Palestine takes place among UN member states in 'historic moment' at opening session of General Assembly
NEW YORK CITY: Palestine took its place among the members of the United Nations on Tuesday at the opening session of the organization's General Assembly.
In May, a UN resolution was passed recognizing that Palestine had met membership requirements and asking the Security Council to reconsider admitting the state.
Palestine was granted additional rights at the UN, including sitting with member states, the right to submit proposals and agenda items, and to participate in committees, but was not granted the right to vote.
Tuesday's symbolic event was met with support from the Egyptian delegation, which raised a procedural objection to point to a “historic moment”, but the Israelis objected and raised a procedural objection.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the 79th session opened against a backdrop of “a world in trouble”, but stressed that member states could work together to do something about it.
He said: “From day one, the United Nations has been a place for multilateral solutions based on cooperation, dialogue, diplomacy and the Charter of the United Nations.
“And it was a place where respect for each other and for the dignity and human rights that belong to every member of the human family comes to life. As we welcome this 79th session, these tasks now fall to you.
“This is where solutions are created and we need solutions across all areas.”
He covered a range of topics, including economic progress, climate change and artificial intelligence.
He added: “Step by step, solution by solution, we can restore mutual trust and faith in what we can achieve through cooperation and solidarity.
“The values that have united us since 1945 are more important than ever. In confronting the challenges that lie ahead, it (the UN General Assembly) remains an indispensable tool and an essential pathway to a peaceful and just future for all people.
The session was chaired by Philemon Yang of Cameroon, who was elected President of the General Assembly earlier this year.
Yang outlined topics expected to dominate discussions at this year's gathering, including peace and security efforts, climate change, sustainable development, global health and human rights.
This year's general debate, which will be held from 24 to 30 September, boasts the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together to advance peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”
In addition to the debate, there will be a Summit for the Future, which will aim to secure a negotiated “Pact for the Future” designed to strengthen global cooperation to effectively address current challenges for future generations.
There will also be high-level meetings on topics as wide-ranging as the elimination of nuclear weapons; addressing the threat posed by rising sea levels; and strengthening global health systems against antimicrobial resistance.