Comprehensive Overview of the 78th UN General Assembly Meeting: What to Expect

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For the past couple of years, global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine have loomed large over the meetings of the United Nations General Assembly. Persistent issues like climate change, poverty, and social inequality have also maintained a constant, intensifying presence.

As the 78th session of the UN General Assembly unfolds, no singular crisis appears poised to monopolize the General Debate. This year’s assembly will take place against a complex backdrop that includes ongoing military conflicts, emerging political turmoil in West Africa and Latin America, continued challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, economic volatility, rising inequality, and new environmental disasters like earthquakes, floods, and wildfires.

For this year’s General Debate, the overarching theme has been set as “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability for All.”

We provide an updated background on what to anticipate at this year’s high-level gathering, presided over by Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago.

While the efficacy of the United Nations has often been a subject of debate since its inception, the undeniable value lies in its platform that allows nations to openly share their objectives, concerns, and proposed solutions. Spawned in the aftermath of World War II with the idealistic aim of lasting global peace, this week offers a golden opportunity for countries that feel marginalized by the current power structures to capture the attention of a global audience. Moreover, it allows leaders to participate in side meetings on neutral ground.

Who Will Take the Podium in New York?

Expected to address the assembly are heads of state and government from at least 145 nations. Notable among them are Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — all scheduled for the first day. This marks Zelenskyy’s inaugural in-person appearance since Russia’s incursion into Ukraine in 2022.

However, there will be significant absentees. Leaders of the remaining permanent U.N. Security Council members — France, the United Kingdom, China, and Russia — have opted not to attend, sending representatives instead. Other global leaders like those from India and Mexico will also dispatch ministers in their place.

What is the Structure of the General Debate?

While the U.S. is embroiled in its presidential primary debates, the General Debate at the United Nations operates under different norms. Though outright disruptions and immediate counterarguments are disallowed, it does not mean the sessions are devoid of political theater.

The speeches are intended to last 15 minutes, though adherence to this limit is inconsistent. Last year, they averaged around 19 minutes. Furthermore, nations have the option to exercise the right of reply, usually at the end of the day, to counter criticisms made during the General Debate.

Duration of This Year’s General Debate

The assembly will last six days, concluding on Tuesday, September 26, and will observe a two-day break, in respect of the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Why Brazil is First to Speak

Brazil maintains the tradition of being the first to speak at the assembly, a practice born from its willingness to volunteer when no other nation stepped forward. The host country, the United States, generally follows Brazil in the speaking order.

Who Else is Attending?

Besides member states, permanent observers like the European Union, Palestine, and the Holy See also have access to the majority of the meetings and pertinent documents.

How to Stay Informed

For those interested in comprehensive coverage of the UN General Assembly, Big Big News provides ongoing reports. Additionally, proceedings are streamed online by the United Nations.

For up-to-date coverage, please visit Big Big News UN General Assembly Coverage.

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For more information, follow Mallika Sen at http://twitter.com/mallikavsen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UN General Assembly

More about UN General Assembly

• UN General Assembly Official Website
• 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• List of Permanent Observers at the United Nations
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Previous General Assembly Resolutions and Documents
• Big Big News Coverage on UN General Assembly
• Live Streaming of UN General Assembly Proceedings
• Historical Context of the UN General Assembly