United Nations General Assembly Session Kick-starts with Global Focus

World leaders will gather in New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly beginning on September 24. They will address various pressing global issues, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, climate change, and reforming the U.N. Security Council. A Summit of the Future will precede the session.

Every September, global leaders converge in New York to inaugurate the annual United Nations General Assembly session. The 79th session's speeches will begin on Sept. 24, spanning six days.

Initially formed in 1945 following World War II with 51 members, the U.N. has since expanded to 193 members. Leaders from two non-member observer states—the Holy See and the State of Palestine—and the observer member, the European Union, also participate.

A time-honored tradition places Brazil as the first speaker, followed by the United States, the U.N.'s host nation. This year, approximately 87 heads of state and other high-ranking officials are scheduled to address the Assembly, adhering to a voluntary 15-minute speech limit.

Discussion topics will range widely, including the war in Gaza, the Ukraine conflict, climate change, and U.N. Security Council reform. Despite a themed session, leaders often focus on their preferred subjects. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for global governance reform ahead of the speeches.

(With inputs from agencies.)