UN Assembly session ends on high note

The United Nations General Assembly concluded its 69th session on Monday and is on track to build momentum for the Post-2015 Development Agenda, to be adopted at an upcoming summit.

"This (69th) session presented us with a historic opportunity to change our world, for the better. We achieved a great deal, and I am very grateful to Member States, the Secretary-General, and key actors, for the superb support each provided to our collective efforts," said Sam Kutesa, president of the 69th session of the General Assembly.

Kutesa held his last press briefing in the capacity as the president of the General Assembly's 69th session on Monday. In his remarks, he summed up the achievements and highlights of the 69th session.

"The 2030 development agenda was without question one of the major highlights of the session and will guide our development efforts for the next 15 years. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development will be the cornerstone of a renewed partnership for development," he declared.

"Yet, our endeavour to set our world on a sustainable course will be moot if we do not address one of the defining challenges of our time - climate change," he said.

"It will be critical to reach a bold and ambitious agreement in Paris that promotes the achievement of sustainable development, while protecting the planet."

The 70th session of the General Assembly will open today, which will be presided by incoming President Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark.

"I am convinced President-elect Lykketoft, will shepherd this august body in an efficient and inspirational manner for the 70th session. I wish him the best," said Kutesa in his concluding remarks.