New York (TDI): The highly anticipated United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week is finally here. Starting today, September 22, the week will run through to September 30. But what is happening and why does it matter?
The annual General Debate at the UNGA is the most well-known multilateral gathering of the year, because all world leaders come together under the great General Assembly Hall and discuss the most pressing issues facing the world.
It is this time of the year that countries publicly declare their official takes on global challenges and conflicts. Yes, resolutions are also adopted.
But the high-level week is not just about the General Debate. There are other focused sessions also lined up to gather the best of world’s attention.
This year’s General Debate will start on September 23 and will run till September 27 and continue again on September 29. Also called the annual meeting of Heads of State and Government, all world leaders will make their respective statements.
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On the sidelines of the General Debate, other important sessions will unfold:
High-level Meeting to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, September 22
SDG Moment, September 22
High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, September 22
High-level Meeting on the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, September 22
Climate Summit, September 24
First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy: Implementing commitments on financing development, September 24
High-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being, September 25
High-level Meeting to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the World Program of Action for Youth, September 25
High-level Meeting to Launch the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, September 25
High-level Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, September 26
- High-level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar, September 30
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Perhaps the most important event this year is the conference on Palestine, alongside the General Debate. Few countries have already recognized Palestinian statehood. Other are expected to do as their respective leaders make statements during the General Debate.
All eyes are focused on the outcomes of these recognitions, and the possible resolutions the General Assembly will adopt regarding Palestine.
This year marks the United Nations 80 years and the annual gathering during the high-level week is expected to be under the pervasive shadow of the most horrific conflicts in Gaza and the helplessness of the multilateral global order in the face of it.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
