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Reconfirming Hungary’s strong commitment to deliver on the 2030 Agenda
Participating at the ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, Mr. Ferenc Dancs, Deputy Secretary of State for international cooperation reconfirmed Hungary’s strong commitment to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In the general debate, Deputy Secretary of State Dancs outlined Hungary’s contribution to the implementation of the SDG framework on multiple levels. At the national level, the determination of national priorities and strategies is well underway through a governmental coordination mechanism set up for effective SDG implementation.
Demonstrating the commitment to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Framework not only at the national, but also at the regional and global levels, Hungary regularly organizes conferences on topics of key importance to accelerate the progress of implementing the SDGs. The Budapest Water Summit 2013 and 2016, the annual Budapest Human Rights Forums or the Alliance 8.7 regional consultation last month to eliminate forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour serve as prominent examples.
The Government of Hungary also attaches great importance to ensuring women’s empowerment and gender equality, as well as meeting the global health challenges, two of the key themes for discussion at HLPF 2017.
The Deputy Secretary of State announced that Hungary has joined the group of countries presenting their voluntary national reviews at next year’s HLPF under the theme “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies” when SDG 6 on water will also be in focus.
Hungary’s President participated at the Third UN Thematic Session on Water and Disasters and held fruitful meetings with Secretary General António Guterres and the UN’s special envoy for Cities and Climate Change, Michael Bloomberg
H.E. Mr János Áder, President of Hungary participated at the Third United Nations Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters on 20 July in New York, where he gave a keynote speech about global water challenges. The event was organized by Dr. Han, the UN Secretary General’s Special envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Water, involving members of the High Level Panel on Water.
President Áder had a fruitful meeting with Secretary General António Guterres about pressing issues related to sustainable development, and with Michael Bloomberg, UN special envoy for Cities and Climate Change. He exchanged views with the President of Mauritius and Dr Han about next steps regarding the Panel’s work.
The Third UN Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters addressed adaptation to climate change, boosting financing and investment, as well as advancing science and technology related to climate resilient and sustainable development. At the high-level segment, H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Mr János Áder, President of Hungary, President of the Republic of Mauritius, the Vice President of Myanmar, and the Secretary General of Japan’s governing party gave a presentation. President Áder stressed the need for better coordination of policy guidance and implementation among all stakeholders under UN leadership, linking existing initiatives and frameworks via a designated platform to serve as the science-policy interface.
President Áder raised with Secretary General António Guterres the need to have a closer link between the work of the High Level Panel on Water and related mechanisms of the UN dealing with sustainable water resources management. The Secretary General commended the President for Hungary’s outstanding efforts in water diplomacy and ensured that Sustainable Development Goal 6 shall be looked at closer throughout the reform of the UN development system.
With Michael Bloomberg, the President discussed innovative ways of involving development banks, cities, local governments and the private sector into a solution-based approach to carbon emission reductions the fight against climate change, and integrated water management.
Hungary supports the General Assembly’s resolution on continuing the inter-governmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council
On behalf of Hungary, H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Permanent Representative to the UN supported the resolution to roll-over the inter-governmental negotiations on the Security Council reform at the plenary meeting of the General Assembly on 19 July, by stressing the need for text based negotiations at the 72nd session of the body.
The landmark resolution 47/62 called for the need to reform the Security Council in 1992. The question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council has been discussed in the General Assembly for the last twenty-five years.
At the plenary session of the General Assembly on 19 July, Ambassador Bogyay expressed Hungary’s views on the “Food for Thought” paper prepared by the co-felicitators following the last intergovernmental meeting in June, noting strong preference on starting real negotiations, based on a consolidated text.
Hungary looks forward to the 72nd session of the General Assembly and stands ready to actively contribute to the next round of negotiations in order to identify commonalities and clarify questions for further consideration, allowing the process to go further in yielding results.
20th of August: National Day of Hungary - St Stephen's Day
The strong link between Hungarians and Christianity can be traced back to the Stephen I. After the death of his father, the Grand Prince Géza, Stephen I. went from being the last Grand Prince of Hungary (997 - 1000), to becoming the First King of Hungary until his death in 1038.
