The 79th session of the UN General Assembly commenced on Tuesday, emphasizing conflict resolution and sustainable economic growth as key priorities. Philemon Yang of Cameroon, the newly elected president of the Assembly, succeeded Dennis Francis from the previous session.
Yang outlined his focus areas, which include promoting peace, security, and addressing conflicts in Gaza, Haiti, and Ukraine. He also pledged to prioritize human rights and enhance international legal frameworks.
In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the challenges of the past year, such as poverty, inequality, and the escalation of conflicts. He also addressed the record-breaking heat and called for unified global action.
Outgoing president Dennis Francis expressed his gratitude for leading the Assembly, noting his efforts to raise the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advocate for a ceasefire. He highlighted the growing scale of human suffering, with Gaza being a prominent example.
The session marks a significant development for Palestine, which will now have a more active role in General Assembly sessions following a May 10 resolution granting it additional rights.
The official opening of the 79th General Assembly will take place on September 22 with the “Summit of the Future,” and world leaders are scheduled to deliver speeches starting September 24. The assembly will see participation from leaders of 190 countries, making it a pivotal event in global diplomacy.
