Day 4 of the United Nations General Assembly saw speeches by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, and the leaders of several island nations. Work on the sidelines was carried out on the deteriorating security situation in Haiti as well as the human rights situation in Belarus.  'On the cusp of an historic peace' — Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday told the United Nations General Assembly, "There's no question the Abraham Accords heralded the dawn of a new age of peace," continuing, "But I believe that we are at the cusp of an even more dramatic breakthrough: an historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia." Netanyahu said he believes, "making peace with more Arab states would actually increase the prospects of making peace between Israel and the Palestinians." Still, the Israeli leader said Palestinians should not be allowed to exercise "a veto over the process" of signing peace deals with Arab nations. Though Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has confirmed the progress Netanyahu boasted of, he said any final agreement on the status of relations between the kingdom and the Jewish state would be contingent upon Israel's relations with the Palestinians. After his speech, Netanyahu's office was forced to walk back what it said was a misstatement by the prime minister when he said, "Iran must face a credible nuclear threat" to keep it from attaining a nuclear weapon. Netanyahu's office said his written remarks called for a "credible military threat" and that he had simply misspoken.  Island leaders: 'Beginning to question this annual parade of flowery speeches' Leaders from some of the smallest nations on the planet — islands facing rising sea levels — say that inaction by the world's large industrial and developing nations are a direct threat to their very existence and implored nations represented at the General Assembly to finally act. "There are many amongst us, the small and marginalized islands of our globe, surrounded by rising seas and scorched by rising temperatures, who are beginning to question this annual parade of flowery speeches and public pretense of brotherhood, otherwise known as the UN annual General Assembly," Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip Pierre told those gathered Friday. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, speaking Friday, said, "The problem is that those whose actions we most need may be so confident in their survival that they do not act early enough for us." That complacency was a common thread earlier in the session as well, with Micronesia's President Wesley Simina saying: "Unfortunately, the international community has not done nearly enough to get us on track to limiting the global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius." Earlier, Marshall Islands President David Kabua called for the establishment of an international financing tool to assist small island and low-lying atoll nations confronted with the effects of natural disaster. Kabua said countries must recognize the world is failing to deliver on the Paris Agreement and determine a roadmap for course correction — including ending fossil fuel dependence. "These challenges might be inconvenient for large economies — but I can assure you, the climate's impact is already at our door." US President Joe Biden intends to lend island leaders an ear when he convenes the second Pacific Islands Forum at the White House Monday. In a setting designed to showcase US engagement in the region in the face of a forward-leaning Chinese quest for influence, is set to be near the top of the agenda. Pakistani caretaker PM pleads for release of long-overdue flood aid Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, Pakistan's caretaker prime minister, told the UN General Assembly his country desperately needed to receive aid promised for rebuilding after it was devastated by massive floods last year that were found to have been aggravated by the global climate crisis. More than 33 million people were impacted by the catastrophe, with more than 1,700 killed. Kakar also implored wealthy nations to honor their promise to provide $100 billion in annual climate funding for less-developed nations. Kakar said Pakistan was pitching specific projects from the country's $13 billion (€12.2 billion) resiliency and recovery plan to donors. "I hope our development partners will accord priority to the allocation of funds," he said. Pakistan sorely needs the funds, yet donors are concerned about the fiscal health of the Islamic nation. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), for instance, delayed a bailout earlier this year, citing lack of fiscal reform. Still, Pakistan says it has failed to receive the $10 billion it was promised by various donors, including the Islamic Development Bank, The World Bank, Saudi Arabia, the EU and China, after last year's flooding. Kakar also pledged that Pakistan wants peace with it's neighbors before saying, "Kashmir is the key to peace between Pakistan and India." He urged the UN Security Council to honor its 1948 resolution calling for a plebiscite to determine the future of the region. The two nuclear-armed neighbors dispute control of the region and have fought two full-blown wars and numerous regular skirmishes over it. Calls for a UN-backed security mission to Haiti The US has said that up to 12 countries back a multinational security mission in Haiti, to help the Caribbean country fight gang violence. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a meeting in New York to address the security situation in the country that the mission could deploy "within months." Blinken said the Biden administration would work with the US Congress to provide $100 million (approximately €93.7 million) to back such a mission with logistical and financial assistance. He nevertheless stopped short of promising troops.  "Ten to 12 [countries] came with concrete offers to this mission," State Department number two Victoria Nuland said after a ministerial meeting on Haiti on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Kenya has offered to lead the force with a contribution of 1,000 security personnel and Jamaica, the Bahamas and Antigua have made known their willingness to participate. Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, Kenyan President William Ruto said: "We must not leave Haiti behind." Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry addressed the General Assembly on Friday, calling for urgent help at what he described as a "critical point," saying that "criminals feel that they are all powerful." "I am asking for help to allow Haitians to stay in their homes," he said, again requesting "help to bolster the national police of Haiti so that it can truly respond to the challenges it faces" and for Security Council authorization for that help. Many countries have been cautious regarding their support for Henry's unelected administration, with the country left without any elected representatives since January. The prime minister argues that fair elections cannot be held amid the current insecurity.  

