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H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary addressed the General Assembly at its very first formal debate on third report of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism. Minister Szijjártó highlighted the Hungarian political commitment and financial contributions of Hungary to the successfully operation of the IIIM.

The General Assembly held its very first formal debate on 23 April on the third report of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. The meeting was chaired by, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of the General Assembly, the report of the IIIM was introduced by Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head if the Mechanism.

H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary underlined that illegal migration flows into Europe caused by armed conflicts in the Middle-east result the most significant security challenge for the continent since the European Union had been founded. The only solution can be returning of migrants to their home countries, therefore the international community has to find the way to help and assist to reach out this goal.

Hungary is strongly committed to democracy, rule of law, strong institutions and fighting impunity. It is needed to bring perpetrators to justice, there is no peace without legality. The rules-based international order can be reached only by peaceful solutions, thus we need to enhance the cooperation, sharing information and best practices among member states and non-state actors. ,

Minister Szijjártó also stressed the need of political and financial supporting of the IIIM. Hungary has been committed to work of the mechanism since the beginning, we have contributed 150.000 euro so far, 50.000 euro each year with the intent to continue it in the future. Hungary also agrees on implicating the budget of the IIIM into the regular UN budget after the year 2020.

Finally, H.E. Péter Szijjártó noted that Hungary, as not just a European but also a Christian country has to stress out the importance of collective efforts in combatting discrimination and persecution against religious minorities, among others Christian communities worldwide. It is one of the most serious challenges in present days, thus the international community should make extra efforts in contributing this crucial issue.

On 30 April, on the second day of the Third Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) for the 2020 Review Conference (RevCon) of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Ambassador György Molnár, Special Representative for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in his intervention in the general debate reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to strenghtening the integrity of NPT, the cornerstone of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament as well as the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Ambassador Molnar emphasized that in the field of nuclear disarmament we have to focus on areas where common ground exists. We need an inclusive and incremental process that consists of concrete and practical steps, and engages nuclear weapon states. These steps include the entry into force of the CTBT, a ban on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and making progress on nuclear disarmament verification, concerning which Hungary was honored to participate in the work of the Group of Governmental Experts. He also mentioned that the credibility of the NPT can only be preserved if existing and emerging nuclear proliferation risks are addressed in an effective way. In relation to this he emphasized  the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s comprehensive safeguards system.. The Ambassador also underlined that all States parties have an inalienable right for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in conformity with the relevant provisions of the NPT.  He also underscored that nuclear safety and security are sustainers of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and can contribute to its positive public perception.

The Third PrepCom started on 29 April and lasts two weeks, untill 10 May. The main goal of the PrepCom is to warm up for the Tenth Review Conference of the NPT, due in 2020.

Please find here the full statement.

As a recognition of Hungary’s contribution to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) as a member since 2012, the Economic and Social Council re-elected Hungary by acclamation to the important UN body that besides supervising the international drug control treaties  also acts as the governing body of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Hungarian experts have a long tradition to participate in the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) that reviews and analyzes the global drug situation, considering the interrelated issues of prevention of drug abuse, rehabilitation of drug users and supply and trafficking in illicit drugs. Hungary became first member of the Organization immediately after joining the UN in 1957, then between 2004-2007. Since 2012 Hungary has been a member for 7 consecutive years and looks forward to contribute to the work of CND during the next term.

On 7 May 2019, the ECOSOC elected the following thirty-one new members to CND: Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Angola, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, South Africa, Bahrain, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ecuador, El Salvador, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, UK, USA.

Hungary congratulates to and look forward to working with all new and old members of the Committee!

H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary participated in the 2019 ECOSOC 4th annual Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum) organized by the President of the Economic and Social Council on 14 May 2019 as well as in its side events: “Innovation as a Mindset: Integrating creativity and solution-seeking thinking as a way of living”  led by the Permanent Mission of Israel and the “Advancing quality education and lifelong learning through science, technology and innovation organized by the Permanent Missions of Argentina, the Czech Republic, Kenya, Japan and Norway, together with UNESCO. On 14 and 16 May Minister Szijjártó participated also in the High-level Thematic Debate on Addressing Inequality Toward Inclusive Development as a panelist and in the High-level meeting on “International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Strengthen Good Practices on Assets Return” organized by the President of the General Assembly under the theme “Prosperity Week”. His Excellency participated in the latter events on the invitation of H.E. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the GA.

During his stay, the Minister presented the Hungarian STI roadmap and best practices in line with the Agenda 2030, such as the national automotive driving concept. Hungary will host later this year the ITU Telecom World 2019 Conference on 9-12 and the World Science Forum on 20-21 November, both to be held in Budapest. The Minister also highlighted that Hungary has supported more than 5000 students from developing countries in the framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program launched by the Hungarian Government.

The Hungarian Minister shared the national experiences on promoting inclusive development and empowering people in line with the Hungarian family protection action plan. Minister Szijjártó also emphasized that the biggest threat is the illegal flow of people and the illegal flow of money, such as anonymus transaction, which must be stopped by the international community.