His entire reign was characterized by the creation of inner unity of the country and the spread of Christianity. In his advises to his son, entitled “Intelmek” (Book of Admonitions) and laws he remained for the posterity in which he draws attention to preservation and strengthening of the Christianity.
Stephen I., in cooperation with Europe and the Papacy, established the independent Kingdom of Hungary at the turn of the millennium. Additionally, he founded the units of the ecclesiastical administration, the bishoprics and the administrative districts, creating the foundations of a Christian European Kingdom. The aforementioned laws helped him in the serving as guidance and foundation for this process. Through the establishment of the State, Hungary became a part of the European Christian community with preservation of Hungarian traditions and folk characters.
According to his diplomatic and political sense he became one of the greatest statesmen of the Hungarian history. Before his death in 1038 Stephen I. offered the country to Virgin Mary.
He was canonized on August 20th, 1083.
Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay Permanent Representative of Hungary on “Implementing the Responsibility to Protect: Accountability for Prevention”
Mr. President,
Your Excellency,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We align ourselves with the Statement of the Group of Friends of R2P and the European Union. We continuously support the work of the Special Adviser on R2P.
We thank and support the Secretary General for the proposed concrete measures.
Since the UN’s establishment some 72 years ago, perhaps our greatest failure has been our inability to always protect civilians against atrocity crimes. We are deeply concerned about the worldwide negative trends, we share the view expressed in the report that prevention of atrocity is the first step to implement R2P.
Since the adoption of the principles on the R2P in 2005, Hungary is fully committed to raise the awareness on this issue on national and international level as well. Hungary is a proud member of the Friends of R2P Group and a party to all important Conventions related to mass atrocities and war crimes.
Hungary – as an active member of the ACT Group – welcomes the reference in the report to the Code of Conduct and the role of the Security Council. We advocate for refraining voluntarily from the use of veto in the Security Council in cases of mass atrocities and we encourage all Member States who have not yet done so to support the Code of Conduct elaborated by the ACT Group and signed by 113 Member States to date. Hungary is a committed supporter of preventive diplomacy and early warning.
As a clear sign of our commitment to prevent atrocities, Hungary takes actions through legal measures, education, commemoration, and zero tolerance policy, for example against anti-semitism and xenophobia.
The Hungarian Criminal Code penalizes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and hate speech as well.
Hungary has signed the joint statement on the “Principles for UN Global Leadership on Preventing Violent Extremism”.
We strongly support utilizing mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, even more so in these times, since Hungary has been elected a member of the UN Human Rights Council
We also support the using of the Universal Periodic Review process to address atrocity prevention gaps and to considering further exploration of the responsibility to protect by the Security Council.
We must dedicate special attention to ending impunity and ensuring justice for victims of atrocities, including trial-based mechanisms and other forms of transitional justice.
We appreciate the efforts taken by the International Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC) to implement and ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in armed conflict situations.
Hungary is still a staunch supporter of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) on international crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic.
Hungary hosts the Budapest Centre for the International Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities, which provides an invaluable input that can contribute to effective and timely action aimed at preventing the commitment of atrocity crimes: in institution building, technical assistance, early warning capacity building, best practice advice and persistent attention to the warning signs. Such warning sign can be the emerging presence of extremism in our societies.
In 2008, Hungary launched the Budapest Human Rights Forum, a series of annual international human rights conferences attended by national and international human rights experts, representatives of international organizations, non-governmental organizations and governments.
In 2016, one of the panels of the 9th Budapest Human Rights Forum was dedicated to the human rights aspects of the prevention of mass atrocities and the responsibility to protect.
Just lately, in cooperation with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, hosted an international Conference on “Victims of armed conflicts at the juncture of international humanitarian law and human rights law”. The Conference concentrated on the prevention aspect.
We believe that with strengthened political will of Member States and better use of already existing wide range of tools, the international community could effectively prevent mass atrocities.
I thank you, Mr. President!
