United Nations General Assembly

United Nations General Assembly

Why in News?

Recently, the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debate began on 23 September 2025 in New York. World leaders and senior officials from over 140 countries gathered to address the globe’s most urgent challenges and to discuss paths forward for the world.

80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2025

• Dates: The 80th UNGA session will be hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The assembly started with preliminary sessions on 9 September 2025. The high-level debate session is scheduled to start from 23 September 2025 onward to 29 September 2025.

• Theme: The session will focus on the theme “Together for a Better World: 80 Years of Peace, Development, and Human Rights”. 

• Key Agendas: The agenda for the 80th UNGA focuses on a wide range of global concerns.

• • The assembly will discuss ongoing conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. Leaders will address the humanitarian crises and propose measures for conflict resolution. 
  • The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold emergency meetings on military incursions and escalating tensions in several regions. 
  • Delegates will discuss collaborative approaches to ensure international peace and stability. Security concerns will also include the global threat of terrorism and cyberattacks.
  • A special focus will be on the recognition of Palestinian statehood. A conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia will highlight diplomatic initiatives to advance a two-state solution. 
  • The assembly will host a climate summit during the week. Leaders will present their commitments to reduce carbon emissions and implement sustainable policies. 
  • Emerging issues related to artificial intelligence and digital governance will also be addressed. Delegates will discuss frameworks for regulating AI and safeguarding global security.
  • Beyond formal debates, world leaders will engage in one-on-one meetings and multilateral discussions. The UN Secretary-General will meet with prominent leaders to facilitate dialogue. These meetings will focus on strengthening cooperation and resolving bilateral tensions.

What is the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)?

• About: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main deliberative body of the United Nations (UN). It provides a platform where all member states can discuss international issues. The assembly allows countries to voice their opinions, share perspectives, and find solutions to global problems. It functions as a forum for dialogue, decision-making, and cooperation among nations.

• Objectives: The primary objective of the UNGA is to promote peace, security, and cooperation across the world. It aims to foster understanding between countries and prevent conflicts. The assembly works to achieve sustainable development by supporting policies that reduce poverty, improve education, and ensure public health. The UNGA also coordinates global efforts on humanitarian issues such as refugee protection, disaster relief, and food security.

• • Headquarters: The headquarters of the UNGA is located in New York City, United States. The main building, known as the General Assembly Hall, hosts formal debates and sessions. The complex includes conference rooms, offices, and facilities for diplomatic meetings. The New York headquarters became fully operational in 1952.

• History: The UNGA was established in 1945 following the end of World War II. It was created under the United Nations Charter to prevent future conflicts and promote international cooperation. Initially, 51 countries joined the UN as founding members. Over time, the membership has grown. Each year, the UNGA holds regular sessions, as well as special sessions for urgent international issues.

• Member Countries: The UNGA has 193 member states. Each country has one vote, ensuring equality in decision-making. All members can participate in debates, propose resolutions, and contribute to international agreements. The assembly also works with observer states, including the Holy See and Palestine.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Structure

• Plenary Assembly: The plenary assembly is the core of the UNGA. All 193 member states attend its meetings. Each member has one vote, regardless of size or population. The plenary assembly meets every year in September for the regular session. It can also meet in special sessions for urgent global matters. The plenary debates major issues such as peace, development, human rights, and climate action. It also approves the UN budget and reviews reports from other UN bodies.

• President: The President of the UNGA is elected for one session, usually lasting one year. The president manages debates, sets the agenda, and represents the assembly externally. The election rotates among five regional groups: African, Asian, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean, and Western European and others. 

• Secretary-General: The UN Secretariat supports the UNGA administratively and technically. It provides research, documentation, and logistical support. The Secretary-General leads the Secretariat. He presents reports to the assembly and implements decisions.

• Committees: The UNGA has six main committees, each focusing on specific areas:

• • • Disarmament and International Security Committee: Deals with disarmament and international security.
    • Economic and Financial Committee: Handles economic and financial matters.
    • Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee: Focuses on human rights and humanitarian issues.
    • Special Political and Decolonization Committee: Deals with special political issues and decolonization.
    • Administrative and Budgetary Committee: Manages administrative and budgetary matters.
    • Legal Committee: Covers legal matters affecting international law.
  • General Committee: The UNGA President, 21 Vice Presidents, and chairs of the six main committees form a General Committee.

• Decision-Making: Decisions in the UNGA are made mostly through voting. Each member has one vote. Important questions, like budget approval and membership, require a two-thirds majority. Other issues, such as resolutions on human rights or climate, need a simple majority. While UNGA resolutions are not legally binding, they carry significant moral and political influence.

• Observers: The UNGA allows observer states to participate without voting rights. Observers include the Holy See and Palestine. They can attend meetings, submit documents, and speak during debates. Observers help broaden dialogue and ensure that issues affecting non-member regions are represented.

Functions and Powers of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

• Discussing International Issues: The UNGA has the power to discuss any issue affecting international peace and security. Member states can bring topics such as conflicts, climate change, and humanitarian crises for debate. The assembly debates global concerns and allows countries to express their views freely. 

• Making Recommendations: The UNGA can make recommendations to member states and the UN Security Council. Recommendations cover areas like peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and development strategies. While these recommendations are not legally binding, they influence international policies.

• Approving the Budget: One of the key powers of the UNGA is to approve the United Nations budget. The assembly decides how funds are allocated to different UN programs. It monitors financial contributions from member states. This includes peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid, and development projects. 

• Electing Members: The UNGA elects members to other UN bodies and specialized agencies. It chooses non-permanent members of the Security Council, judges for the International Court of Justice, and members of UN commissions. Elections are held to ensure fair representation across regions.

• Supervising Agencies: The UNGA supervises the work of UN specialized agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It reviews their programs, budgets, and policies. The assembly also provides guidance on international development.

• Promoting Human Rights: The UNGA plays a key role in promoting human rights. It discusses issues such as equality, freedom, and protection of minorities. The assembly encourages member states to follow international law. It adopts conventions, declarations, and resolutions that guide global behavior.

• Convening Special Sessions: The UNGA has the power to convene special or emergency sessions. These sessions address urgent international matters like wars, health emergencies, or natural disasters. Special sessions allow quick discussion and decision-making among all member states.

Key Efforts of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): One of the UNGA’s most significant policy is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948. The declaration sets global standards for freedom, equality, and dignity. It establishes rights such as freedom of speech, right to education, and protection from discrimination.

• Sustainable Development Goals (2015): In 2015, the UNGA adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, introducing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals focus on ending poverty, ensuring quality education, promoting gender equality, and combating climate change. The SDGs provide a roadmap for countries to work together on global challenges. 

• Climate Action Initiatives: The UNGA has been active in addressing climate change. In 1992, it supported the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Later, in 2015, it endorsed the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C.

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Efforts: UNGA has promoted nuclear disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It supports treaties such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT, 1968). The assembly calls for transparency in nuclear programs and encourages dialogue to prevent conflicts.

• Humanitarian Efforts: The UNGA has led initiatives to improve global health. In 2001, it supported the creation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. It also addresses issues like pandemic preparedness, refugee protection, and food security.

• Conflict Resolution: UNGA has consistently supported peacekeeping operations around the world. It approves the budget and mandates for UN peacekeeping missions. These missions have helped stabilize conflict zones in countries like South Sudan, Lebanon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.