79th United Nations General Assembly Meeting 2024

Overview and Key Details of the 79th UNGA Session

• Commenced on September 10, 2024
• General debate: September 24-30, 2024
• Theme: "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations"
• President: Philemon Yang from Cameroon
• 193 member countries participate, each with equal voting rights
• Decisions carry political weight but are not legally binding
• Roster includes 87 heads of state, 3 vice-presidents, 2 crown princes, 45 heads of government, and other delegates
• Speech time limit: 15 minutes (voluntary)

Major Events and High-Level Meetings

• Summit of the Future: September 22-23, 2024
  • Aims to adopt key documents including a pact for the future, declaration on future generations, and global digital compact
• High-level plenary on sea level rise threats: September 25, 2024
• International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons commemoration: September 26, 2024
• High-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance: September 26, 2024
• Traditional speaking order: Brazil first, followed by the United States as host country

Key Issues and Expected Discussions

• War in Gaza: Calls for ceasefire; addresses by Israeli PM Netanyahu and Palestinian President Abbas on September 26
• Ukraine Conflict: President Zelenskiy to speak on September 25; Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on September 28
• Climate Change: Urgent appeals from vulnerable nations, especially small island states
• UN Security Council Reform: Discussions on expanding membership and limiting veto powers
• Global Economic Governance: Reforms for the World Bank, IMF, and digital governance
• Sustainable Development: Focus on leaving no one behind and ensuring human dignity
• Nuclear Disarmament: Commemorating efforts towards total elimination of nuclear weapons
• Antimicrobial Resistance: Addressing global health concerns