Hungary’s Presence at the High Level Week of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade H.E. Mr Péter Szijjártó addressed the General Debate of the 72nd session of the General Assembly on 22 September, underlining the importance of international cooperation in pressing issues, such as security, migration and the protection of the rights of minorities.
He participated at the meeting of the Visegrad (V4) countries, the EU Council of Foreign Ministers, as well as the Strategic Forum of the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) in Washington, D.C.
Minister Szijjártó held an interactive presentation on the role of Central Europe in tackling today’s challenges. The event was held in the framework of Hungary’s Presidency of the Visegrad Group, and was organized in cooperation with the Foreign Press Association and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy.
Mr Szijjártó empahsized the importance of the protection of religious minorities in conflict during an event hosted by the Hungarian Mission to the UN, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See and the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy at the UN Headquarters. Mr Szijjártó intervened at the annual ministerial Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, calling on member States to sign the Convention as a step towards eliminating nuclear weapons. He participated at a High-Level event on the Human Rights Council reform, and empahsized the responsibility of the international community in fighting impunity for the most serious crimes at a high-level meeting on the Syria accountability mechanism („Building the Foundation for Justice in Syria: In support of the Syria Accountability Mechanism”). Mr Szijjártó invited members of the Security Council to refrain from using their veto power when the Council is tackling cases of mass atrocities at the event entitled „Preventing and Ending Mass Atrocities: Tools for More Effective UN Security Council Action”.
On the margins of the High Level Week, Minister Szijjártó participated in more than 30 bilateral meetings with his Partners, establishing diplomatic relations with Palau, and signing eleven bilateral agreements with ten Member States.
Moreover, the Minister participated in the High Level Luncheon held by UN Secretary General António Guterres, and met several prominent UN leaders, including President of the General Assembly H.E. Mr Miroslav Lajčák, Under-Secretary-General and Head of UN Counter-Terrorism Office H.E. Mr Vladimir Voronkov. as well as Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs H.E. Mr Jeffrey Feltman.
Mr Szijjártó opened an exhibition on the life and work of Zoltán Kodály, Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, at the Hungarian Mission to the UN. He gave a number of interviews to international press and news agencies, including the CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera English, a FOX News, Tass, Politico, Xinhua, World Tribune, a Turkish TV and the American Television News. His itervention at the General Debate was broadcasted live on Hungarian television.
To read the full statement of H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó at the General Debate of the UNGA72 click here.
Photos: Máté Paczolay (MFA)
Participation of H.E. Mr. János Áder, President of Hungary at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly
H.E. Mr. János Áder, President of Hungary participated at the high-level week of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly on 18-22 September 2017. President Áder attended the high-level opening plenary of the general debate on 19 September, followed by a bilateral meeting with H.E. Raimonds Vējonis, President of Latvia. The President also took part in the informal gathering convened by the UN Secretary General with heads of states and governments on future steps regarding the UN's work on addressing climate change.
On 20 September, President Áder attended the Bloomberg Business Forum that tackled global issues and multi-stakeholder cooperation, where he was engaged in the roundtable on green growth with the participation of Mr Michael Bloomberg, the UN's special envoy on climate change and cities, President Cerar of Slovenia and Prime Minister Rasmussen of Denmark. The same day, President Áder gave a keynote speech at the UN side event on Closing the Investment Gap in Water infrastructure co-organized by Denmark and Hungary.
On 21 September, President Áder participated at the meeting of the UN High Level Panel on Water in presence of Secretary General Antonio Guterres and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim. The President and First Lady Mrs Anita Herczegh laid wreath at the Memorial of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 in the Riverside Park and paid honor to the investiture ceremony organized by the Consulate General of Hungary for the President of the Hungarian American Memorial Committee and for the Founder of the New York based Hungarian television. He also gave interviews, including to the online portal called Hungary Today.
Photos: Noémi Bruzák (MTI)
Statements, Speeches and Interventions of Ambassador Katalin Bogyay
21 October, 2020 Keynote address by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay on the occasion of the Third Committee Informal Debate of UN Youth Delegates
30 September, 2020 Statement by H.E. Mr. János Áder, President of Hungary on the occasion of the UN Biodiversity Summit 2020
21 September, 2020 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay on the occasion of the Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations
23 June, 2020 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay on the occasion of Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict
1 June, 2020 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay on the occasion of Global Day of Parents
29 May, 2020 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay at Group of Friends of Water High Level Event
21 February, 2020 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay on the 'First meeting of the intergovernmental negotiations on the Declaration for the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary' of the UN
20 November, 2019 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay on the Occasion of the "Listening to Survivors of Religious Persecution: The Call for Religious Freedom" Conference
29 October, 2019 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay in the Security Council Open Debate on Women Peace and Security
22 October, 2019 Intervention by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay in the interactive dialogue of the Third Committee about the rights of minorities
18 October, 2019 Intervention by H.E. Abassador Katalin Bogyay in the interactive dialogue of the Third Committee about the right of education
17 October, 2019 Intervention by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay in the interactive dialogue of the Third Committee about the freedom of religion and belief
26 September, 2019 H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade addressed the General Debate of the 74rd session of the General Assembly
23 September, 2019 H.E. Mr. János Áder, President of Hungary participated in the UN Climate Action Summit 2019
12 September, 2019 Launch of the United Nations Plan of Action to safeguard religious sites
10 September, 2019 High-level dialogue on reaffirming the commitment to multilateralism through the strengthening of the international system and institutions on the occasion of the 75th
26 August, 2019 Advancing the safety and security of persons belonging to religious minorities in armed conflict
19 June, 2019 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: The Importance of a Survivor-Centred Approach
25 April, 2019 Intervention by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay Permanent Representative at the 12th Annual Psychology Day
24 April, 2019 Intervention by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay Permanent Representative at the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
20 November, 2018 Intervention by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations at the Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council
9 November, 2018 Intervention of H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations at the Security Council open debate on Strengthening Multilateralism and the Role of the United Nations
29 October, 2018 Statement by Hungary Item 72 ID with SR on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
29 October, 2018 Statement by Hungary Item 72 ID with SR on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (short version)
5 June, 2018 Panelist remarks by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations on Session 3: Science Technology and Innovation (STI) for Sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SDG 6)
1 February, 2018 Intervention by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay Permanent Representative on Youth Integration for Sustainable Development
27 October, 2017 Intervention by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay Permanent Representative at the Open debate of the Security Council on Women, Peace and Security
20 October, 2017 Speech by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay Permanent Representative on the occasion of the Hungarian National Day
22 September, 2017 Opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay on Protection of Religious Minorities event
23 May, 2017 Statement by Hungary at the ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum
10 April, 2017 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN, at the Circle of Women Ambassadors Luncheon
21 February, 2017 Statement by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay Permanent Representative on the occasion of International Mother Language Day
6 February, 2017 Intervention by Ambassador Bogyay on Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the SC
22 November, 2016 Intervention by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay Permanent Representative at the Open debate of the Security Council on Water, Peace and Security
24 October, 2016 Speech by Ambassador Bogyay at the United Nations Day Gala Concert
7 October, 2016 Statement by Ambassador Bogyay on the occasion of the Celebration of the Deposit of Instruments of Ratification for the Paris Agreement
23 May, 2016 Intervention by H.E. Amb. Katalin Bogyay Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations, at the Meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly Strengthening the Office of the President of the General Assembly
Intervention of Ms. Zsófia Rácz, UN Youth Delegate of Hungary, on the occasion of the Third Committee General discussion on Agenda Item 27
The inclusion of Youth into dialogue and decision-making is a priority for Hungary. Ms. Zsófia Rácz, UN Youth Delegate of Hungary, took the floor on 2 October on the occasion of the Third Committee General discussion on Agenda Item 27 (Social Development). She shared her experience in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals among young people throughout the country, and emphasized the importance of quality education, a cornerstone for understanding and changing the world for the better. Ms Rácz highlighted the value of innovative ideas, sustainable solutions and the sense of ownership for the future coming from the Youth, and also talked about the need for intergenerational dialogue in engaging persons from all ages in sharing ideas and implementing solutions.
You can read the full statement here.
UN celebrates half a century of developing international trade law by UNCITRAL under Hungarian leadership
On 9 October 2017, the Sixth (Legal) Committee of the UN General Assembly held a successful debate on the work of the 50th session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) with H. E. Mr. János Martonyi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary and Chair of UNCITRAL. The debate addressed the presentation of the Chair and this year’s report of the Commission. On the margin of the debate Minister Martonyi, together with H. E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay (Hungarian Permanent Representative to the UN in New York) and H. E. Ambassador Károly Dán (PR of Hungary to the UN in Vienna) met Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Sectretary-General for Legal Affairs and Renaud Sorieul, Secretary of UNCITRAL.
UNCITRAL is mandated to harmonize and modernize international trade law, thereby creating an effective legal environment for international trade and commerce. The UN General Assembly has on several occasions reaffirmed UNCITRAL’s important role in achieving global development, peace and stability through the completion of its mandate.
The Chair of UNCITRAL presented to the Sixth Committee the work of UNCITRAL during its 50th session which was held in Vienna from 3rd to 21st of July this year. Minister Martonyi highlighted that his election as the chair of the session “was also an appreciation for Hungary, a state which had a significant role in establishing UNCITRAL by initiating works on international trade law.” UNCITRAL was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations upon a Hungarian initiative in 1966.
UNCITRAL finalized and adopted two legislative texts in crucial commercial areas: electronic commerce and secured transactions. UNCITRAL also had on its agenda progress reports from working groups, consideration of its future work, and deliberation on the technical assistance and coordination activities carried out by its Secretariat. In addition, the Commission held a three-day Congress to commemorate its 50 years of work.
On the margin of the debate, Mr. Serpa Soares and Mr. Sorieul invited the Chair together with Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, and Ambassador Károly Dán, to discuss current issues and challenges faced by UNCITRAL in the development of international trade law.
Please, click here to read the Commission’s report.
To read the full statement of the Chair, please click here.
Hungary's commitment to the work of the Human Rights Council, resolution on reprisals
The President of the Human Rights Council, Joaquín Alexander Maza Martelli presented the annual report of the Council to the 72th session of the UN General Assembly and Third Committee on 2 November 2017. At the interactive Dialogue with the President in the Third Committee, Zoltán Varga, Deputy Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN, reiterated Hungary’s strong support to the work of the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms.
Mr. Varga recalled that Hungary has been an active supporter of the Council since its establishment in 2006, including by taking a leading role in introducing the resolutions on the independence of judges and lawyers and on the question of reprisals. He emphasized that consensus-building on issues such as minority rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, the promotion and protection of the rights of the child, the fight against all kinds of discrimination, the protection of persons and groups in vulnerable situations are very important to Hungary.
Mr. Varga reiterated the importance of de-politicizing the work of the Council, stepping up efforts to build confidence among members and seeking for a consensual track, even on divisive issues.
The Deputy Permanent Representative furthermore recalled the adoption the adoption of the resolution on „Cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights” on the 36th session of the Human Rights Council which he considered as one of the most significant achievements of the session.
You can read the full statement here.
Thematic session on “Women as Leaders for Diversity and Development" of the World Science Forum in Jordan on 7-11 November 2017
Jordan is hosting World Science Forum, the largest ever scientific gathering of the Middle East under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II. bin Al-Hussein at the Dead See on 7-11 November 2017 around the theme of ‘Science for Peace’. The Forum has been co-organized by the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the International Council for Science (ICSU), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan of Jordan.
H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Hungary’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and member of the Forum’s Steering Committee led the thematic session on “Women as Leaders for Diversity and Development" on 8 November as moderator with Her Majesty Queen Noor Al-Hussein, H.R.H. Princess Sumaya, South Africa’s Minister for Science and Technology, as well as senior women managers of AAAS, the Japan Science and Technology Agency, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science, and the European Research Council as speakers.
The central theme of ‘Science for Peace’ addresses poverty eradiation along with promoting equitable, inclusive and sustainable social and economic development based on the conservation of ecosystems to attain peace and prosperity. Peace encompasses the reconciliation and prevention of conflict, it embraces the holistic approach to natural resources management including food, water and energy, access to education and health provision, and to the opportunities created by the global economy and increasing innovation in the age of digital transformation. Building and sustaining peace, in the face of geopolitical turmoil, growing inequalities and insecurity are imperative to secure a sustainable future for the planet.
The thematic session on “Women as Leaders for Diversity and Development" of 8 November tackled how the powers of science, technology and innovation are to achieve economic growth, accelerate the pace of development, and contribute to evidence-based policy making with the contribution of diverse science leaders, including the role of women scientists.
H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Hungary’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and member of the Forum’s Steering Committee as moderator of the panel stressed that there is no peace without development, and there cannot be any sustainable development without peace and stability. Women in general and especially women scientists have a very important role in promoting evidence-based solutions through bring building, thereby contributing to conflict prevention and crisis management.
The speakers of the panel: the Minister for Science and Technology of South Africa, and women in senior management positions from AAAS, the Japan Science and Technology Agency, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science and the European Research Council illustrated the reinforcement of the science-policy link by bringing together key actors from the political, researcher and implementation level. As a key outcome, they called for innovation and technology to be developed by women and men jointly, as everybody in society takes benefits and risks for the products, services and systems coming from science, technology and innovation.
Raising the profile of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) needs to go hand in hand with intercultural and interreligious dialogue, in order to ensure for the right balance.
To read more: http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/scientists-examine-gender-gap-industry
Please, click here for the video of the thematic session.
Hungarian Minister of Justice, H.E. Mr. László Trócsányi visited New York
The Hungarian Minister of Justice, H.E. Mr. László Trócsányi and his distinguished delegation visited New York between 14-18 November 2017.
Among others, the Minister met Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, Ms. Louis Arbour, Special Representative for International Migration, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Mr. Ivan Simonovic, Special Adviser on Responsibility to Protect and Rabbi Arthur Schneier.
The Minister met the Ambassadors of the Core Group of ACT discussing the Code of Conduct and the President of the Six Committee discussing the current challenges .
The Hungarian Minister of Justice also gave a talk to the Foreign Press Association and the Diplomatic Corps on the role of Hungary in the European Union and The global arena.
Click here for the photos of the visit.
Addressing complex contemporary challenges to international peace and security at the Security Council
The Security Council, under the Presidency of Japan, held an open debate addressing complex contemporary challenges to international peace and security on December 20, 2017. In allowing this debate, the Security Council gave the wider UN membership an opportunity to be heard on this important topic.
Ambassador Bogyay outlined a number of steps in order to tackle these challenges more effectively.
She stressed the importance of taking the reform forward. Ambassador Bogyay pointed out that now we have a rare opportunity in front of us to help both the organization and its Member States to address the structural shortcomings and empower the UN to move out of the functional silos, integrate the approach of prevention and to enhance the coherence of activities of the UN in the field.
Ambassador Bogyay reaffirmed Hungary’s firm commitment to addressing water related challenges. She said that countries and regions should undertake coordinated efforts and adopt both urgent and long-term measures on water resources management. It is truer now than ever before that “water connects, it does not divide,” she added. She encouraged convergences so that water can find its best place at the UN development system.
She also emphasized the role of women in the maintenance of peace and security. She stated that the rights of women and the struggle to uphold them in every corner of the world is the moral imperative of the 21st century.
To read the full speech of the Ambassador, please click here.
V4 statement on the Future of Europe
Under the Hungarian V4 Presidency the V4 Prime Ministers held a summit in Budapest on 26 January 2018. The Visegrad Countries reiterate their common approach concerning the Future of Europe as expressed in their declarations before the Bratislava and Rome meetings of the Heads of State and Government as well as their support to the Bratislava roadmap and the Rome declaration. The Visegrad countries welcome the debate on the future of the EU as they believe that the EU is the best framework to face and tackle both internal and external challenges. The Prime Ministers also discussed the issue of mass migration including the process aiming at creating a Global Compact on Migration in the United Nations framework.
In the previous 26 years the Visegrad Group has been actively representing regional interests, since 2004 within the European Union, while contributing to the prosperity and stability of the continent via their economic performance, cooperation aimed at facilitating connectivity, support towards the neighbouring Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions, as well as a responsible approach to the unprecedented migration crisis. The V4 countries constitute stability and growth in the European Union, and have the legitimate intention to contribute substantially and as equal partners to the dialogue on the future of the EU.
Click here to visit the website of the Hungarian Presidency of the Visegrad Group.
To read the V4 statement on the Future of Europe click here.
Meeting of the Group of Friends of Water with the President of the General Assembly
H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Hungary’s Permanent Representative to the UN participated at the meeting of the Permanent Representatives of the Steering Committee of the Friends of Water with the President of the General Assembly on 29 January to discuss the preparations for the high-level World Water Day event of 22 March 2018, which is about to launch the “2018–2028 International Decade for Action – Water for Sustainable Development”.
The President of the General Assembly will be organizing three high-level events in support of the 2030 Agenda and the implementation of the SDGs - besides youth and financing for development, water will be a priority theme throughout his leadership of the UNGA.
The “2018–2028 International Decade for Action – Water for Sustainable Development” will be launched by the President on 22 March, World Water Day in the framework of a full day event with the participation of high-level delegations by Member States, UN agencies and stakeholders from academia, private sector, civil society, media and youth representatives.
The Permanent Representatives of the Steering Committee of the Group of Friends of Water: Finland, Hungary, Tajikistan, Thailand and Switzerland ensured the President of the General Assembly to support the preparatory process and contribute to a joint exhibition around the topic of SDG 6: access to and sustainable management of water resources. The exhibition should be opened before World Water Day and be accessible for UN visitors for the duration of one week.
H.E Minister of State Katalin Novák participates at CSocD56
H.E. Ms Katalin Novák, Minister of State for Family and Youth Affairs and H.E. Ms Boglárka Illés, Deputy State Secretary for Youth Affairs and Equal Opportunities, and Ms Zsófia Rácz, UN Youth Delegate participated at the 56th Session of the Commission for Social Development and the ECOSOC Youth Forum from 29-31 January 2018 in New York.
Minister of State Novák addressed the High-Level panels of the Commission and the Youth Forum, underlining the importance of decent work not only as a means to eradicating poverty, but also to setting an example for future generations, and the central role of family in this regard.
H.E. Ms. Novák shared successful policies and best practices at the full-house side event on “The Role of Family Policies in Eradicating Poverty”, and engaged with the audience at the event “Meet the Minister”, co-hosted with the Foreign Press Association at the Hungarian Mission to the UN.
During her visit, Minister of State Novák held fruitful discussions with Deputy-Secretary-General Ms Amina Mohammed, Youth Envoy of the Secretary General Ms Jayathma Wickramanayake, and several distinguished Member State partners. H.E. Ms Boglárka Illés met representatives of the Hungarian Diaspora in New York, listening to their experiences and needs.
Click here to see the photos of the "Meet the Minister" event.
Handover of the report of the High Level Panel on Water to the UN Secretary General
On 14 March 2018 the mandate of the High Level Panel on Water (HLPW) ended with the release of its outcome package consisting of a final report, including recommendations and summaries of key initiatives by the Panel, an open letter to fellow leaders and a “galvanizing” video calling for action.
Hungary’s longstanding commitment to sustainable and integrated water resources management has been demonstrated by the active participation of H.E. Mr. János Áder, the President in the Panel’s work. At the handover ceremony in UN Headquarters, Hungary was represented by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Permanent Representative to the UN.
In April 2016 the UN Secretary-General and the President of the World Bank Group convened a High Level Panel on Water (HLPW), consisting of 11 sitting Heads of State and Government and one Special Adviser, to provide the leadership required to champion a comprehensive, inclusive and collaborative way of developing and managing water resources, and improving water and sanitation related services.
