World leaders gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York as the high-level General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly that began on September 22. The debate will continue through September 26 before concluding on September 28. Heads of state, government leaders and ministers are attending the annual meeting.
The theme for this year’s General Debate is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all”. The 81st session itself opened on September 8, with the General Debate forming the main high-level segment of the annual Assembly session.
The General Debate gives member states an opportunity to present their priorities and address international issues before the 193-member General Assembly. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled to introduce his annual report on the organisation’s activities at the opening of the debate.
Several high-level meetings are taking place alongside the debate. A meeting on climate action and the just transition is scheduled for September 23, followed by a meeting on the threats posed by rising sea levels on September 24. Pandemic prevention and preparedness will be discussed at another high-level meeting on September 25.
The General Assembly is the UN’s main forum for all 193 member states to discuss international issues. The annual high-level week brings national leaders to New York for speeches, bilateral meetings and discussions on issues on the UN agenda.
