United Nations: Over 150 world leaders will descend here today for the UN General Assembly’s annual General Debate where issues like sustainable development, climate change, refugee crisis, terrorism and tackling ISIS would occupy the centrestage.
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I took office as president of the United Nations General Assembly on September 15, for what promises to be one of the most crucial years in U.N. history, a year that also marks the organization’s 70th year in existence. And for a world in need of hope and transformation, they came together early, to approve a new Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This week, President Obama is headed to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to convene with other world leaders on how we can do just that.
“The Charter’s principles have stood the test of time, and the United Nations can look back on a record of achievement”, Ban said.
Sustainable development will also be among the topics prioritized during the session.
Speak at the closing session of the Summit to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The first opportunity to prove that we are serious about these goals comes this December in Paris, where leaders will gather to find a way forward on climate change.
Ahead of this 70th anniversary General Debate, Ban will present his annual report on the work of the Organisation. Unchecked climate change could undermine all the other goals.
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Since the Indian leader will leave for India later today, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will address the General Debate on October 1, a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addresses the gathering. Member States have been generous, but demands continue to dwarf funding”, said the Secretary-General, urging all countries to do more to alleviate suffering in countries across the world, where one in four children suffers from stunting, and the United Nations appeal “has been met with silence. “And we will have to act here and now to address the huge and explosive refugee crises resulting from ongoing conflicts – and to protect the human rights of all refugees”.
