UNGA General Debate To Commence Today Amid Biggest Diplomatic Week Of 2022

UNGA General Debate To Commence Today Amid Biggest Diplomatic Week Of 2022
Image source: Religious Action Center

The United Nations General Assembly is a platform where several countries from the world gather for policy-making. It is considered the largest organ of the United Nations, and comprises 193 member states.

It gives the countries a space to have multilateral discussions on international issues that come under the United Nations, and each member of the assembly has an equal vote. The first session of the UNGA took place on January 10, 1946, in London, and comprised 51 countries. 

Biggest Diplomatic Week Of The Year

The United Nations General Assembly started its biggest diplomatic week of the year on September 13, 2022. The 77th session of the UNGA will serve as an opportunity for several countries to put forth their problems.

The United States confirmed to commit to various actions by engaging actively across the full spectrum of UNGA events and activities.

The busiest week will continue until September 26, in New York. Representatives from different countries are attending the event to talk on matters related to global crises, which will include discussion on conflict, climate change, and COVID-19. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is also on an 11-day visit to New York for the same.

New President Of The General Assembly

Every new meeting has a new president of the assembly. Csaba Kőrösi of Hungary is in charge of the 77th session of the UNGA, as the new president. During his acceptance speech at the assembly, he stated that he will run by the motto of “solutions from solidarity, sustainability and science”.

The previous president of the UNGA, Abdullah Shahid of the Maldives, resigned from his post on September 13.

World Leaders’ Speeches

During the General Debate, the world leaders give speeches of approximately 15 minutes, which briefly portray the concern and problems of their countries or global issues.

The General Debate starts from the address of the president of the UNGA, followed by the speech of the UN Secretary-General (António Guterres).

Later, the world leaders are given the opportunity to talk about their issues on a global platform. Traditionally, the first country to address the assembly is Brazil. The country will also initiate the General Debate.

However, after the speech of the UN Secretary General, the US president addresses the assembly. This year, Brazil will initiate the General Debate since US President Joe Biden is attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. He will address the gathering on September 21.

UN Security Service Work Around The Clock

The United Nations Security Management System enables efficiency in the working of the UN along with keeping a check on the security risks involved. The department works with utter efficacy as it is responsible for providing security to several major leaders of the world at the same time.

In the year 2000, the UN Security Council decided to adopt gender equality in maintaining peace and security. But, after two decades, this topic has become the most essential pillar of the UNSC’s work.

While in many countries women empowerment and protection is still a major issue, the United Nations has provided women an opportunity to protect themselves, along with the society.

Climate Crisis, Transforming Education

The General Debate will commence on September 20, during which, many influential leaders will talk about the issues that are affecting or might affect the world.

The highlighting points of the debate will be the Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change, humanitarian atrocities, increasing food insecurity, and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be attending the session through a pre-recorded video message. Although avoiding the UNGA session is not permissible to any of the member-states, due to the Russia-Ukraine clash, Zelenskyy has been allowed an exception by around 100 countries, including India, who voted in favour.

The Indian delegation will be represented by EAM Dr Jaishankar. According to a video posted on Twitter, India’s mission to the UN includes five S’s – Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace), and Samriddhi (prosperity). PM Narendra Modi said that the 5 S’s will be our “guiding light” at the UN General Assembly.

He further said that India will always commit to women-led development, and women’s participation at the grass-root level. India also sees commitments and achievements towards countering terrorism and maintaining peace as major tropes in contributing towards development.

 

Read more: 50 Million People Are Facing ‘Modern Slavery’ Worldwide, Says UN

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