This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
On June 17, 2020, the UN General Assembly elected Turkish diplomat Volkan Bozkir as its President for the 75th session, a historic milestone in the organization's 75th anniversary year.
Bozkir, a veteran diplomat and parliamentarian, was the sole candidate for the post and will preside over the landmark session, which opens in September.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the world, the General Assembly took precautions to ensure the safety of its members, with ambassadors casting their ballots in pre-determined time slots while wearing facemasks and practicing physical distancing.
“Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all had to work under extraordinary conditions to overcome the myriad of challenges facing us,” said current General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande ahead of the elections.
“Indeed, (these elections) represent our common commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the important work of the United Nations, in accordance with the values and principles of the United Nations Charter,” he added.
Bozkir's election comes as the UN prepares for its annual high-level week, where Heads of State will address the world from the General Assembly Hall. However, due to the pandemic, world leaders will deliver their speeches via pre-recorded video statements.