During his visit, Minister Szijjártó also held bilateral meeting with Mr. Miroslav Jenča Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Mr. Mark Lowcock Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator and Mr. Dereje Wordofa Assistant Secretary-General, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA.

On June 27 and 28, 2019, the UN General Assembly held a successful formal debate on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) entitled “Responsibility to Protect and the Prevention of Genocide, War Crimes, Ethnic Cleansing and Crimes Against Humanity”. The formal debate organized for the second time after 2009 addressed the UN Secretary-General's eleventh annual report on R2P, entitled “Lessons Learned for Prevention”

In Hungary’s national statement delivered by Legal Adviser Mr. Gyula Mike reaffirmed Hungary’s strong commitment towards the principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) was reaffirmed.

Read the full statement here.

H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary participated in the High-Level Segment’s General Debate of the annual High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on 17 July. Minister Szijjártó also held bilateral meetings with H.E. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Mannan, Minister of Planning of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, H.E. Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Investments of the Republic of Cuba as well as H.E. Ms. Olga Algayerova, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary participated in the High-Level Segment’s General Debate of the annual High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on 17 July. Minister Szijjártó also held bilateral meetings with H.E. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Mannan, Minister of Planning of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, H.E. Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Investments of the Republic of Cuba as well as H.E. Ms. Olga Algayerova, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

During the General Debate of the HLPF the Minister highlighted the importance of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in terms of the Hungarian economic growth, especially focusing on the significance of the SDG4, SDG8 and SDG10, representing respectively quality education, decent work and reducing inequalities in the country. During the first quarter of the year, Hungary had the no. 1 economic growth rate in the European Union (5,3%), due to the flat tax (personal and corporate income) and continuous reduction of tax burden on labour. In order to maintain economic growth, the Minister presented the recent structural reform of higher education, where the dual vocational training is a key element such as the increase of the state-financed faculties, especially in IT, engineering and mathematics. Minister Szijjártó also presented the social policy of the country – Hungary among others provides significant tax exemption for families based on the number of children as well as child care benefit for 3 years and also free kindergarten, elementary and secondary school education. The Minister also outlined that Hungary has supported 5500 students from developing countries in the framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program launched by the Hungarian Government.

Minister Szijjártó also expressed his concerns about certain elements of the ongoing discussion on Universal Health Coverage. The Minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment in working together on an international level reaching the SDGs of the Agenda 2030.

During his visit, Minister Szijjártó also held bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Mannan, Minister of Planning of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, H.E. Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Investments of the Republic of Cuba as well as H.E. Ms. Olga Algayerova, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

H.E. Mr. János Áder, President of Hungary participated in the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019, which was convened by the Secretary General of the UN on 23 September 2019 on the margin of the 74th Session of General Assembly. President Áder also held bilateral meetings with H.E. Mr. António Guterres Secretary General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi President of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta President of Kenya, H.E. Mr. Lenín Moreno President of Ecuador,  H.E. Mr. Jean Crétien former Prime Minister of Canada as well as H.E. Mr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization.   

During the Climate Action Summit 2019 President Áder highlighted that the situation caused by the climate change has worsened since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. The Hungarian President – in line with the request of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres – came with tangible results and not empty promises. President Áder addressed 3 questions in his speech: Where does Hungary stand with climate performance? Where do we want to get to? What are we going to do about it?

In his announcement, the President highlighted that since 1990 Hungary has reduced CO2 emissions by 32% and reduced energy consumption - while the Hungarian economic performance has increased significantly. The 24 largest cities in Hungary have joined the most ambitious international climate zone and are members of Under2 initiative. Hungary will also increase its solar power capacity by ten times by 2030, end using coal as an energy source and expand its nuclear power plant production. The combined effect of the three measures will mean that 90% of Hungary's electricity production will be CO2 free by 2030 and not by 2050. Hungary will improve the energy efficiency of its buildings by at least 30% by 2050. By 2030, Hungary will use only electronic buses for public transport in each of the cities having a population of more than 25,000.

The President reaffirmed that Hungary is continuing its reforestation program. In the last 100 years, the size of the forest-covered areas in Hungary has doubled. By 2050, Hungary will increase its forest coverage by 30%. President Áder also raised the significance of the Virtual Power Plant program, which was launched 10 years ago. The program has so far allowed the country to save more than one-quarter of the power output of the Hungarian nuclear power plant. 

Last but not least the President announced that between 2019 and 2021 Hungary will support international climate funding with nearly USD 6 million, a part of which will go to the Green Climate Fund.

To read the full speech of President Áder, please click here.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó addressed the General Debate of the 74rd session of the General Assembly on 26 September, underlining the importance of international cooperation in tackling mass migration flows.

Click here to read the full statement of Minister Szijjártó.

On Thursday, February 20, 2020, His Excellency Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary addressed the UN General Assembly’s plenary meeting on “The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine”. In his statement, Minister Szijjártó stressed that while fully supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, Hungary firmly rejects the violations of indigenous Hungarian minorities’ rights by its’ neighbor. He affirmed that not only the international law, but also the fundamental rights of the Hungarian minorities shall be respected by the Ukrainian authorities.

