United Nations General Assembly

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Mahathir Mohamad addressing the United Nations General Assembly (September 25 2003)

Dmitry Medvedev in the United States 24 September 2009-5

United National General Assembly

United Nations Economic and Social Council Membership

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA or GA) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), serving as a forum for all 193 member states of the UN to discuss and work together on international issues covered by the UN Charter, such as development, peace, and security. The General Assembly meets under its president or Secretary-General in regular yearly sessions the agenda for which includes a wide range of international issues.

Overview

The UNGA is the only UN organ wherein all member states have equal representation: one nation, one vote. It is a unique platform for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter. It also plays a significant role in the process of standard-setting and the codification of international law.

The Assembly is charged with the responsibility for the election of non-permanent members to the Security Council, the election of the judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The UNGA also considers and approves the United Nations budget and establishes the financial assessments of Member States.

Sessions

The General Assembly meets once a year in a regular session starting in September and lasting several weeks, including a high-level General Debate in which Heads of State and Government and other high-ranking national representatives present their views. It can also meet in special or emergency sessions on specific issues that require attention.

Resolutions

While the resolutions of the General Assembly do not have the binding force of the decisions of the Security Council, they have a significant impact as expressions of the views of the international community. The UNGA adopts resolutions on a wide range of issues, including peace and security, economic and social matters, and international law.

Main Committees

The work of the UNGA is divided among six main committees and several other subsidiary bodies. The main committees are: 1. First Committee (Disarmament and International Security Committee) 2. Second Committee (Economic and Financial Committee) 3. Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee) 4. Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization Committee) 5. Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary Committee) 6. Sixth Committee (Legal Committee)

Each committee focuses on a segment of international affairs, ensuring detailed examination of every issue.

Reform

Over the years, there has been ongoing discussion about the need for reform of the UNGA, particularly in terms of its role and authority relative to the Security Council. Proposals have included changes to the processes for electing the Secretary-General and the non-permanent members of the Security Council, as well as improving the efficiency and transparency of the General Assembly's work.

Significance

The UNGA plays a crucial role in setting the global agenda and has served as a platform for establishing numerous conventions and declarations that have had a profound impact on international law and standards. It is a key instrument for multilateralism and international cooperation, reflecting the diversity of the member states and their priorities.