A/75/PV.75 General Assembly

We will now hear statements made after the adoption of resolution 75/284. I give the floor to the observer of the Holy See. Monsignor Hansen (Holy See): Allow me at the outset to thank all delegations that constructively engaged in the consultations on the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS (resolution 75/284, annex). I would also like to thank the co-facilitators for their efforts aimed at ensuring a consensus-based outcome. Despite the efforts of so many, the Political Declaration was not adopted by consensus. That is regrettable, and it reflects the highly diverging views on a number of controversial and sensitive issues that exist among States and that impacted the consultations from their beginning. As so many speakers before me noted, the lack of consensus weakens the impact of the Political Declaration and the efforts of the international community. The Holy See firmly supports the efforts to ensure that we get back on track to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, including by addressing the inequalities that contribute to the spread of HIV and the continued gaps in care and treatment. We recognize that that goal will not be achieved without meeting the needs of those most vulnerable to infection and especially those who continue to lack access to prevention, treatment and health care due to discrimination, stigmatization and poverty. While the discrimination and the stigmatization of affected persons must always be combated, we can, and must, also put in place policies to discourage risk- taking behaviours and to encourage responsible and healthy relationships, especially among young people. In that regard, the Holy See continues to call attention to the undeniable fact that the only safe and completely reliable method of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV is abstinence before marriage and respect for and mutual fidelity within marriage. In conformity with its nature and particular mission, especially keeping in mind the important work of the Catholic Church in the field of confronting HIV and the AIDS epidemic, the Holy See wishes to make the following statements and reiterate its reservations on some of the concepts used in the Political Declaration. First, regarding the terms “sexual and reproductive health”, “sexual and reproductive health-care services” and “reproductive rights”, the Holy See considers those terms as applying to a holistic concept of health. The Holy See does not consider abortion, access to abortion or access to abortifacients as a dimension of those terms. Secondly, with reference to the terms “contraception”, “commodities” and “condom use” and any other terms regarding family-planning services and regulation-of-fertility concepts in the document, the Holy See reaffirms its well-known position concerning those family-planning methods that the Catholic Church considers morally acceptable and, on the other hand, family-planning services that do not respect the freedom of spouses, human dignity and the human rights of those concerned. Thirdly, with reference to “gender”, the Holy See understands the term to be grounded in the biological sexual identity and difference that is male or female. Regarding the concept of “gender norms”, the Holy See does not recognize the idea that gender is exclusively socially constructed, independently from biological nature; rather, gender recognizes the objective identity of the human person as born male or female. Fourthly, with respect to “comprehensive education” or “information” on sexual and reproductive health, sexuality and family, the Holy See reiterates the primary responsibility and the prior rights of parents when it comes to the education and upbringing of their children, as enshrined, inter alia, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In that sense, the Holy See wishes to underline the centrality of the family, as well as the role, the rights and the duties of parents to educate their children. In relation to the first and second reservations, the Holy See reiterates its statement and reservations as set out clearly and more fully in the report of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) (A/CONF.171/13/Rev.1), as well as the report of the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women (A/CONF.177/20/Rev.1), and their respective follow-up conferences. In particular, my delegation understands, in accordance with paragraph 1, subparagraph 15, of the ICPD report, that no new rights or human rights were created, that recourse to abortion may never be had for purposes of family planning and that abortion is a matter to be determined in accordance with national legislation. We kindly ask that the text of this statement be included in the official record of this meeting.

