UN General Assembly Set to Kick Off in New York
NEW YORK — Brace yourselves for the grand spectacle that is the 79th UN General Assembly, set to commence on Tuesday in New York City. This high-profile event will bring together esteemed heads of state and government from member nations, creating a melting pot of global diplomacy. The assembly is scheduled to run from September 24-30.
Leading the charge will be UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will inaugurate the session, with Cameroonian President Philemon Yong serving as the chairperson. A star-studded lineup of at least 133 heads of state and government, three vice presidents, 80 deputy prime ministers, and 45 ministers is expected to grace the event with their presence.
Keeping with tradition dating back to 1955, Brazil will have the honor of delivering the first speech, followed by the host country, the United States.
This year’s assembly unfolds against a backdrop of escalating global crises, with conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti looming large on the agenda. Expect discussions to revolve around pressing issues such as the cease-fire in Gaza, Israel’s alleged violations of international law, and the challenges in providing humanitarian aid to those in need.
On the morning of September 26, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will take the stage, followed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the afternoon.
The overarching theme guiding this year’s deliberations is “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.” Guterres has been vocal about the need for change, stating, “Today’s global order simply does not work for everyone.”
Leaders are expected to delve into discussions on reforming the Security Council and the international financial framework, as they navigate the complex web of global challenges.
Parallel to the General Assembly, a “Summit of the Future” will unfold on September 22-23, focusing on reshaping international institutions to tackle contemporary challenges, with a spotlight on climate change.
Throughout history, speeches at the General Assembly have run the gamut in terms of length, with leaders urged to keep their remarks concise, clocking in at around 15 minutes. Memorable moments include Fidel Castro’s epic 296-minute oration in 1960 and Muammar Gaddafi’s 100-minute speech in 2009, where he made headlines by tearing up a page from the UN Charter.
The General Assembly is no stranger to dramatic exits, as delegations have been known to storm out in protest of speeches they find objectionable, underscoring the intensity and gravity of this pivotal global gathering. — Agencies
