UN chief, Kiir discuss elections, peace deal implementation
September 18, 2023 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has called for the swift implementation of South Sudan’s revitalized peace agreement and 2022 roadmap, while reiterating the importance of conducting credible elections in the young nation in December 2024.
Guterres made the remarks at a meeting with President Salva Kiir on Monday.
“The Secretary-General and the President also discussed the country’s progress in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals,” noted a statement.
The UN chief, the statement added, also commended South Sudan’s efforts to resolve the conflict in the Sudan as the two leaders discussed the impact of the conflict in the Sudan on South Sudan, the sustainability of humanitarian assistance and the coordinated regional and international endeavours to end the conflict.
The South Sudanese leader is in New York to attend the 78th session the UN General Assembly, his first appearance at the work leaders’ event since September 2014.
The climate crisis and the war in Ukraine are expected to figure prominently at the UN this week, as more than 140 leaders and state representatives from around the world meet in New York to address the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
The high-level meeting, which begins on Tuesday, often provides world leaders and heads of state the opportunity to lay out their priorities for the coming year, urge cooperation on pressing issues, and often, call out their adversaries.
“It is a one-of-a-kind moment each year for leaders from every corner of the globe to not only assess the state of the world but to act for the common good,” Guterres stated last week, adding “And action is what the world needs now.”
This year’s meeting will be held under the theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all”.
A series of bilateral discussions will also take place on the sidelines of the event.
(ST)