16 May 2007

During the week of 14-18 May 2007, Member States began a series of six interactive debates, both at the Permanent and Deputy Permanent Representative level, to discuss the revitalization of the General Assembly under the aegis of the Co-chairs appointed in March by the President of the GA: H.E. Mr. Daniele D. Bodini of San Marino and H.E. Mr. Paul Badji of Senegal.

In the past few weeks, the co-chairs have been engaged in bilateral discussions "with over 90 Member States and several Secretariat Officials to gather views and ideas on how to further revitalize the General Assembly," (Letter of the Co-chairs to the President of the General Assembly). As a result of these consultations the debates have found basis in a list of issues contained in a NON-PAPER circulated on 30 April 2007.

Thirty Member States are invited to participate in each of the six interactive debates (list of Member States by Group).