79th session of the United Nations General Assembly

The general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly took place from September 24 to 30, 2024, in New York. A total of 193 speakers participated, including 87 Heads of State, among them H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

In a particularly volatile international context, especially due to armed conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and elsewhere, the Heads of State called for peace. In His speech, H.S.H. Prince Albert II particularly emphasized the importance of solidarity and dialogue in a divided world. He also mentioned the need to achieve gender equality, and in this regard, it is noteworthy that only ten women, heads of their countries’ delegations, spoke.

Other topics discussed included the fight against climate change, the regulation of artificial intelligence development, and the fight against disinformation.

Several meetings and a Summit also took place during this high-level week.

The Summit of the Future, which preceded the general debate, saw the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which includes the Declaration for Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact, and aims to be a roadmap for addressing global challenges.

In His address at the Summit, H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince stressed that peace is the most precious good and emphasized the importance of respecting and protecting human rights. He also highlighted the power of sport as a universal language that facilitates bringing people and cultures together, breaks down social barriers, and promotes sustainable development.

On September 24, Isabelle BERRO-AMADEÏ, Counselor-Minister for Foreign Relations and Cooperation, attended the ministerial meeting of the Security Council dedicated to the situation in Ukraine, during which Ukrainian President Volodymyr ZELENSKY urged the international community to “compel” Russia to make peace.

At the high-level meeting on sea level rise, held on September 25, Ms. BERRO-AMADEÏ reaffirmed Monaco’s commitment to protecting the oceans and combating climate change. This meeting addressed the legal, socio-economic, and scientific aspects of the consequences of sea level rise, as well as its impacts on food security. Adaptation strategies for a sustainable future, particularly for small island developing states and countries with coastal areas, were discussed.

On September 26, the Monegasque delegation participated in the meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Member states adopted a political declaration to accelerate progress in combating this growing threat by strengthening health systems and international cooperation and promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials. The Principality also participated in an event of the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP), and H.E. Ms. BERRO-AMADEÏ met with a representative of the GAVI Alliance for vaccines, two organizations to which Monaco provides support.

Isabelle BERRO-AMADEÏ also attended, on September 27, a ministerial meeting on the situation in Gaza and the implementation of the two-state solution as a path to a just peace.

At this meeting, Member States unanimously called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and the unconditional release of hostages.

On the sidelines of official meetings, Ms. BERRO-AMADEÏ spoke at the 17th ministerial meeting of the Global Governance Group (3G), convened annually by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore. She spoke alongside the Foreign Ministers of the G20 leadership trio (India, Brazil, and South Africa).

Several bilateral meetings were held during this high-level week: during His stay in New York, H.S.H. Prince Albert II met with the President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Thomas BACH, and His Foundation concluded a Framework Partnership Agreement with the Committee to harness the power of sport to promote tomorrow’s environmental leaders.

He also met, at His request, H.E. Mr. Edgars RINKĒVIČS, President of Latvia.

The Government Counselor-Minister for Foreign Relations and Cooperation, for her part, met with her counterparts from Kosovo, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, and Cyprus.

She also attended an informal meeting of women Foreign Ministers organized by the Principality of Liechtenstein and took part in the traditional dinner of the Foreign Ministers of Andorra, San Marino, and Monaco.