On the same day, H.E. Szijjártó participated as a key-note speaker at a side event on „Closing the inequalities gap to achieve social justice” co-organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the UN, where he presented the latest initiatives and achievement related to family-, and social policies introduced by the Government of Hungary.

During a bilateral meeting between Minister Szijjártó and Mr. Fabrizio Hochschild-Drummond, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Preparations for the Commemoration of the United Nations 75th Anniversary, the Minister reaffirmed Hungary’s support as well as financial contribution to the 75th anniversary initiatives.  

At the bilateral meeting with Deputy Special Representative for Africa, Mr. Tamrat Samuel, H.E. Szijjártó underlined that Hungary remains strongly committed to addressing the root causes of migration, therefore in the past years we introduced a five-fold increase in our international development contributions provided to Africa. 

On 2-3 March, 2020 UNODA organized a thematic seminar on pillar II. (non-proliferation) of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) with the financial support of the EU.

On behalf of Hungary, Ambassador György Molnár gave a presentation in the panel on nuclear security on Hungary’s work as the chair and convener of the Nuclear Security Contact Group (NSCG), composed of states that are prepared to play a leading role in strengthening nuclear security. He emphasized that the Contact Group is a high-level diplomatic forum of states engaged to facilitate progress in improving nuclear security. Ambassador Molnár summarized the strategic goals of the NSCG (to build a strengthened, sustainable and comprehensive nuclear security architecture; to advance the implementation of nuclear security commitments; to address continuing and evolving nuclear security challenges in a proactive manner) and the priority areas of its activities.  

He informed Member States that the next meeting of the NSCG will take place in Hungary, in June where the main items of the agenda will be defining the next tasks of the NSCG in light of the outcome of the IAEA International Conference On Nuclear Security (ICONS) and addressing new emerging technological challenges (cyber, computer security, AI).

On 23 September 2020, in his pre-recorded national statement, President Áder raised attention on the devastating impact that humankind has had on the Globe, especially in the 21st century. He raised the General Assembly's attention on the increasing number of water-related disasters and unresponsible waste management that cause severe damages both in societies and the ecosystem as a whole.

Therefore, he called for a circular economy to avoid further exploitation of nature.

Thus, President Áder announced that to underline how vast number of opportunities and responsibilities we have in the maintainance of the ecosystem, Hungary is organizing a sustainability EXPO next year. 

The pre-recorded video message of His Excellency was introduced by H.E. Ambassador Katalin Annamária Bogyay.

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“The main challenge ahead of the global community is the coronavirus pandemic, but it should not mean that we do forget about the security challenges which we have to face all around the globe” – Minister Péter Szijjártó said at the virtual UN high-level Replenishment Conference for the Peacebuilding Fund, on 26 January 2021. He also announced the deployment of 15 additional troops to the already existing Hungarian contingency in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

On 26 January 2021, Minister Péter Szijjártó delivered the participants of the virtual High-Level Replenishment Conference for the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, saying that in the last 75 years, since its foundation,  the United Nations proved its unique role when it comes to peacebuilding and especially peacekeeping.

In this context, he also raised attention on another aspect of global peace threatening factors: terrorism. He expressed his appreciation towards the UN’s efficiency when it comes to the prevention and countering of terrorism – lead by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism –  and therefore, he called for the inclusion of this activity to the regular UN budget.

The High-Level Replenishment Conference for the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund was held virtually on 26 January 2021, in the UN HQs, in New York,  hosted by Secretary-General António Guterres. During the Conference, Member States capitalized the Peacebuilding Fund to 439 million USD.

On May 21, 2021, in Hamburg, Germany, Hungary took over the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from Germany. During the six months of the presidency, we have prepared an extensive professional and rich cultural program both in Hungary and in Strasbourg, which we are pleased to inform you about.

The Council of Europe was established after the Second World War to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Today, with 47 member states and a population of over 820 million, it is a true pan-European organization, active throughout the continent. 
 
During the six months of the presidency, Hungary will focus on five priority areas: effective protection of national minorities, interreligious dialogue, "next generation" topics like children and youth rights, as well as technological and environmental challenges.

We would like to share with you the thoughts of H. E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe delivered in Hamburg upon taking up this honorable task. Afterwards, a short concert film by the Kossuth Prize-winning pianist János Balázs will be screened highlighting our country’s many wonders and rich culture.

https://www.facebook.com/HunEmbassy.Washington/videos/776269583031349/

Planet Budapest 2021 Sustainability Expo and Summit is a sustainable development event for the Visegrád Countries. It aims to raise awareness of adverse environmental, social and economic practices among the general public, especially young people, and to show that these negative changes, which overshadow the future of humankind, are still reversible.

Between November 29 and December 5, 2021, Planet Budapest will line up a number of professional exhibitors from the Visegrád Countries for a week; who can promote the sustainable development through their technological developments, innovative products and services.

Planet Budapest 2021 Sustainability Expo and Summit – Let’s shape our future together!

VIDEO

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó addressed the General Debate of the 76th session of the General Assembly on 23 September.

Click here to read the statement of Minister Szijjártó.