The core focus of the Panel was the commitment to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, as well as to contribute to the achievement of other SDGs that rely on the development and management of water resources.
At the handover ceremony, the Secretary General emphasized the link of the Panel’s recommendations to the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs with a particular emphasis on water. Recalling that two billion people in the world still lack access to safe water and 4.5 billion to proper sanitation, he cited the aggravating effects of climate change, which will have further negative impacts on the current water systems. With the increasing number of water-linked natural disasters, water is indeed becoming a matter of life and death, therefore it should be prioritized by all. The Secretary General ensured the representatives of the members of the panel to provide the whole of the UN system and also all member states with his support to take forward the recommendations of the report’s panel and make sure that they are implemented effectively.
H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Permanent Representative to the UN shared that under the leadership of Hungary the panel members elaborated recommendations in the five topics: institutional considerations, sustainable cities, transboundary water governance, water infrastructure and investment, and the link between water, peace and forced displacement. The President of Hungary will present the report next week at the World Water Forum in Brasilia on behalf of the panel as a whole.
Hungary remains committed to the strategic discussions on improving the integration and coordination of the work of the UN on water related SDGs, including on strengthening the governance structures. Budapest will host the next Water Summit in 2019, which will provide all stakeholders with an opportunity to redefine the scope of managing the world’s water resources. The summit will also promote a greater emphasis on preventive measures, including the development of integrated urban water solutions and financing schemes for high quality water infrastructure.
49th annual session of the United Nations Statistical Commission in 2018
The 49th session of the UN Statistical Commission took place in New York on 6‐9 March 2018 around the theme of Better data - better lives, supporting the implementation of the Agenda 2030. The Hungarian delegation at the session was led by Dr. Gabriella Vukovich, the President of Hungary’s Central Statistical Office.
Under the third agenda item, Dr. Gabriella Vukovich, the President of Hungary’s Central Statistical Office presented to the UN Statistical Commission the report of the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in her capacity as co-chair of the group, together with Morocco.
Upon invitation by the organizers, Dr. Vukovich participated as speaker in two roundtables: on 5 March on Communicating data and statistics - bringing trusted and actionable data to the public, the media and policy-makers, and on 2 March on The data revolution in action - building a federated system of Sustainable Development Goal data hubs and collaborative platform for innovation.
The participants of the session ensured support to the overall aim of implementing the Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to the ongoing reform of the UN Development System, including the reinvigoration of UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
Hungary delivers the first common ACT statement on how to improve working methods of the UN General Assembly
Dr. Zoltán Varga, Deputy Permanent Representative of Hungary delivered a statement today on behalf of the 25 Member States of the Accountability, Coherence & Transparency ACT Group, at the 2nd thematic debate of the Ad-Hoc Working Group on revitalization of the United Nations General Assembly, dealing with working methods. The Group agrees that the GA needs to increase its efficiency in the context of emerging global challenges to make sure it can live up to its role as one of the principal organs of the UN.
The 25 small and mid-sized countries of the cross-regional ACT group work together to improve the working methods in United Nations organs. One of the main fora where the group has been actively engaged so far is the AHWG on revitalization of the General Assembly, more specifically the cluster discussing selection of the Secretary General and other executive heads of the UN. This year however, the group decided to widen the scope and explore further ways on how it can contribute to the success of the revitalization process. Hungary coordinated and delivered the first statement containing the group’s comments on how to improve working methods of the GA. The common statement highlighted the ACT support for the creation of a code of conduct to guide election campaigns; welcomed the alignment of the work of the General Assembly and ECOSOC on the 2030 Agenda; encouraged biennalization and triennalization of some agenda items in the GA and the rationalization of side-events during the High-level week of the GA as well as further fine-tuning of the UN Journal, in order to achieve a more user-friendly platform, with a straight forward access, as envisaged by the membership in last year’s agreement. Please find the statement on the right.
Click here to read the statement.