SEOUL DECLARATION 2023
OF
THE COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Seoul, Republic of Korea
The Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly (UNCPGA) convened its Annual Meeting in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 18 to 20 October 2023, under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Han Seung-soo, President of the 56th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Eleven of the twenty-two living former presidents of the Assembly were in attendance. Their distinguished guest, H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the current 78th Session of the Assembly, delivered the keynote statement. The Council expressed its full support for his priorities with particular emphasis on the revitalization of the General Assembly and strengthening of the Office of the President of the General Assembly.
The Council expressed its dedicated support for UN General Assembly negotiating processes launched by President Francis meant to forge multilateral consensus on major global issues in peace and security, development, human rights, humanitarian, climate change, and related fields. In particular, the Council welcomed the evolving role of the Assembly in addressing peace and security issues given its existing mandates in this field.
The Council of the Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly stands for peace, security stability, sustainability transformation and dignity for all.
As such, the Council is deeply concerned about the growing number of armed conflicts around the world, rising geopolitical divide and drifting of the world towards bloc confrontations.
The transformation to sustainable development to which Member States of the United Nations have recently recommitted themselves cannot be achieved through armed confrontations.
Most disturbing are the war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
The Council urges parties to reach an immediate ceasefire in the war against Ukraine.
The Council’s aim is to prevent further bloodshed and destruction. The early truce for which it is calling is the first and necessary step to open space for peace negotiations.
The introduction of armistice does not predict the outcome of the negotiated settlement, nor the conditions to start formal talks.
Stopping the aggression and horrors of the war and preventing further human suffering are imperative. Those are among the reasons the United Nations Organization was created seventy-eight years ago. The Organization must not stand paralyzed. It has a mission and obligation to initiate the ceasefire and - together with other actors – must contribute to the observation of truce.
The first step on this road is not easy. But violence produces more violence. Peace cannot be achieved by greater multitude of deaths.
History will recount not only the brave fighters but also those who missed the opportunity to act when it was necessary. The Council is convinced that the future world order must be based on the key principles of the United Nations Charter and must be built upon respect for international law.
As regards the conflict in Gaza, the Council calls for the immediate release of hostages, immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and immediate access of humanitarian aid for the civilian population. Water, food, medicine, and essential supplies are lifesaving for the besieged civilians of Gaza.
The ceasefire should create political space for the lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution living side by side in peace and security. Response to terrorist attacks should always be proportional, respecting the safety of the civilian population.
The ceasefire in the Middle East called for is to save lives, to prevent further escalation of the war and to open avenues for lasting settlement of the conflict.
The Council will remain actively seized of matters in Ukraine and the Middle East and continues to offer its good offices to the needs of the Assembly and to its President.
The Council welcomed detailed reporting as regards countermeasures against international cyber-crime and matters of artificial intelligence-assisted counterterrorism. Cybersecurity will be maintained on the Council’s agenda for continued discussion.
In concluding, the Council expressed its sincere gratitude to its host H.E. Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea, for generously hosting its Annual Meeting.
Further, the Council expressed its sincere appreciation to H.E. Dr. Han Seung-soo for his leadership as Chair and for his warm hospitality.
The Council’s next formal session was set for Spring 2024.
Seoul, Republic of Korea
20 October 2023