79th United Nations (UN) general assembly session starts

The United Nations General Assembly provides an opportunity to member states a unique forum for multilateral discussions on international issues, this year 79th session of UNGA started on 10th September.

What happens at UNGA?

The UNGA provides world leaders from the current 193 member states with a forum where they can discuss, debate and make recommendations on subjects pertaining to international peace and security, including development, disarmament, human rights and international law.

System of voting and resolution 

• In principle, the UN is a perfect democracy. Every member nation, small or large, rich or poor, has an equal voice in the Assembly. And each country has one vote, of equal value.
• Resolutions adopted in the General Assembly carry political weight, but they are not binding, unlike Security Council resolutions, which is where the real power resides at the United Nations.

General points of discussion

• Social, humanitarian and cultural issues.
• Often talk about international cooperation
• Threats to peace and economic development.

President and his remarks

• Philemon Yang from Cameroon is the new president of UNGA this year.
• Yang outlined the priorities during his tenure, focusing on the principles of unity in diversity, the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and “a thorough and uncompromising commitment to human dignity, for everyone, everywhere.”

General debate dates and Theme

• The general debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly will open on Tuesday, 24 September, continue through Saturday, 28 September, and conclude on Monday, 30 September 2024.
• The theme for the general debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly is “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations”.

Note : Antonnio Guterres is the UN-secretary General.