Denis Francis elected next President of United Nations General Assembly

Tobago: Denis Francis, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago, was  elected the next President of the 193-member General Assembly of the United Nations. Francis, the Caribbean country’s longest-serving ambassador, will preside over the 78th session of the General Assembly beginning in September, which will be attended by world leaders.

Francis was elected amid thunderous applause. He will succeed Kassaba Korosi of Hungary, who has been a diplomat for nearly 40 years. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Corosi, saying, “I will miss his advice and guidance.”

It is noteworthy that unlike the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, the resolutions of the General Assembly are not legally binding, but they are important as representing world public opinion.

He has stated “peace, prosperity, progress and stability” as his priority. After his election, Francis told the General Assembly that “education is the greatest savior that elevates the social status of people and strengthens society in the process.”