What is the UNGA and What Topics Will World Leaders Discuss?

Revised Article:

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS – Every September, global leaders gather in New York to kick off the annual United Nations General Assembly session.

The six days of speeches to commence the 79th session will begin on September 24.

WHO SPEAKS WHEN?

When the U.N. was established in 1945 after World War II, it started with 51 members, which has since expanded to 193 nations. Additionally, leaders of two non-member observer states—referred to as the Holy See and the State of Palestine—along with an observer member, the European Union, have the opportunity to address the assembly.

Traditionally, Brazil is the first member state to speak, a practice stemming from its willingness to take the podium during the early days of the organization when other nations were hesitant.

As the host country of the U.N. headquarters, the United States is next in line to address the assembly.

Following these two speakers, the order generally follows a hierarchy based on seniority and a first-come, first-served arrangement. Initially, heads of state speak, followed by deputy heads, crown princes, heads of government, ministers, and lower-ranked delegation heads.

This year, approximately 87 heads of state, three vice-presidents, two crown princes, 45 heads of government, eight deputy heads of government, 45 ministers, and four lower-ranking delegation heads are scheduled to speak.

Last year, less than 12% of the speakers were women.

HOW LONG WILL THEY SPEAK?

Leaders are encouraged to adhere to a voluntary 15-minute time limit for their speeches.

Historically, some of the longest speeches during the opening sessions include Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s address in 1960, which lasted around four and a half hours, and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s speech in 2009, which exceeded one and a half hours.

WHAT WILL THEY TALK ABOUT?

Each high-level gathering at the start of the General Assembly session has a specific theme, often briefly mentioned by leaders before they segue into their individual topics of choice.

This year’s theme is: "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations."

Among the critical issues likely to be discussed are:

THE WAR IN GAZA

With the death toll in Gaza reportedly surpassing 41,000 according to local health officials, and the humanitarian situation worsening, many leaders are expected to advocate for a ceasefire amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas.

The conflict began almost a year ago with a devastating Hamas attack on civilians in Israel on October 7, shortly after the previous U.N. General Assembly concluded.

After Israel retaliated against Hamas in Gaza, the General Assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce on October 27 and later overwhelmingly demanded a ceasefire in December.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both scheduled to speak on September 26.

UKRAINE

Numerous world leaders are anticipated to call for an end to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which has persisted for about two and a half years.

In the first year of the conflict, the General Assembly passed six resolutions condemning Moscow and demanding the withdrawal of its troops. Of these, a resolution in October 2022 denouncing Russia’s attempted annexation of four Ukrainian regions garnered significant support, with 143 nations voting in favor.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is slated to address the assembly on September 25. While Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a virtual address during the pandemic in 2020, he has not attended the event in person since 2015. Instead, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to speak on September 28.

CLIMATE

As the global community strives to keep rising temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius, leaders from smaller island nations and other states most impacted by climate change are likely to use their speeches to urge immediate action.

U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

Calls for reform of the 15-member U.N. Security Council are expected from numerous world leaders, particularly those from Africa and influential nations such as Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan.

The issue has been long-discussed within the General Assembly but has gained urgency following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its use of the veto to block actions. The United States has also faced criticism for protecting its ally Israel from accountability within the Security Council.

Proposals for reform might include expanding the council’s membership to incorporate more permanent veto holders or additional short-term elected members, thereby better reflecting global representation. Suggestions have also been made to limit the currently held veto power of the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, and France.

Changes to the Security Council’s membership require amending the U.N. Charter, which necessitates the approval of two-thirds of the General Assembly, including the current five veto-wielding countries.

SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE

Before the commencement of the General Assembly speeches, a two-day Summit of the Future will be held on September 22-23. During this time, U.N. member states are negotiating three documents they aim to adopt on September 22: a pact for the future, a declaration on future generations, and a global digital compact.

In a recent discussion, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of the summit in establishing "adequate governance for the world of today." He advocated for reforms to the Security Council, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, alongside the global governance of artificial intelligence and other emerging challenges.