A protest was held outside the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly building for not convening a session since the last six months. Deputy speaker of the GB Assembly was also annoyed over the prolonged delay of the session and termed it “against the spirit of democracy”. The call for the protest was given by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). A large number of activists were from other political parties gathered outside the GB assembly building in Jutial, Gilgit. Member of the assembly Shahzad Agha said that the assembly has been closed since October last year. Members from opposition and treasury bench submitted requisitions many times to convene the assembly’s session to debate important issues and legislation. However, it was highlighted that the GB Assembly speaker Amjad Ali Zaidi was not willing to convene the session and the speaker had not sent a summary to convene the assembly session to the governor. Through a letter last week, Mr Agha had demanded the speaker to convene an assembly session within the week to debate on important issues including the proposed land reforms act, electricity shortage and the wheat crisis. Mr Agha said it was interesting that the people of GB elected local representatives to solve their issues but the government did not seem interested in settling many issues as they were not even bothered to carry out a debate about them. He said instead of focusing on the locals’ issues, the chief minister and his cabinet members are in Zaman Park, Lahore to protect Imran Khan. He alleged that GB’s resources are being utilised in Zaman Part Lahore for Imran Khan. “It is injustice with the local people. The responsibility of elected representation is to protect rights of people not protection of Zaman Park,” he said. He said it is my responsibility to convince them (GB assembly members) for fulfilment of our basic cause. Mr Agha said that the speaker and chief minister are afraid of a no confidence motion. He said in fear of a no confidence motion against the speaker and chief minister, the assembly session was not convened. Protesters were holding placards inscribed with slogans like “reject lock of mouths of local representatives”. When contacted, opposition leader in GB assembly Amjad Hussain said they are in favour of the protest. He said GB’s people elected the members for representation of people and ironically the members are utilising GB’s resources for Imran Khan. He said the chief minister also got a stay from Supreme Court of Pakistan against appointment of judges in GB courts. The opposition leader said GB government wanted to solve people’s issues. When contacted, GB Assembly Deputy Speaker Nazir Ahmed said under the GB assembly rules of procedures, 120 days were required for calling an assembly session. Mr Ahmed said a budget of Rs50 million was being spent annually for the assembly’s expenses, adding that since the last two and half years, the GB assembly had failed to work on any legislation. “GB assembly has become a burden on people and relevant persons should realise this,” he said.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) decided on Monday that it would dissolve the Punjab Assembly in the initial phase, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly would be dissolved in the second phase. A local media outlet quoting sources privy to the matter reported that a significant decision about the dissolution of assemblies and resignations from the National Assembly was made in a meeting chaired by PTI Chairman Imran Khan. Initially, the Punjab Assembly would be dissolved. Additionally, the nationwide protest movement would be transformed into an electoral campaign. According to source it was resolved it the meeting that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly would be dissolved in the second phase. All the members from Rawalpindi have confirmed that they would quit the National Assembly. The lawmakers said that the country was going through worst economic crisis, adding that transparent snap elections were the only way to get out of the quagmire. Source: www.thenews.com

Lawmakers from Balochistan on Tuesday raised slogans against the Former Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government and the security forces in the Pakistan National Assembly for carrying out ‘agenda’ killing of Baloch people. This comes in the context of the April 16 heart-wrenching incident in Chagai district in Balochistan when the security forces opened fire on unarmed and oppressed Baloch people in which six persons were killed and many others injured. Pakistani forces allegedly forced several drivers from the ethnic minority areas of Balochistan to abandon their vehicles and march through the desert to their homes in the Chagai district near the border with Afghanistan. The BNP-M member regretted that the Baloch people had been the victim of extrajudicial killings since 1947 and this was happening even today. In the absence of PM Sharif from the house, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif responded to the protesting BNP-M lawmakers, stating that the Balochistan issue had been there since the 1960s. He admitted that excesses had been committed with the people of Balochistan and agreements with them were violated. Taking the floor, JUI-F leader Mohammad Jamaluddin also alleged that women and children of Waziristan had been killed during the bombing in Khost, the