A PAM delegation participated in the 77th High-level segment of the United Nations General Assembly, from the 19th to the 24th of September, in New York. World leaders from 193 UN member countries and representatives of international observers were present. The event focused on the importance of global action for a better future for all on a safe and healthy planet. The impact of current conflicts, namely the Russian aggression against Ukraine, climate change, and COVID-19 impact on global inequality, poverty, and hunger are the main topics addressed during the debates.
The delegation was led by PAM President, Hon. Gennaro Migliore, and included PAM Vice-President Hon. Karim Darwish; PAM Honorary President, Hon. Mohammed Abou El-Enein; PAM Vice President, Hon. Pedro Roque (Portugal); Hon. Joana Lima – President of the PAM Women Parliamentary Forum; accompanied by senior officials of the Secretariat.
The United Nations General Assembly granted the Observer Status to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean in 2009 in recognition of its unique role in Mediterranean Affairs as well as at the international level. By this decision, PAM has been granted the right to occupy a seat in the General Assembly Hall, intervene in important debates, and participate in all formal consultation processes.
During their mission in New York, PAM delegates met with Mr. Chen Xu, Acting Executive Director at the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (UNCTED). The discussion focused on the key role of PAM MPs in fighting terrorism.
Hon. Joana Lima (PT), President of the PAM Women Parliamentary Forum attended the 1st meeting of the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders. Out of the 193 Member States of the United Nations, only 28 women currently serve as elected Heads of State or Government.
Dr. AlMadani, PAM Ambassador for the GCC, arranged for the delegation to meet with the President of Interpol, Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi. The bilateral meeting concluded with the agreement to establish a major cooperation partnership.
PAM delegates also met the Under Secretary General for Peace Operations Amb. Jean-Pierre Lacroix. During the meeting, PAM reiterated its support for the UN peace operations for the security, stability, and prosperity of the Euro-Mediterranean region, Ukraine, and Africa.
In addition to these bilateral meetings, PAM participated in numerous seminars, meetings, and side events.
PAM delegates followed the Chief Prosecutor at International Criminal Court, Mr. Khan speech at the UN Security Council. During his participation, Mr. Khan said that in Ukraine “there are reasonable grounds to believe the crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court have been committed”.
In the same meeting, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the latest dangerous and disturbing developments of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He expressed concern over the so-called “referenda” in occupied areas of Ukraine, which are sham and represent an extreme violation of the UN Charter.
PAM delegation attended all statements at the GA. To be noted that the President of Palestine Mahmūd Abbās called upon Israel to resume negotiations toward the Two-State solution and the international community to protect Palestinians: “we will not resort to weapons, we will not resort to violence. We will fight terrorism with you, hand in hand.” A bit earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid referred to the Two-State solution to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as “the right thing for Israel’s security, Israel’s economy, and for the future of our children”.//