As global leaders converge on New York this week, the world and the U.N. itself are facing a host of challenges. From armed conflict and the existential threat of a warming planet to the future of global governance, here are some topics leaders are likely to speak about at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):
THE WAR IN GAZA
Many leaders are expected to call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both scheduled to address the General Assembly later in the week.
UKRAINE
How to end Russia’s roughly two-and-a-half-year war in Ukraine will be a subject of discussion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is due to address the General Assembly on Wednesday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due to speak to the General Assembly on Sept. 28.
CLIMATE
As the world struggles to hold global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, leaders of smaller island nations and other states most affected by climate changes are likely to use their speeches at the General Assembly to again make impassioned pleas for action.
UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM
Countries – particularly in Africa as well as key powers like Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan – are expected to call for reform of the 15-member U.N. Security Council.
Reform ideas include expanding the council’s membership to better reflect the world and limiting the veto.
SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE
A two-day Summit of the Future was held on Sept. 22-23. U.N. member states are currently negotiating three documents – a pact for the future, a declaration on future generations and a global digital compact.
Meanwhile, People around the world generally see the United Nations in a positive light – but it depends on where you live.
That’s according to a poll conducted this spring by Pew Research. A median of 58% across 35 countries view the organization favorably, while 31% have a negative view.
Big fans of the U.N. include Poland, the Philippines and Kenya, countries where more than 80% polled expressed their support.
What is the UN General Assembly?
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making and representative organ of the UN. It is where members discus international issues.
UNGA approves the UN budget, appoints the secretary-general and elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council.
The General Assembly makes recommendations. They are not legally binding on the 193 member states.
Palestine and the Vatican, or Holy See, are non-member observer states:
An observer member, the European Union, can also speak.
Meanwhile, more than half of people surveyed in Turkey and Tunisia see the U.N. negatively, with Israel coming in highest at 76%.
Pew Research also found favorable views of the U.N. have dipped in many places this past year, including in the UK, the United States and South Korea.
People on the ideological left are generally more likely than those on the right to view the U.N. positively – unless you’re based in South Africa, Greece and Spain, where people on the right are more likely to see the U.N. positively.
The organization also says young adults are more likely than older adults to view the U.N. favorably.