border town of Afghanistan some three days back, reported Dawn. “Are our agencies so weak? They (terrorists) visit our areas regularly. They come here dancing on horses carrying Kalashnikovs after travelling 40 to 50 kilometres. Don’t they (agencies) see them (terrorists)?” he asked, while also “condemning” the incident. Drawing attention to the human rights violations and the ‘bombing attacks’, the JUI-F leader said that if there are Taliban or terrorists in the area, then the security forces must take action against them. He termed such “bombing attacks” on tribal people a violation of human rights and Pakistan’s Constitution. He also stressed that while the security forces are conducting operations against the terrorists, innocent people should not be harmed or targeted, as per the newspaper. The lawmakers also targeted Imran Khan for allegedly polluting the political atmosphere by inciting the youth to violence and use of abusive language. They sought action to prevent him from spreading anarchy. Source: ANI

The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted by an overwhelming majority a new non-binding resolution that demands an "immediate" halt to Russia's war in Ukraine.     At UN headquarters in New York, 140 countries voted in favor, 38 abstained and five voted against the measure, with applause ringing out afterwards.     The vote came after the adoption of a similar non-binding resolution on March 2 that demanded Russia immediately cease its use of force -- a vote that was approved by 141 countries.     On Wednesday Ukraine put forward the new resolution, originally prepared by France and Mexico, at an emergency session of the General Assembly.     A competing text by South Africa, which never mentioned Russia by name, received only 50 votes for, 67 against and 36 abstentions, and was therefore not adopted.     The approved resolution specifically implicates Moscow and "demands an immediate cessation of the hostilities by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in particular of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects."     The same five countries voted against the resolution Thursday and March 2 -- Russia, Syria, North Korea, Belarus and Eritrea.     The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, welcomed the "strong majority" of member states that approved the resolution.     The countries made clear that "Russia bears sole responsibility for the grave humanitarian crisis and violence in Ukraine," she said.     "As President Biden has stated clearly, Vladimir Putin will not see victory in Ukraine. And we heard today that he will not see it here in New York either."     Joe Biden and his Western counterparts gathered in Brussels on Thursday for NATO, G7 and EU summits, with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky also participated by videolink.     On Wednesday Russia submitted a resolution to the UN Security Council on the "humanitarian situation" in Ukraine -- but it was not adopted, with 13 of the 15 member states pointedly abstaining in solidarity over what diplomats said was the text's unacceptable basis. Source: AFP/BSS AH

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday appealed for global solidarity to overcome the COVID-19, and repeated his call for a global ceasefire during the pandemic, by the end of the year -a very ambitious target. Addressing the largely empty General Assembly Hall in New York, Guterres characterized the pandemic from the podium as “not only a wake-up call” but “a dress rehearsal” for challenges to come.  “In an interconnected world, it is high time to recognize a simple truth: solidarity is self-interest. If we fail to grasp that fact, everyone loses,” he said, delivering his annual report on the work of the Organization, according to UN News.  In his centerpiece address to the historic and unprecedented 75th session of the UN General Assembly, the Secretary-General underscored the need for solidarity at this moment, particularly as countries least capable to address COVID-19 have received far too little assistance. He urged the UN’s 193 Member States to move forward in humility and unity in the face of the disease.  “And we must be guided by science and tethered to reality,” he added. “Populism and nationalism have failed. Those approaches to contain the virus have often made things manifestly worse.”    A world turned upside-down  Due to COVID-19, most world leaders will not attend the annual gathering at UN Headquarters, known as the General Debate.   Instead, many have pre-recorded their speeches on video, although they have the right to deliver them in person - from their seat in the Hall, not from the podium.   “In a world turned upside down, this General Assembly Hall is among the strangest sights of all,” Guterres remarked at the outset. “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our annual meeting beyond recognition.  But it has made it more important than ever.”    He said the pandemic has exposed fragilities and inequalities across the globe.  It has generated “an epochal health crisis”, the biggest economic and job losses since the Great Depression, and dangerous new threats to human rights, among other challenges.    As of Tuesday, there were more than 31 million cases of the coronavirus disease worldwide, with over 962,000 deaths.  