Africa Dialogue Series & other topics - Daily Briefing (21 May 2019)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.
Daily Noon Press Briefing:
- Moncef Kartas,
- Secretary-General - Africa,
- UN development system,
- Libya,
- Syria,
- Oslo Conference,
- World Health Assembly,
- Burkina Faso,
- Guatemala,
- Ukraine,
- Contributions
MONCEF KARTAS
We have been informed that, earlier today, a Tunisian appeals court has reviewed the case against Moncef Kartas and has decided to release him. We are very encouraged by this development. We look forward to confirming his actual release from detention.
We are presently seeking further information from the Government, including with respect to the status of the legal proceedings against Mr. Kartas.

SECRETARY-GENERAL – AFRICA
Earlier today, the Secretary-General spoke at the Second Africa Dialogue Series.
He said the United Nations and the African Union are deepening their strategic partnership, including the recent unanimous adoption by the Security Council of a resolution on steps towards ending conflict in Africa.
However, the Secretary-General said that we face headwinds, pointing to the situations in places such as Libya, Sudan, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
The Secretary-General commended African countries for their long record of keeping their borders, doors and hearts open to refugees and internally displaced people.
These remarks have been shared with you.
The Deputy Secretary-General will address the Africa Dialogue Series this afternoon at 3:00 p.m.

SECRETARY-GENERAL – U.N. DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
This morning, the Secretary-General also briefed Member States on the progress of creating a 21st century UN development system to support countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
The Secretary-General said that, since we pivoted to a new era for the UN development system on January 1, the UN is well advanced on a transformative journey.
He said the Resident Coordination system has been reinvigorated, the Development Coordination Office is up and running, and we are moving ahead in establishing a new generation of UN Country Teams, among other developments.
The Secretary-General also noted that there have been significant efforts to bring the system together to make it more efficient.
He said, “Our objective is clear.  It is not to seek savings simply for its own sake.  Our goal is to strengthen our response to the 2030 Agenda. Every dollar saved is a dollar that can be reinvested in development activities.”
Tomorrow, the Deputy Secretary-General will continue briefing Member States on the Secretary-General’s report to the Economic and Social Council and her report on the newly-established Development Coordination Office. Both reports are now on ECOSOC’s website.
Highlights: