NEW YORK: The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to open today in New York, the United States.
This year’s session is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Key programmes, including high-level meetings, observances, and the general debate, will be held from September 18 to 28.
The session will address a wide range of global concerns, including health, peace and security, humanitarian assistance, and other pressing international issues.
Heads of government and state from UN member countries are scheduled to address the General Assembly from September 22 to 26.
One of the major events of the session will take place on September 18 and focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussions will review progress in human and physical development at the community, national, regional, and global levels.
Similarly, a high-level climate conference is scheduled for September 23 to discuss the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
According to the UN, Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to call for stronger international cooperation on issues including the impacts of climate change, the responsibilities of developed countries, the situation of climate-vulnerable nations, energy production, and consumer rights.
Nepal, which is among the countries highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, is expected to use the global forum to highlight the concerns of countries that have contributed relatively little to global carbon dioxide emissions but are bearing a disproportionate share of the consequences, including loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
Nepal is also expected to emphasize climate justice and the adverse impacts of climate change on human life, natural resources, energy, and other sectors, along with the need for compensation for climate-related losses and damages.
The UNGA, an annual forum for addressing common global challenges, has attracted significant international attention as the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and sea levels.
At the same time, ongoing conflicts in different parts of the world have created growing economic, physical, and social challenges. Against this backdrop, the UNGA is expected to provide an important platform for discussions and consultations on these pressing global issues.
The session will be chaired by Bangladeshi diplomat and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman.
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