Clock ticking on global ceasefire  Guterres also used the occasion to repeat his call for a global ceasefire during the pandemic. The Secretary-General had initially issued the appeal back in March, when he urged warring parties to “end the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world”.   Some 180 Member States have endorsed the appeal, as have religious leaders, regional partners and civil society networks.  Several armed movements also responded, some of whom announced ceasefires, though they were not sustained.   Guterres saw several reasons to be hopeful now, with the peace agreement in Sudan, and peace talks in Afghanistan, as just two examples.  However, he feared terrorist and violent extremist groups will exploit the pandemic.  “Now is the time for a collective new push for peace and reconciliation”, he charged. “I appeal for a stepped-up international effort - led by the Security Council - to achieve a global ceasefire by the end of this year. We have 100 days.  The clock is ticking.”  Threats to peace, gender equality  The ceasefire is not only critical to stop “hot” conflicts, he stressed, pointing to the need to avert a new Cold War.  “We are moving in a very dangerous direction.  Our world cannot afford a future where the two largest economies split the globe in a Great Fracture — each with its own trade and financial rules and internet and artificial intelligence capacities”, the Secretary-General warned.  “A technological and economic divide risks inevitably turning into a geo-strategic and military divide.  We must avoid this at all costs.”  COVID-19 could also see progress on gender equality pushed back by decades, he continued, as women and girls are overwhelmingly affected by the social and economic fallout, including in areas such as employment and education.  “We must also stamp out the horrifying increase in violence against women and girls during the pandemic, from domestic violence to sexual abuse, online harassment and femicide”, said Guterres.  “This is a hidden war on women. Preventing and ending it requires the same commitment and resources that we devote to other forms of warfare.”  New Social Contract  For the Secretary-General, recovering from COVID-19 must lead to a better future for all, anchored by inclusive, sustainable and resilient societies.     He emphasized the need for what he labeled a New Social Contract, at the national level, and a New Global Deal, applicable internationally.  Guterres explained that the New Social Contract has several components, such as ending exclusion, discrimination and racism, and establishing Universal Health Coverage and even a possible Universal Basic Income.   It also entails having fairer tax systems, providing education for all, harnessing digital technology, and ensuring human rights as well as opportunities for women and girls. Take climate action, address historical injustice  Speaking in French, Guterres said a sustainable New Social Contract means transitioning towards renewable energy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, highlighting a longstanding message of his tenure.  As part of their COVID-19 recovery, the Secretary-General encouraged countries to consider six climate-positive actions, ranging from green jobs and ending fossil fuel subsidies, to aligning any industry bailouts with international goals to limit global warming.  The New Global Deal seeks to make sure power, wealth and opportunities are fairly shared.  He said it must be rooted in fair globalization, while sustainable development principles should be integrated into all decision-making.  The pact also must address historical injustices in global power structures.  21st century multilateralism  The Secretary-General believes that after more than seven decades, multilateral institutions need an upgrade to more equitably represent all the world’s people, rather than giving disproportionate power to some, and limiting the voice of others.  He laid out a blueprint for this “21st century multilateralism”, saying it must be “networked” -- that is, linking global institutions, such as development banks, regional organizations and trade alliances, across sectors and geographies.  Additionally, it, too, must be inclusive, and should draw on the capacities of civil society, academia, businesses and others.  No going back  Guterres made the case for more international cooperation in the face of COVID-19, stressing that there is no “going back to what was or withdrawing into national shells.”  While the crisis has upended the world, it has also created the space for something new, he said.    For this anniversary year, the General Assembly has asked the Secretary-General to report on a common agenda for the future, which he will do next year.   “The pandemic has taught us our choices matter”, said Mr. Guterres.  “As we look to the future, let us make sure we choose wisely.”   UN response to COVID-19  Earlier in his speech, the Secretary-General spoke of the UN’s comprehensive response throughout the pandemic.    The UN system, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), has assisted governments, particularly in the developing world, including through providing personal protective equipment and other medical supplies to more than 130 countries.   The Organization also launched the ‘Verified’ campaign to fight the “toxic virus” of misinformation surrounding COVID-19. It is also supporting efforts to develop a fair and equitable vaccine against the actual coronavirus, as well as treatments and therapies.  ‘Vaccinationalism’   However, Guterres warned against what he called “vaccinationalism”, as countries are reportedly making “side deals” for their own populations.  He underlined that “None of us is safe, until all of us are safe.”  The UN has also pushed for a “massive” rescue package, equivalent to roughly 10 per cent of global economic output, to get economies back up and running.  Developed countries can afford it, he said.  “But we need to ensure that the developing world does not fall into financial ruin, escalating poverty and debt crises,” he stated. “We need a collective commitment to avoid a downward spiral.”  To this end, the Secretary-General will convene world leaders for a meeting next Tuesday to find solutions to finance development in the COVID-19 era and beyond.  Source: UNB AH

