A Conversation with Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly

On June 5, The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) hosted an event featuring His Excellency, Mr. Dennis Francis, the President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York City.

UNGA serves as the principal policy-making body of the organization. Consisting of all Member States, it offers a unique platform for multilateral discussions on the entire range of international issues outlined in the United Nations Charter. Each of the 193 Member States has an equal vote in the assembly—and all of them play a part in peacemaking efforts dedicated to the principle of multilateralism, a principle of participation by world governments.

Marina Pravdic addressing the community of international correspondents during a private session with the President of the UN General Assembly about climate change and security.

President Francis is a leader focused on issues of peace and security, sustainability, and the role of multilateralism in the UN agenda, particularly at a time when climate change poses significant threats to humanity. He has dedicated nearly 40 years to the Diplomatic Service of Trinidad and Tobago, serving as an ambassador for 18 consecutive years until his mandatory retirement in 2016. He is distinguished as the country’s longest-serving ambassador. Prior to leaving his position as Director of Multilateral Relations, he served as Senior Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, handling various multilateral issues, including climate change and negotiations on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This educational program was moderated by AFPC-USA Executive Board member Mitzi Perdue, a journalist of 44 years who has reported extensively on Ukraine as a war correspondent.

The Rockefeller Foundation supports and partners with AFPC-USA to develop educational programs on climate change and environmental reporting designed to advance skills, impart knowledge, and facilitate understanding within the foreign correspondent community on these issues. This program was developed by AFPC-USA under the auspices of the Rockefeller Foundation.

“As we all know, this is a very consequential year for so many of us on this planet wih very important elections happening. … We know climate change is at the top of the agenda,” said Marina Pravdic the Director of Operations for the Rockefeller Foundation. “Journalism is such an important part of this conversation because it is all of you here who promote good quality journalism and reporting on climate change. We’re very excited to support the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the U..S. so they can bring these training programs and events to you all as a resource.”

AFPC-USA is solely responsible for the content of this educational program. Below, the community of foreign correspondents will find a summary of some of the most important takeaways from the presentation. The reception following the program was supported by UBS.

OPENING REMARKS

• Perdue, who arranged the event, welcomed AFPC-USA Chairwoman Nancy Prager Kamel to the stage. Prager warmly welcomed Francis. She emphasized the critical importance of peace as the foundation of all their efforts and urged for political will and capability to make the world more peaceful and secure. Prager Kamel praised the international foreign press's commitment to the UN's founding principles and Francis' dedication to holding power accountable. She acknowledged the interconnectedness of global crises and commended Francis for his unwavering efforts to address environmental, social, and military challenges. Kamel also expressed gratitude to the Rockefeller Foundation for supporting the community of foreign correspondents, particularly in relation to climate change and its environmental impacts. 

• Prager Kamel welcomed Pravdic, the aforementioned Director of Operations for the Rockefeller Foundation, to the stage. Pravdic announced the organization’s plans to invest $1 billion in climate solutions for vulnerable communities, particularly in the global south. This investment will focus on four areas: food, health, energy, and innovative financial mechanisms to enhance resilience against climate change. 

• Pravdic highlighted the significance of this year due to important elections in countries like South Africa, Mexico, and India. She emphasized the vital role of journalism in the climate change conversation and expressed excitement about supporting AFPC-USA to provide training programs and events as resources for journalists.

• Afterward, Perdue introduced Francis, listing some of his most significant achievements during a long career in diplomatic service. She noted that Trinidad and Tobago, Francis’ native country, “may be small but has a huge influence” because so many of the issues the island nation is up against, including climate change and sea level rise, offer lessons in safety and security.

FRANCIS’ ADVICE FOR COUNTRIES AS THE UN NAVIGATES A “VERY COMPLICATED SEA OF MULTILATERAL AGREEMENTS”

• Francis emphasized that solving critical global problems requires enduring, cooperative solutions beyond the capacity of any single nation. He pointed out the necessity of collaboration among the 193 UN member states to address issues like climate change and ongoing conflicts, with 55 conflicts currently active, 35 of which are in Africa. Multilateralism has achieved significant progress since its inception post-World War II, but current challenges highlight the need for renewed commitment to peace and cooperation.

• The President of the UN General Assembly noted the importance of establishing and maintaining peace, as markets and sustainable development depend on stability. He highlighted the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance, which is expected to impact human health significantly in the coming decades. He underscored that the UN's mission includes promoting peace, defending human rights, and fostering development, all of which are under threat in today’s world.

