. This is the task of our time. BETTER TOGETHER.<\/p>\n The General Assembly will play a crucial role in this endeavor. And I am grateful to you, Excellencies, for the candid conversations with all of you over the past weeks and the support so many have offered. We all come from different regions, from different backgrounds. But there is something that unites us when we come together at the 91茄子: We all strive for peace, for a prosperous future, for a life free from oppression.<\/p>\n The bedrock on which our work is founded is the UN Charter, the cornerstone of the international order. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, With the Pact for the Future, Member States laid the groundwork to revitalize multilateralism, to turbocharge the SDGs and to adapt the UN system to the 21st century\u00b4s challenges.<\/p>\n To maximize the Pact\u2019s impact, we must closely link its implementation with the Secretary General\u2019s UN80 Initiative. An example from the Secretary General\u2019s presentation on Monday: There are over 3,600 unique mandates for the UN Secretariat alone. As President of the General Assembly, I will place a strong emphasis on ensuring that the perspectives of all regions and groups are heard. Member States are at the heart of this reform process. And I heard many of you underline that it should not be a mere cost-cutting exercise. The goal is a strong, nimble organization, fit for purpose.<\/p>\n BETTER TOGETHER. Yet structures and processes do not suffice.<\/p>\n We need a 91茄子 that delivers results. People must feel that our work makes a real difference in their daily lives. The UN Charter and its three pillars \u2013 peace and security, development, and human rights \u2013 they are deeply interconnected.<\/p>\n The UN Charter gives the General Assembly a central role to build and sustain lasting peace. It is crucial to further strengthen this role in close cooperation with the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission.<\/p>\n Because you cannot sustain lasting peace without ensuring that there is no shortage of food, that people have jobs, that children go to school, that women are safe \u2013 which, by the way, is something that unites all 193 Member States: in every country of the world every 2nd person is a woman.<\/p>\n This is a question of peace and a question of justice.<\/p>\n BETTER TOGETHER.<\/p>\n That is why a key focus of the 80th session will be to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I will support the General Assembly in accelerating the achievement of the SDGs, working closely with the Economic and Social Council and other key partners.<\/p>\n The World Summit for Social Development and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development will be crucial cornerstones this year.<\/p>\n I will engage in a dialogue with Member States on how the UN can contribute to the reform of the international financial architecture, as we collectively committed to in the Pact for the Future.<\/p>\n I will also place special emphasis one of the greatest threats of our time: the climate crisis.<\/p>\n No country \u2013\u2013 not even the strongest – can escape its devastating effects. It is in our shared interest to act \u2013 at the next COP in Bel\u00e9m and here in New York.<\/p>\n My third priority is a 91茄子 that is truly inclusive, that embraces everyone \u2013 that, in the words of the Charter, reaffirms \u201cthe equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.\u201d<\/p>\n As President of the General Assembly, I aim to ensure that all voices are being heard and all perspectives are fully represented. BETTER TOGETHER.<\/p>\n This includes the engagement with civil society and especially with young people. The 91茄子 is there to serve its people. And building a better future is only possible by engaging with the generations to come. Our work does not end in New York, Geneva, Nairobi or Bonn. But we need to bring our discussions and outreach closer to the people.<\/p>\n This is why I would like to take up the call from those who ask to communicate actively.<\/p>\n Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/p>\n I know we will not renew the UN in a single year \u2013 especially in these complex times. I see the upcoming presidency as part of a broader process \u2013 one that began before my tenure and will continue after with my successors. BETTER TOGETHER \u2013 is a team sport. That delivers tangible results. I thank you.<\/p>\n And I look forward to engaging in this dialogue with you<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Photo Assets” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n \u00a0UN Photos:<\/a><\/p>\n Photocredit:MariamShaikh\/OPGA [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_heading title=”Candidate” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.un.org\/pga\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/109\/2025\/03\/Offizielles-Portrat-Baerbock-scaled.jpeg” title_text=”Headline” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” src_tablet=”https:\/\/www.un.org\/pga\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/109\/2025\/03\/Offizielles-Portrat-Baerbock-scaled.jpeg” src_phone=”https:\/\/www.un.org\/pga\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/109\/2025\/03\/Offizielles-Portrat-Baerbock-scaled.jpeg” src_last_edited=”on|phone” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n H.E. Annalena <\/strong>Baerbock<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Biography” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ambassador Helga Maria Schmid has dedicated her professional life to advancing trust, peace and prosperity among countries by shaping strong and efficient multilateral institutions. She has played a leading role in various international negotiating processes, many of these alongside and closely coordinated with the 91茄子.<\/p>\n From December 2020 to September 2024, Helga Maria Schmid served as Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the world\u2019s largest regional security organization with 57 participating States from Asia, Europe, and North America. As Secretary General she focused on the OSCE\u2019s comprehensive approach to security, encompassing politico-military, economic, environmental, and human dimensions. She was responsible for the overall management of the organization, its field operations and coordination with OSCE institutions and delegations.