By Oluwayanmife Ayobami
The United Nations is set to host its annual General Debate, a significant event where more than 140 leaders and state representatives from around the world will convene in New York to address different issues. It is the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
Here’s what you need to know about this week’s event:
1. Focus on Climate Crisis and Ukraine War
The climate crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are expected to be discussed during the UN General Assembly. The General Debate, commencing after two weeks of meetings, is the most widely watched event in the UN’s annual calendar. Leaders will use this platform to present their priorities for the coming year, call for cooperation on pressing global issues, and address their adversaries.
2. Theme of the General Debate
This year’s General Debate revolves around the theme, “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.” The agenda emphasizes the need for collective action and unity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Who Will Speak at the General Debate
The UNGA president traditionally delivers the first speech, prioritizing multilateralism and equal opportunity during his tenure. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is expected to highlight climate change, while US President Joe Biden will assert Washington’s global leadership role. The order of speakers follows a complex algorithm to ensure representation and balance.
4. Leaders in Attendance
Around 150 leaders are anticipated to attend, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both addressing the General Assembly and holding talks on the sidelines. Notably, President Biden will be the sole leader from the UN Security Council’s five permanent members in attendance.
5. Topics of Discussion
The General Debate will cover a wide range of regional and global issues, including recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, climate change, and calls to reform the UN Security Council. Other topics include China’s influence at the UN, recent coups in Africa, ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia, and humanitarian crises worldwide.
6. The Role of the UN General Assembly
The UNGA debates human rights, international law, and cooperation across various fields. It addresses matters of international peace and security not currently handled by the UN Security Council. Additionally, it approves the UN’s annual budget and oversees funding for peacekeeping missions globally.
7. How to Watch the General Debate
The General Debate can be watched live on UN Web TV.
Programme
| Date | Time (CEST) | Event |
| 17/09/2023 | 16:00 | Meeting of the European Union – United Nations – African Union |
| 17/09/2023 | 17:45 | EU-UN Principals Meeting |
| 19/09/2023 | 08:00 | Welcome reception hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres |
| 19/09/2023 | 09:00 | Opening of the 78th General Assembly’s General Debate |
| 19/09/2023 | 15:00 | High-level event: ‘Towards a fair international financial architecture’ |
| 20/09/2023 | 10:00 | High-level meeting on ‘Pandemic prevention, preparedness & response’ |
| 20/09/2023 | 10:00 | Climate ambition summit |
| 21/09/2023 | Time TBC | President Charles Michel’s address to the 77th UN General Assembly’s General Debate |
As world leaders gather at the UN General Assembly, the focus remains on fostering global cooperation and addressing pressing challenges, with the climate crisis and the Ukraine war taking center stage in discussions. The General Debate serves as a crucial platform for leaders to outline their visions for a more sustainable and peaceful world.
