The 79th UN General Assembly, one of the largest global diplomatic events, will kick off Tuesday in New York, bringing together heads of state and government from member nations. The assembly will take place from September 24-30. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will open the session, which will be chaired by Cameroonian President Philemon Yong. At least 133 heads of state and government, along with three vice presidents, 80 deputy prime ministers, and 45 ministers, are expected to attend. Continuing a tradition since 1955, Brazil will deliver the first speech after the presidents, followed by the host country, the United States. This year, the assembly convenes amid rising global crises, with conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti likely to dominate discussions. Emphasis on a cease-fire in Gaza, Israel's violations of international law, and challenges in delivering humanitarian aid are anticipated. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will speak on the morning of September 26, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following in the afternoon. The central theme for this year's discussions is "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations." Guterres noted, "Today's global order simply does not work for everyone." Leaders are expected to address the need for reform in the Security Council and the international financial architecture. In addition to the General Assembly, a "Summit of the Future" held from September 22-23, focusing on adapting international institutions to modern challenges, alongside discussions on climate change. Historically, speeches at the General Assembly have varied widely in length, with leaders expected to limit their remarks to 15 minutes. Notable moments include Fidel Castro's 296-minute address in 1960 and Muammar Gaddafi's 100-minute speech in 2009, where he famously tore up a page from the UN Charter. The assembly often witnesses delegations walking out in protest of speeches they disapprove of, underscoring the high stakes and tensions that characterize this important global gathering. — Agencies
