UNITED NATIONS, Mar 28 (NNN-XINHUA) – The Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, in his capacity as president of the Security Council for the month of Mar, attended a virtual joint briefing by the UN principal organs to member states on COVID-19.
COVID-19 is posing huge challenges to the operation of UN organs, including the Security Council, which has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, said Zhang.
As president of the Security Council for Mar, China attaches great importance to the work of the council and has been working closely with other council members, in addressing the challenges brought by the pandemic and discharging the council’s responsibilities under the UN Charter, he said.
The council adjusted its work plan in a timely manner, so as to proactively prevent and control risks of the virus. As the outbreak worsened in New York City, and in view of the relevant arrangements by UN Headquarters, the council postponed its meetings in the third week of Mar, and adjusted its meetings this week, with the use of new methods of discussions, said Zhang.
Council members, with the support of the technical department of the UN Secretariat, set up a video teleconference (VTC) system and the first VTC meeting was held on Tuesday, followed by another one on Thursday.
The Security Council is working hard to carry out its duties by responding timely to hot-spot issues and, at the same time, to keep the transparency of its work, he said.
Due to the adjustment of working methods, there are more uncertainties about the work programme of the council at this moment. Council members fully understand the importance of information access and transparency, he said.
Zhang emphasised that the council is in action and does not relax in its duties for even a moment. While addressing the challenges of the pandemic, council members will do whatever they can to fulfil the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
President of the General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, President of the Economic and Social Council, Mona Juul, together with several senior officials of the UN Secretariat, attended the joint briefing. UN member states participated and raised questions via the Internet.– NNN-XINHUA