UN General Assembly President Francis to discuss humanitarian aid in global conflicts, Monday

Dennis Francis, president of the United Nations General Assembly, will discuss the organization’s wide-ranging agenda, including efforts to  to supply humanitarian aid and protection in global hot spots, at a National Press Club Headliners Newsmaker event at 10 a.m. Monday, May 6.

Francis also will preview the UN’s plans for a “Summit of the Future,” scheduled for this fall, and UN initiatives related to artificial intelligence, sustainable growth and other issues.

The event is open only to Club members and credentialed press. Purchase tickets online.

As president of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Francis serves as the body’s chair and presiding officer. The General Assembly is one of six principal UN bodies. The others are the Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, and Secretariat. The president represents all 193 member states.

Prior to his work with the United Nations, Francis was Trinidad and Tobago’s longest- serving ambassador. He left the Caribbean nation’s foreign service in 2016 after a 40-year career. 

In addition to its ambitious agenda, the UN is being challenged by the United States and other members over its governance structures and in particular the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, more commonly known as UNRWA.

Earlier this year, the United States, the major funder of UNRWA’s budget, suspended financial assistance to the agency. UNWRA officials say it will run out of money in June. 

This Headliner’s event will include a question-and-answer session. To submit a question in advance, put “UN PRESIDENT” in the subject line and email it to [email protected]. The deadline for submitting questions in advance is 10 a.m. on the day of the event.