I now give the floor to the representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 member States. We regret that we did not have the opportunity to speak directly after the meeting on the adoption of resolution 75/284 (see A/75/PV.74). Nevertheless, we would not want to miss out in welcoming of course today’s session on the High-level Meeting on HIV/ AIDS, which is convened only every five years to discuss progress in the elimination of HIV/AIDS and pave the way forward in the coming years to reach the ambitious but achievable goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS as a global epidemic. We would first and foremost like to thank the President of the General Assembly and particularly the co-facilitators, Namibia and Australia, and their teams for their tireless efforts regarding the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS (resolution 75/284, annex). The High-level Meeting comes at a historic moment, as the first case of HIV/AIDS was diagnosed 40 years ago. It also marks 20 years since the ground- breaking special session of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS and the establishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Yet we still have to get the world on track to end HIV/AIDS as a global epidemic. The fight is not over, but we are committed to taking urgent action over the next five years through a coordinated global HIV response. HIV/AIDS claims lives on a daily basis and shatters families and communities. Every case that can be prevented saves lives and spares grievances and lifelong treatment, as well as economic resources. Every case that receives treatment gives new hope, not only to an individual but also to families and communities. Nevertheless, approximately 2 million people became newly infected with HIV in 2019. Approximately 40 million are living with HIV and an estimated 7 million do not even know their status and may spread it further without knowing. Despite the important successes, we therefore still have a huge task ahead of us and a great deal still needs to be done and achieved. That is precisely the reason that we started the negotiations regarding this Political Declaration with high ambitions, well aware that we need to do better to move forward if we truly want to achieve our goals. We are extremely disappointed that a consensual document could not be achieved despite major concessions from all sides and the compromises carefully drafted and crafted by the co-facilitators and agreed by the overwhelming majority of the United Nations membership. We were even more disappointed upon realizing that some countries sought to disrupt the process even further until the very end. We find it a shame that fighting HIV/AIDS becomes the victim of political games. Let me nevertheless point out important positive aspects of this Political Declaration. Combination prevention is rightly one of the centrepieces of the Declaration because our priority is to avoid suffering. The numerous approaches and instruments illustrated in the Declaration mirror well the knowledge gathered over the past decades and, in combination, are a powerful means to fight HIV/AIDS. Also clearly pointing out factors that are critical in fuelling HIV/AIDS is important in order to guide our actions. In that regard, we appreciate seeing that the high risks of gender-based and intimate partner violence are clearly illustrated. That not only is a personal tragedy but also exposes the affected persons to a risk of becoming infected with HIV that is multiple times higher. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), being the key United Nations institution to fight HIV/AIDS, identifies five main key population groups that are particularly vulnerable to HIV and frequently lack adequate access to services. Key populations and their sexual partners account globally for more cent 80 per cent of new HIV infections. We are satisfied to see that key populations are adequately mentioned in the text in the relevant places. Nevertheless, we must underline that this may not be sufficient, and we would have wanted to go further. We are highly disappointed that no agreement could be reached on age-appropriate evidence-based comprehensive education, including on sexuality in the context of a disease that is mainly sexually transmitted. Early and comprehensive knowledge and awareness are crucial to preventing infection and to saving lives. The Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026 is the crucial guidance to pave the way for the coming years. It has our full support, and we rely on the profound expertise of UNAIDS and the extensive consultations that led to the adoption of that Strategy. We would have preferred to have a commitment from all countries to the entire package of strategies, not a selection of it. In the fight against HIV/AIDS, it is important to work against stigmatization, which is often linked to sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as to punitive laws. Commitments to removing such barriers in order to effectively fight HIV/AIDS would have been extremely important, and we regret that this a major gap in the Declaration. Finally, we were nevertheless able to join the consensus and to compromise, as we were guided by the purpose of this Declaration: we need to be united and ambitious in the light of the expectations that are rightly put on us not only to deliver a significant Declaration but also to live up to such commitments starting today. We cannot disappoint people already affected by HIV and we cannot miss out on committing to do our outmost to prevent every single case in the future. We therefore look forward to interesting and fruitful discussions in the coming meetings.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, His Excellency Mr. Mitchell Fifield, and the Permanent Representative of Namibia to the United Nations, His Excellency Mr. Neville Melvin Gertze, who so capably and patiently led the deliberations and complex negotiations in the informal consultations on resolution 75/284. I am sure that the members of the Assembly join me in expressing their sincere thanks to both of them. Before we begin with the list of speakers, I would like to address important organizational matters pertaining to the conduct of the plenary meetings. The introduction of the pre-recorded statements will be made by the representatives from their national seats. Due to time constraints, it is recommended that the introductory remarks be kept concise. Statements delivered by the high-level representatives who are physically present in the Assembly Hall can be made from the national seats or the rostrum. As set out in resolution 75/260, statements in the general debate will be limited to three minutes for individual delegations and five minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of States. In the case of pre-recorded statements, introductory remarks and the length of the video itself will be counted in the allocated time limit. In accordance with decision 75/563, in addition to the verbatim records of the high-level meeting, the President of the General Assembly will circulate as a document of the Assembly a compilation document of the statements delivered by means of pre-recorded statements during the high-level meeting and submitted to the President no later than the day on which the pre-recorded statement is played in the Assembly Hall, and such pre-recorded statements will be attached to the verbatim records of the meeting. Submissions in that regard should be made to estatements@un.org. Address by Mr. Félix Antoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

