Summit of the Future at New York: What will world leaders talk about?
September is the month when leaders across the world assemble in a single platform for the United Nations General Assembly. This Tuesday the 79th session will start and end after 6 days. These days will feature with speeches from different global leaders.
The United Nations started in 1945. At that time, it was only 51 member countries. But now it has 193 members. Furthermore, 2 non-member observer states are also allowed to speak. This includes the Holy See and the State of Palestine, along with the European Union.
Traditionally, Brazil took the first step to open the assembly. It was one of the nations that acted especially when other countries were hesitant. The United States is on the second number after Brazil which speaks. And now the US is hosting the United Nations headquarters. This event happens every year and it has much importance. The world leaders discuss the different global issues and encourage cooperation among nations. World leader gather on a single platform and exchange their views to find the solution to the problems and provide a better future.
Specific orders will be followed by the speaker at the General assembly. These order based on their rank. First of all head of the state speaks, and after this deputy heads, then the crown princes, the head of government, ministers, and at last lower-ranking delegates. This year 87 heads of state participated in the Summit. In addition, three vice presidents, two crown princes, 45 heads of government, eight deputy heads, 45 ministers, and four lower-ranked delegates will share their opinions. Last year the participation from women was very lease. They made up less than 12% of the speakers at the assembly. This low number highlights the need for female representation in leadership roles. The speaker will have only 15 minutes to share their views. However, some leaders may speak for a longer period.
For example, Fidel Castro from Cuba spoke for around four and a half hours in 1960, while Muammar Gaddafi from Libya spoke for more than an hour and a half in 2009. This variation in speech length shows the different styles and priorities of global leaders during important discussions.
The United Nations General Assembly Futre Summit starts with a theme that guides discussions. The theme of the 2024 Summit is
“Leaving No One Behind: acting together for peace, sustainable development, and human dignity.”
Now the question is what major topic will be discussed in the event. Some of the topics will be discussed below.
What topics will be discussed at the UNGA Summit?
War in Gaza is the leading topic that will be discussed at the summit. The conflict between Israel and Hamas took the lives of many people approximately, 41,000, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening. Many leaders may suggest calling for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestine. This conflict started about a year ago after a deadly attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians.
Due to continued violence, the UN has already suggested a ceasefire. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and Mahmoud Abbas, the resident of Hamas both are allowed to speak at the assembly.
The war in Ukraine will also be discussed at the summit. This started about 2.5 years ago and caused many global disasters. The UNGA has passed 6 resolutions about this war. One crucial resolution from October 2022 that opposes Russia. Because they were trying to take control of the Ukraine regions illegally. Also, 143 countries support Russia in this act. The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky will speak at the summit and ask nations for more help.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not attended the event in person since 2015; this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will represent Russia.
In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, leaders from small island nations affected by climate change will also speak at the General Assembly. They will urge the world to take strong action against global warming, highlighting the urgent need to address both the war and climate issues that affect many countries today.
Before gathering in New York, a 2-day Summit of the Future will happen. Here the leaders will discuss three crucial documents. One is a pact for the future, the second is a declaration for future generations and the third is a global digital pact.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stresses the need for better governance and reforms in key international organizations.