Bangladesh’s resolution entitled “Natural Plant Fibers and Sustainable Development” has been adopted recently by consensus in the plenary of the Second Committee of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The resolution was tabled in September 2019 in this committee and after several rounds of exhilarating as well as contentious negotiations, the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh could achieve consensus of all member states of the UN for this resolution, according to a press release received in Dhaka on Friday. Along with India, China, Russia, Ireland, Canada, Indonesia, Singapore, Turkey, Egypt, and Nigeria, 68 countries have co-sponsored the resolution, it added. During the adoption of the resolution, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Masud Bin Momen said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the current Government of Bangladesh has been adopting bold policies aiming at transforming the agriculture sector, promoting rural development, empowering the marginalized people and protecting smallholder farmers and small- scale producers”. In continuation to that, Bangladesh took the lead to highlight the potential economic, social and environmental benefits of the natural plant fibers such as Jute which is fondly called the Golden Fiber in Bangladesh, he added. UN Ambassador Masud hoped that the resolution will pave the way for fostering scientific research, development and cooperation at national, regional and global levels to ensure, in addition to its traditional use, the high end, value-added and innovative use of all lesser known natural plant fibers. He thanked the member states across the region for their support in adopting the resolution. This is the first resolution in the UN General Assembly that features the challenges as well as the potential of Jute and other natural plant fibers as economically viable, socially beneficial and environmentally sustainable agricultural products, the release said. The resolution primarily focuses on jute and other natural fibers such as Abaca, Coir, Kenaf, Sisal, Hemp and Ramie which are lesser known to the international community and reiterates that the promotion of these fibers would contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. From now on, the resolution will be discussed in the Second Committee of the General Assembly biennially, the release added. Source: BSS AH

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh has elected their new board for the year 2019 in the general assembly held at a hotel in the capital on Saturday. The general assembly was held in presence of all the chapters’ delegates of JCI Bangladesh. With an ever-lasting impression of delight and pledge of a brighter future for the Bangladesh the new board was elected. Said a press release.   Irfan Islam was elected as National President for 2019, who is currently serving as Executive Vice President of JCI Bangladesh. Sarah Kamal was elected as National Executive Vice President for 2019. Along with them Arman Ahmed Khan, Salehin F. Nahiyan and Ismat Jahan were elected as National Vice Presidents of JCI Bangladesh. Besides, Erfan Haque was appointed as National Secretary General, Mir Shahed Ali as National General Legal Counsel and Sakib Ahmed as Treasurer for 2019. Abu Taleb Siddique was appointed as Chair, Bangladesh Development Council and Ziaul Haque as Chair, International Affairs. Mehzabeen Aziz was appointed as Special Assistant to National President. Mehedi Hossain, Kanij Fatema, Mahamudun Nabi, Shafiqul Alam, Shahedul Azam, Abrar Hossain Sayem were selected as 2019 National Directors. Hasib Reza was selected as 2019 National Training Committee Chair. The General Assembly was conducted by 2018 National President Fayaz Atiqul Islam of JCI Bangladesh. Mentionable that, Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a worldwide organization of young professionals and leaders between the ages of 18 and 40. The organization is found in over 120 countries and has a membership of 200,000 across the world. Its duty is to contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing the opportunity for young people to develop the leadership skills, social responsi­bility, fellowship, and entrepreneurship necessary to create positive change. The JCI Headquarters is in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. As a part of JCI –an international voluntary organization, JCI Bangladesh is running its operation in Bangladesh with around 14 local chapters with member base of around 700 and the local chapters are functioning to serve the community, society and in the national level. AH