I now give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to introduce an address by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I have the distinct honour to introduce His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi, President of the Republic of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chairperson of the African Union, who will deliver his address in the context of the high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS on behalf of the African Union.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda

I now give the floor to the representative of Rwanda to introduce an address by the President of the Republic of Rwanda.

It is my distinct honour to introduce the address of His Excellency Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, on the occasion of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear a pre-recorded address by the President of the Republic of Rwanda. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, President of Faso and President of the Council of Ministers of Burkina Faso

I now give the floor to the representative of Burkina Faso to introduce an address by the President of Burkina Faso.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, President of Burkina Faso, on the occasion of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of Burkina Faso. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania

I now give the floor to the representative of Tanzania to introduce an address by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

On the occasion of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS, I have the distinct honour and pleasure to introduce the pre-recorded address by Her Excellency Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles

I now give the floor to the representative of Seychelles to introduce an address by the President of the Republic of Seychelles.

I have the distinct honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Republic of Seychelles. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia

I now give the floor to the representative of Liberia to introduce an address by the President of the Republic of Liberia.

I have the distinct honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Republic of Liberia. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, Head of State of the Central African Republic

I give the floor to the representative of the Central African Republic to introduce the address by the Head of State of the Central African Republic.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the Head of State of the Central African Republic. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe

I now give the floor to the representative of Zimbabwe to introduce an address by the Head of State of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone

I now give the floor to the representative of Sierra Leone to introduce an address by the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

On the occasion of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/ AIDS to end inequalities and end AIDS, I have the singular honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

The Assembly will now hear a pre-recorded address by the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

I now give the floor to the representative of Nigeria to introduce an address by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It is my honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Assembly will now hear a pre-recorded address by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana to introduce an address by the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The Assembly will now hear a pre-recorded address by the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Mohamed Bazoum, President of the Republic of the Niger

I now give the floor to the representative of the Niger to introduce an address by the President of the Republic of the Niger.

It is my honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Bazoum Mohamed, President of the Republic of the Niger.

The Assembly will now hear a pre-recorded address by the President of the Republic of the Niger. A pre-recor ded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister for Defense

I now give the floor to the representative of Malawi to introduce an address by the President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister for Defense.

I have the honour and the privilege to introduce the President of Malawi, His Excellency Mr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, who will address this high-level meeting through a pre-recorded statement.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister for Defense. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Botswana to introduce an address by the Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. Slumber Tsogwane, Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana, on the occasion of this high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. David Mabuza, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa

I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa to introduce an address by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of His Excellency Mr. David Mabuza, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Nangolo Mbumba, Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia

I now give the floor to the representative of Namibia to introduce an address by the Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia.

On the occasion of this historic high-level meeting on HIV and AIDS, in the midst of yet another global health pandemic, I have the distinct responsibility of introducing a pre-recorded video address by the Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Mr. Nangolo Mbumba.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. James Wani Igga, Vice-President of the Republic of South Sudan

I now give the floor to the representative of South Sudan to introduce an address by the Vice-President of the Republic of South Sudan.

