Minister Hussen concludes participation at 79th session of UN General Assembly

September 27, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today concluded a successful 2 days of meetings and events as part of Canada’s delegation to the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA’s) 79th session in New York City, New York.

While in New York, Minister Hussen co-hosted a special event for the Generation Unlimited (GenU) Global Leadership Council at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN. This high-profile event marked the start of Canada’s and Qatar’s new roles as lead governments for GenU, a world-class public-private-youth partnership aimed at co-creating and delivering support for safe and inclusive education and skills training. The occasion also highlighted recently announced investments in GenU by Canada of $40 million and by Qatar of $40 million USD. 

Afterward, at a ministerial working meeting on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Minister Hussen underscored Canada’s support for UNRWA and the agency’s crucial role in providing essential services, humanitarian assistance and stability to Palestinian refugees. Canada remains committed to contributing to efforts that will help uphold peace and human dignity in the region.

The Minister also participated in a high-level ministerial meeting on the current situation in Gaza during which he reaffirmed the urgent need for a ceasefire and Canada’s support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, stressing the importance of a 2-state solution that ensures security, dignity and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians. Canada continues to advocate for the protection of all civilians and humanitarian workers, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

On Friday, the Minister delivered remarks at the Foreign Ministry Channel for Global Health Security ministerial meeting, organized by the United States. At the meeting, Minister Hussen reflected on the domestic, regional and global implications of ongoing and emerging health security threats, including antimicrobial resistance and mpox. 

The Minister also co-hosted a ministerial meeting with Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, and Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, on maritime safety and security in the Indo-Pacific, at which he discussed the importance of upholding international law in the maritime domain and underscored implications for international peace and prosperity.

During the UNGA, Minister Hussen also engaged with counterparts and senior officials from around the world, discussing shared priorities, including climate action, global health, security, and support for the SDGs. These meetings underscored Canada’s role as a leader in international development and its commitment to fostering global partnerships.