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2nd LD Writethru: UN General Assembly closes 69th session

Xinhua, September 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN General Assembly on Monday concluded its 69th session and is on track to build momentum for the Post-2015 Development Agenda, to be adopted at an upcoming summit.

"This (69th) session presented us with a historic opportunity to change our world, for the better. We achieved a great deal, and I am very grateful to Member States, the Secretary-General, and key actors, for the superb support each provided to our collective efforts," said Sam Kutesa, president of the 69th session of the General Assembly.

Kutesa held his last press briefing in the capacity as the president of the 69th session of the General Assembly Monday. In his remarks, he summed up the achievements and highlights of the 69th session.

"The 2030 development agenda was without question one of the major highlights of the session and will guide our development efforts for the next 15 years. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for Development will be the cornerstone of a renewed partnership for development," he said.

"Yet, our endeavour to set our world on a sustainable course will be moot if we do not address one of the defining challenges of our time - climate change," he said. "It will be critical to reach a bold and ambitious agreement in Paris that promotes the achievement of sustainable development, while protecting the planet."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke highly of the 69th session of the General Assembly.

"The crowning accomplishment of the 69th session is of course the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," said the UN chief at the closing of the 69th session of the General Assembly. "The design of the 17 goals and 169 targets was not accomplished overnight. Several rounds of intensive consultations closed the gaps and reached common ground. I thank the President of the General Assembly, and the facilitators appointed by him -- the Permanent Representatives of Ireland and Kenya - for their skilful guidance."

The 2030 Agenda is a sign of UN's commitment to ease suffering today while getting it right for succeeding generations, said Ban. "We now all look forward to welcoming in this Hall the Heads of State and Government in less than two weeks."

From Sept. 25-27, leaders from more than 150 nations are expected to attend the Sustainable Development Summit, here at the UN Headquarters in New York to formally adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

On Tuesday, the 70th session of the General Assembly will open, which will be presided over by incoming President Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark.

"I am convinced President-elect Lykketoft, will shepherd this august body in an efficient and inspirational manner for the 70th session. I wish him the best," said Kutesa in his closing remarks. Endit