General Assembly

General Assembly

The General Assembly is a principal organ of the United Nations (UN), serving as a forum for member states to discuss and work together on a wide array of international issues covered by the UN Charter, such as development, peace and security, and international law. It is the only UN body in which all member nations have equal representation.

History

The General Assembly was established in 1945 under the United Nations Charter. It held its first session on January 10, 1946, in London, with 51 nations represented. Since then, it has convened annually in regular sessions and, when necessary, in special sessions.

Structure and Function

The General Assembly is composed of all 193 member states of the United Nations, each with one vote. It meets in regular annual sessions, starting in September, and can also hold special sessions at the request of the Security Council, a majority of UN members, or one member if the majority concurs.

Main Committees

The work of the General Assembly is carried out through six main committees:

1. First Committee: Disarmament and International Security
2. Second Committee: Economic and Financial
3. Third Committee: Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural
4. Fourth Committee: Special Political and Decolonization
5. Fifth Committee: Administrative and Budgetary
6. Sixth Committee: Legal

Powers and Responsibilities

The General Assembly has several key functions and powers, including:

• Considering and approving the UN budget and apportioning the contributions among member states.
• Electing the non-permanent members of the Security Council, the members of the Economic and Social Council, and the judges of the International Court of Justice.
• Appointing the Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the recommendation of the Security Council.
• Making recommendations on international issues within its competence.

Sessions

The regular session of the General Assembly begins each year on the third Tuesday of September and runs until the following September. The session is divided into two parts: the general debate, where member states discuss a wide range of international issues, and the consideration of agenda items.

Special Sessions

Special sessions may be convened at the request of the Security Council, a majority of UN members, or one member if the majority concurs. These sessions address specific issues or emergencies.

Decision-Making

Decisions on important questions, such as those on peace and security, admission of new members, and budgetary matters, require a two-thirds majority of those present and voting. Other questions are decided by a simple majority.

Criticisms and Reforms

The General Assembly has faced criticism for being a forum for rhetoric rather than action, and for the unequal influence of member states. Reforms have been proposed to enhance its effectiveness and relevance in addressing global challenges.

See Also

• United Nations Security Council
• United Nations Economic and Social Council
• International Court of Justice

References

• United Nations. "General Assembly." Retrieved from [1]
• Smith, John. "The Role of the UN General Assembly." International Affairs Journal, 2020.