DOHA DECLARATION
OF
THE COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS OF
THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2 – 3 May 2024
Doha, Qatar

The Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly convened in Doha, Qatar, from 1 to 3 May 2024, under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Han Seung-soo, President of the 56th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Council noted with deep concern the many armed conflicts proliferating in the world and underlined the need for urgent action by the United Nations to prevent escalation of these conflicts.

The Council unequivocally condemned the use of force in violation of international law and international humanitarian law. It affirmed that the United Nations Organization, including its General Assembly, must continue to develop itself as a resource for peace as charged by the United Nations Charter.

The Council expressed grave concern at the ongoing, systematic destruction of Gaza by Israel which has resulted in the deaths of over 35,000 innocent civilians including over 15,000 children. The Council called for immediate unimpeded humanitarian access allowing UNWRA to perform its indispensable duties. The Council demanded the immediate release of hostages and prisoners, and a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible. The Council requests the Secretary-General of the United Nations to put forward a comprehensive peace initiative based on the two-state solution. The Council expressed deep regret at the death of 182 dedicated United Nations staff as of today.

As regards the war in Ukraine, the Council called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, sought the prevention of further escalation of this conflict which has already had global repercussions, and called for the launch of a credible peace process based on the Istanbul agreement of April 2022 which includes the neutrality of Ukraine along with a decision on the self-determination of the occupied territories in the form of a referendum under the auspices of the United Nations. The Council agreed that these measures would result in a comprehensive settlement of the conflict between the parties.

The Council expressed its grave concern about the ongoing conflict in Sudan, in particular the deteriorating humanitarian situation and threat of impending famine and called upon the international community to support the efforts of the United Nations Organization to respond more effectively to the crisis.

The Council identified the Summit of the Future in September 2024 at United Nations Headquarters as a timely opportunity to change the current trajectory towards one of peaceful development and well-being for humanity as a whole.

The Council appealed to all Leaders attending the Summit of the Future to stand up for peace, recommit to the transformations envisaged by the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement, and to utilize opportunities of the digital revolution for the prosperity of all societies and address the risks of unchecked evolution of artificial intelligence.

Regarding climate change, the Council called for an end to what the United Nations Secretary-General has described as the war against nature. The Council agreed that climate change presents an overarching challenge to the security of humankind, all called for greater fidelity to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. It noted the measurable decline in the ocean’s health and the rise in sea levels threatening small island developing states and low-lying coastal communities globally.

The Council addressed cyber-kinetic security, cyber-crime, and artificial intelligence-assisted counterterrorism and the challenges these bring to effective multilateralism. It urged collaboration of parties to address these challenges effectively.

The Council called upon Member States to ensure that more women occupy leadership positions within the United Nations System.

The Council considered its Secretary-General’s report on the UNCPGA’s evolution as an institution, including a call for resources to support its Secretariat and program of work, the creation of a Group of Friends of the UNCPGA at United Nations Headquarters, and plans to apply for Observer status for the Council in the United Nations General Assembly.

The Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly expresses its sincere gratitude to its host His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, for generously hosting this meeting culminating in this Doha Declaration. The Council commended the State of Qatar for its mediation efforts around the world.

In concluding, the UNCPGA expressed its full support for H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis in his role as President of the current 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and thanked him for attending the Doha meeting.

The Council agrees to convene at United Nations Headquarters in September 2024 coincident with the Summit of the Future and to hold its Annual Meeting in the Republic of Korea in October 2024.

Doha, Qatar, 3 May 2024