I thank the President for the opportunity to introduce the pre-recorded address by His Excellency Mr. James Wani Igga, Vice-President of the Republic of South Sudan, at the 2021 high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV and AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the Vice-President of the Republic of South Sudan. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by General (Ret.) Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

I now give the floor to the representative of Thailand to introduce an address by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded address by His Excellency General (Ret.) Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Themba Masuku, Acting Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini

I now give the floor to the representative of Eswatini to introduce an address by the Acting Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement of the Honourable Themba Masuku, Acting Prime Minister.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the Acting Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Micheál Martin, Taoiseach of Ireland

I now give the floor to the representative of Ireland to introduce an address by the Taoiseach of Ireland.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded address of the Prime Minister of Ireland, Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the Taoiseach of Ireland. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Ms. Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia

I now give the floor to the representative of Serbia to introduce an address by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia.

I have the great honour to introduce the address by Her Excellency Ms. Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, on the occasion of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS.

The Assembly will now hear an address by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958). Address by Mr. Vu Duc Dam, Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

I now give the floor to the representative of Viet Nam to introduce an address by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded address by His Excellency Mr. Vu Duc Dam, Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the observer of the European Union to introduce a statement by the Commissioner of the European Union for International Partnerships.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner of the European Union for International Partnerships

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Commissioner of the European Union for International Partnerships. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Indonesia to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of Indonesia.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia and the current Chairman of the Health Ministers Meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Mozambique to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of Mozambique.

I have the honour to introduce the pre-recorded statement by His Excellency Mr. Armindo Daniel Tiago, Minister of Health of the Republic of Mozambique, who will speak on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Mozambique. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Canada to introduce a statement by the Minister of International Development of Canada.

On the occasion of the 2021 High-level meeting on HIV/AIDS, I have the distinct honour and pleasure to introduce the pre-recorded video statement by Ms. Karina Gould, Minister of International Development of Canada.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of International Development of Canada. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I now give the floor to the representative of Spain to introduce a statement by the Minister of Health of the Government of Spain.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of Her Excellency Ms. Carolina Darias San Sebastián, Minister of Health of the Government of Spain.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Health of the Government of Spain. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of Denmark to introduce statements by the Minister for Development Cooperation and Minister for Nordic Cooperation of Denmark and the Global Youth Advisor of Denmark.

Last year, 1.5 million people, largely young people, became newly infected with HIV. Young women aged 15-24 are twice as likely to be living with HIV than their male counterparts. Nonetheless, youth, especially adolescents and young women, are too often overlooked and ignored in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is my pleasure therefore to introduce pre-recorded statements by His Excellency Mr. Flemming Møller Mortensen, Minister for Development Cooperation and Minister for Nordic Cooperation of Denmark, and Ms. Natascha Skjaldgaard, Global Youth Advisor of Denmark.

The Assembly will now hear statements by the Minister for Development Cooperation and Minister for Nordic Cooperation of Denmark and the Global Youth Advisor of Denmark. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of Switzerland to introduce a statement by the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

I give the floor to the representative of Luxembourg to introduce a statement by the Minister of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

I have the honour to introduce a pre-recorded statement of His Excellency Mr. Franz Fayot, Minister of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The Assembly will now hear a statement by the Minister of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. A pre-recorded video statement was shown in the General Assembly Hall (see A/75/958).

We have heard the last speaker in the debate today. We will continue the high-level debate tomorrow in the General Assembly Hall at 4.30 p.m. I also remind the members that the first thematic roundtable, entitled “Addressing inequalities to end AIDS: 10 years to 2030”, presided over by Mr. Per Olsson Fridh, Minister of International Development Cooperation of Sweden, and moderated by Ms. Redi Tlhabi, member of the United Nations Global Journalists Corps, will take place at 10 a.m. in the General Assembly Hall.