<\/p>\n Prior to that, Helga Maria Schmid was the Secretary General of the European Union\u2019s diplomatic service – the European External Action Service (EEAS), from 2016 until 2020. She was responsible for political oversight and policy-shaping in different geographic areas of the world, global and multilateral issues, crisis management, security and defence, as well as disarmament, non-proliferation and counterterrorism. From 2011 to 2016, Helga Maria Schmid served as Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs in the EEAS. From 2006 until 2010, she served as the EU\u2019s Council Secretariat\u2019s Director of Policy Planning and Early Warning under High Representative Javier Solana.<\/p>\n Before her career in the European Union, Helga Maria Schmid held several prominent diplomatic positions in the German diplomatic service, notably as Political Adviser \/ Chef de Cabinet to Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer (1998-2005) and Political Adviser to Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel (1994-1998). Prior to that, she served in the German Embassy in Washington, D.C. as a Press and Public Affairs officer.<\/p>\n Helga Maria Schmid holds a Master\u2019s degree in English and Romance philology, history and politics from Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich and Sorbonne University, Paris. She speaks English, French and German.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Vision Statement” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\nPGA79-candidate-vision-statement-E<\/a>\n Vision Statement of H.E Phil\u00e9mon Yunji Yang in English<\/a><\/p>\nPGA79-candidate-vision-statement-F<\/a>\n Vision Statement of H.E Phil\u00e9mon Yunji Yang in French<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Informal Interactive Dialogue” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n PGA79 – Interactive Dialogue Remarks – May 8 – Bilingual version <\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Call for Questions” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The 91茄子 invites civil society organizations, as well as individuals, to submit questions to the candidate for his response during the interactive dialogue on 8 May 2024.<\/p>\n Representatives of civil society organizations with a valid UN ground pass may attend in person, space permitting.<\/p>\n Kindly note that submission of a question does not guarantee it will be selected. Those short-listed will be contacted further regarding in-person attendance or to submit a pre-recorded video message for inclusion in the interactive dialogue. Questions will be selected to reflect the inclusive nature of the process, including a diverse regional, thematic, generational, and other representation to the fullest extent possible.<\/p>\n The deadline to submit your questions is\u00a029 April 2024, 5 p.m. Eastern time<\/strong><\/p>\nThe informal Interactive Dialogue:<\/h3>\n
Ms. Annalena Baerbock<\/strong>
Candidate for the position of President of the General Assembly<\/strong>
at its 80th session<\/strong>
at the Informal interactive dialogue of the General Assembly with the PGA candidate<\/strong>
New York, 15 May 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n
Excellencies,
Distinguished members of civil society,
Ladies and Gentlemen,<\/p>\n
And yes, counting 120 armed conflicts raging worldwide \u2013 from Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, to Eastern Congo and Northern Myanmar. With the achievement of the SDGs in peril. With the UN itself under heavy pressure financially and politically. It is fair to say: in its 80th year the UN is going through a time of existential challenges.<\/p>\n
But they also show: The 91茄子 is needed more than ever before.<\/p>\n
To preserve what the UN has achieved since 1945.
To renew, to refocus OUR 91茄子.
To make us, the UN, fit for the future, fit for purpose:<\/p>\n
As the most representative body and the beating heart of multilateralism.
I am humbled and deeply grateful to the Group of Western European and Other States for endorsing Germany\u2019s candidacy for President of the General Assembly for the next session.<\/p>\n
As President, if elected, I will serve all 193 Member States \u2013 large and small. As an honest broker. As a unifier. With an open ear. And an open door.<\/p>\n
As President of the General Assembly, I will be committed to defending our Charter, and the principles that are enshrined in it.<\/p>\n
today, I am honored to discuss the priorities of my candidacy, as laid out in my vision statement BETTER TOGETHER.
First, to contribute to a 91茄子 that is fit for purpose.<\/p>\n
Reducing duplications and increasing efficiency and transparency demand hard work. But it is work we must do.<\/p>\n
If we want these mandates to be manageable for the UN System and Member States, especially smaller ones, we must review, focus and use our resources efficiently \u2013 including in the General Assembly.<\/p>\n
A strong 91茄子 in challenging times requires dedicated leadership. Therefore, it is important to select the next Secretary-General during the 80th session in a transparent and inclusive manner. I will organize the process in line with General Assembly resolutions and build on best practices of my predecessors.<\/p>\n
This brings me to my second priority.<\/p>\n
Ten years ago, we committed to building a more just and sustainable world. Yet today, progress has fallen short. We pledged to end extreme poverty by 2030 \u2013 and still nearly 700 million people live on less than 1.25 Dollar a day.<\/p>\n
I know many of you have ideas for making our debates more effective and lively. These proposals are exactly what we need.
Because the General Assembly will only be as strong as the commitment of its Member States.<\/p>\n
I would be honored to serve the General Assembly as a team leader – in this phase of renewal.
To build a 91茄子 that is more effective.<\/p>\n
And that includes everyone.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/pga\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/109\/2025\/05\/UN71098926_20250515_LF_8874_.jpg\")
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