Confronted with a growing number of challenges to world peace, the United Nations General Assembly began debate on ways to end conflicts, remove obstacles to development, and realize the goals of human rights and health for all.
On the first day of debates, the 193-member assembly approved an agenda for its 73rd session covering the full spectrum of international issues.
Challenging the world of diplomacy are unilateral moves by major powers to bypass all UN-accepted diplomatic norms.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres addressed the issue at a Press Conference, underlining the need for a “renewed commitment to a rules-based global order” and to the organization he leads.
In this respect, he recounted some of the biggest threats including the nuclear peril, climate change, and ongoing conflicts.
“Let me note one overriding concern in our increasingly globalized era: multilateralism is under attack from many different directions precisely when we need it most.”
“I will use my meetings and other opportunities next week to press for renewed commitment to a rules-based global order and to the United Nations, the world’s indispensable forum for international cooperation,” Guterres added.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is scheduled to arrive in New York from Washington Sunday night, will lead the Pakistan delegation.
FM Shah Mehmood Qures Image: Center for Global Development/Wikimedia Commonshi
Qureshi will be Imran Khan Government’s face to the world diplomats as Pakistan transitions to a new era of politics, diplomacy and governance.
Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and her team have worked diligently to schedule a series of engagements.
“A hectic programme awaits the Foreign Minister who will attend several high level events and hold close to two dozen bilateral meetings,” Ambassador Lodhi said.
“The highlight of his visit will of course be his speech in the General Assembly on 29 September in which he will set out the new government’s priorities and its position and policy on key international and regional issue including the situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir”.
Meanwhile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, President-elect of the Assembly’s 73rd session of the UN General Assembly announced last week that the theme of the general debate will be, “Making the United Nations Relevant to All People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies.” The list of speakers will be here.
On Monday, 24 September, the UNGA will hold a high-level plenary meeting on global peace in honor of the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, known as the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit. The plenary will adopt a political declaration negotiated by Member States. In May 2018 the Permanent Representatives of South Africa and Ireland, serving as co-facilitators, began consulting with governments on the content of the declaration.
On Wednesday, 26 September, the UNGA will hold a high-level meeting on the fight against tuberculosis, as agreed by Member States in February.
On Thursday, 27 September, the UN will hold a one-day comprehensive review of the progress achieved in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