• In addressing the role of the UN, Mr. Francis acknowledged criticisms about its perceived “effectiveness” but reiterated the Organization’s essential function as a forum for problem-solving. He cited successful UN initiatives in health and agriculture, like the eradication of polio and advances in food production, as evidence of its value. He concluded by urging a proactive approach, encouraging nations to fight for their beliefs and engage in dialogue to resolve global issues, reaffirming the UN's crucial role in these efforts.

• He said: “We are in a very difficult era. The question is what do we do? We have two choices. We can either wring our palms in frustration and throw in the towel or we can regroup, rethink, reorganize, and do what brave people do: fight. Fight for what we believe in, and that is what we are seeking to do in the UN.”

ON HOW THE UN IS ADDRESSING ISSUES IMPACTING HUMAN SECURITY:

• President Francis highlighted the significant progress made by the UN, but acknowledged current challenges that require introspection and adherence to the organization’s founding principles, especially the dignity and primacy of the human person. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the future to address emerging issues, such as the rapid advancement of technology.

• The UNGA President discussed the upcoming Summit of the Future in September, aimed at anticipating and preparing for future challenges. He stressed that technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), have immediate impacts on society, influencing how people live and think. While AI can significantly enhance quality of life and potentially extend it, it also poses risks that need to be managed.

• He went on to illustrate an analysis by a specialist who explained the potential dangers of AI with an example of its capability to commit undetected remote crimes, such as tampering with pacemakers. Mr. Francis emphasized the necessity of harnessing AI's advantages while protecting society from its threats. He concluded by acknowledging that while society needs AI, the diverse nature of humanity means not everyone will use it responsibly, presenting a complex challenge for the future.

• He noted: “The question is not all of us, given the diversity of what being human entails, not all of us will be minded to use it [AI] progressively and not maliciously. Yes, that's the world that we're in.”

Perdue and President Francis listen to AFPC-USA Chairwoman Nancy Prager Kamel, who delivered the evening’s opening remarks.

ON HOW THE UN IS RESPONDING TO AI AND OTHER ISSUES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ONGOING WAR IN UKRAINE

• President Francis elaborated on the UN’s multifaceted approach to addressing AI and other pressing issues. The Secretary-General has formed two committees to tackle these challenges: a global science committee composed of top scientists and a broader committee that includes scientists, ethicists, psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists. These committees are tasked with assessing AI’s potential impacts on society, identifying necessary standards, and modulating associated risks. Their report is anticipated soon, as the Secretary-General recognizes that introducing AI without “proper safeguards” is not in society's best interest.

• A significant concern with AI is the control of personal data—who has access to it and how it is used. This is part of, Mr. Francis said, the broader Summit of the Future initiative, which aims to anticipate future challenges and position society to cope with them. As technology evolves rapidly, its immediate impact on society and individuals' lives cannot be ignored. AI, for instance, offers both substantial benefits and serious risks, including potential misuse for harmful purposes, as illustrated by the hypothetical scenario of remotely manipulating pacemakers to commit undetected murders.

• President Francis emphasized that peace and security remain the UN’s central focus. Despite numerous conflicts worldwide, the UN is heavily invested in maintaining peace and security. The UNGA leader mentioned his plans to visit South Sudan to draw attention to the severe humanitarian crisis there, characterized by famine and large numbers of displaced persons. Media coverage of Sudan has been lacking, and Mr. Francis, who undertook the visit in mid-June 2024, hopes to use his presence to increase awareness and support for the affected people.

• He observed: “Because of the fact that you have so many other things going on in the world, the media attention on South Sudan has been solely lacking. And one of the things I'm hoping to do is to use my presence to incentivize more attention on South Sudan because I think people need to know and to understand what is going on in the world, what is going on around them, and to examine ways on which they can be supportive.”

• He also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has lasted much longer than anticipated. The UN's goal is to see an end to the conflict, as wars have a self-perpetuating logic that makes them difficult to resolve. The human and economic costs of war, such as disruptions to global food supply chains, are felt worldwide.  Mr. Francis stressed that while wars are sometimes unavoidable, they should always be a last resort, and efforts should focus on peaceful resolution and upholding international law.

• President Francis highlighted the importance of the UN in maintaining global order and peace. The organization operates based on a charter that sets rules for member states, ensuring mutual benefits and safety. Problems arise when member states violate these rules for their own interests, as seen in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The UN’s “brand is peace,” and it continuously works towards resolving conflicts through dialogue and agreement. The ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza are part of this mission, though acceptance of peace agreements by all parties involved remains a challenge.

ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER PEACE WITH RUSSIA IS POSSIBLE WHILE “PUNISHING” THEM FOR WAR CRIMES COMMITTED IN UKRAINE

• Mr. Francis discussed the critical importance of accountability and the role of international courts in addressing war crimes and atrocities. He highlighted the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in 1998, as a significant milestone, initiated in part by the advocacy of Trinidad and Tobago. The ICC serves to prosecute individuals responsible for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, thereby preventing impunity and deterring future atrocities. President Francis noted that while the ICC initially faced criticisms “of bias against Africa”, recent cases involving leaders from other parts of the world demonstrate its impartiality and global scope, with judges representing diverse legal traditions.

• On this matter, when speaking about another tribunal, the International Court of Justice, (ICJ) he said: “When you look at the bench, you see every legal system because they have taken the precaution in order to ensure that the court is legitimate, that it should be composed in a coherent way to reflect all the legal traditions and that the court is now working. So again, the UN did that. That's a UN court. We have had success, extraordinary success in the UN, and I'm confident that we can do it again.”

• Moving to geopolitical challenges within the UN, Mr. Francis pointed out that competition between major powers, particularly the United States, Russia, and to a lesser extent China, often impedes effective decision-making in the Security Council. He lamented that veto power has been misused to block resolutions that could otherwise benefit all 193 member states. Despite this, Mr. Francis emphasized the General Assembly's proactive role in addressing crises such as in Gaza, where it passed resolutions demanding immediate ceasefires and humanitarian aid access. He contrasted the General Assembly's swift actions with the Security Council's delayed and narrowly framed responses, underscoring the Assembly's commitment to saving lives and promoting peace despite its secondary role in peace and security matters.

•  Mr. Francis acknowledged current criticisms of “paralysis” within the Security Council due to political tensions among its members. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful and committed to fostering trust and collaboration among UN member states. To enhance dialogue and problem-solving, he initiated informal morning meetings under Chatham House rules, where delegates can speak freely without fear of their remarks being recorded. These sessions aim to encourage more substantive engagement and innovative thinking among representatives, fostering a conducive environment for exploring new ideas and potential solutions.

• Remarking on the aforementioned “paralysis,” he stated: “It's very unfortunate because I think individually when you speak to [Security] Council members, they understand the weight of the responsibility they have, but the politics, you can't avoid it. And so we are in this phase, it complicates everything, but we are not giving up hope at all.”

Moderator Mitzi Perdue and UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis

ON WHETHER HE HAS HOPES FOR A “TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH” FOR DEALING WITH LANDMINES

• Perdue, who has previously written pieces about landmine clearance for AFPC-USA thanks to a fruitful partnership with organizations like the HALO Trust, asked Mr. Francis for thoughts on this issue. “Landmine clearing organizations are undertaking a Sisyphean task,” she previously observed in a piece titled “Mine Clearing, the Work of Heroes,” one of many articles she’s penned examining the significance of landmine clearance efforts on the Ukrainian war front.

• President Francis expressed cautious optimism about the potential for technological breakthroughs in dealing with landmines but noted the lack of substantial evidence of such advancements thus far. He shared an example from Vietnam, where despite extensive efforts over many years, mines were manually cleared from heavily affected areas. This clearance enabled the once hazardous region to thrive agriculturally, particularly under rice cultivation, thereby supporting local livelihoods and economic stability. The GA leader highlighted that while progress is possible, the process of manually removing landmines is slow and demanding, reflecting the challenges faced by several countries globally that continue to grapple with similar issues.

ON WHAT GIVES HIM HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

• When asked, the President of the UN General Assembly said that he finds hope and motivation for the future in engaging with young people around the world. He observes their promise, excitement, and strong desire to contribute positively to society. Mr. Francis sees them as confident and self-assured, eager to create a better world and determined to shape the future they will inherit. He values their progressive mindset and their belief in their ability to make meaningful changes. Through interactions like the "Ask the PGA" platform on their website, where young people can pose questions and receive responses within 48 hours, Mr. Francis witnesses their active participation and innovative perspectives. He believes that their empowered and motivated approach is exactly what is needed to tackle the challenges facing the world today.

• He said: “We get floods of questions because they really seem to have a different take. They have this all powerful, very highly motivated strength that gives them the sense we can do this, we can solve this. And that is precisely the attitude that we need today.”