The high-level meetings of the 81st United Nations General Assembly commenced on Tuesday in New York, bringing together nearly 130 heads of state and government, along with delegations and representatives from member states. The meetings are set to continue until September 28, with leaders and their representatives delivering speeches that address pressing global issues and challenges. The agenda for this session includes topics such as peace and security, climate change, health, development, human rights, digital governance, and artificial intelligence.
The 81st session is being chaired by Khalil Rahman from Bangladesh, who has chosen the theme "Restoring Trust and Managing Transition: United Nations in Service of All" for this year's proceedings. A notable event during the session will be a speech by European Council President António Costa on behalf of the European Union. This speech is part of a series of addresses by leaders and representatives of states and international organizations.
This session of the General Assembly is particularly significant as it marks the last session during the second and final term of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, whose tenure concludes on December 31. Guterres has been in office since 2017, succeeding Ban Ki-moon. The session also comes as the process of selecting his successor is underway, with seven candidates currently in the running.
The selection process for the next Secretary-General involves a series of informal straw polls within the Security Council. As of the latest non-official poll, Rebecca Greenspan, the former Deputy President of Costa Rica, is leading by a narrow margin. However, the final decision requires the consensus of the five permanent members of the Security Council before the Council can recommend a candidate to the General Assembly.
The agenda of the 81st General Assembly session includes several critical issues that are currently preoccupying the international community. Among these are the Palestinian question and the Israeli aggression against Gaza. These topics are expected to feature prominently in the speeches and discussions during the session.
Tunisia is participating in the high-level meetings of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. While specific details about Tunisia's participation are not provided, the country's involvement reflects its engagement with global issues and its commitment to multilateralism.
The high-level meetings of the 81st United Nations General Assembly serve as a platform for world leaders to address global challenges and to reaffirm their commitment to international cooperation and peace. The outcomes of these meetings are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to address some of the world's most pressing issues.
Key points
- The 81st United Nations General Assembly's high-level meetings have begun in New York, featuring nearly 130 heads of state and government.
- The session's agenda includes critical global issues such as peace and security, climate change, and human rights.
- This session is significant as it marks the final year of Secretary-General António Guterres' term, with the selection process for his successor underway.
