Breaking: UN Summit Unveils World Leaders' Hidden Agendas Here's What You Can't Miss!
Expect a dynamic and challenging agenda at this year's UN General Assembly With an array of pressing global issues, the summit promises to be the most complex and impactful gathering to date
Following thousands of speeches, meetings, and receptions scheduled for the UNGA summit next week, the United Nations is ready to make an announcement regarding World Peace at the conclusion of this global event. However, this is not the case. In reality, the issues to be discussed during this two-week summit seem more extensive, unpredictable, and challenging to resolve compared to any previous UN General Assembly. These topics include Russia's involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, devastating floods in Libya, numerous coups across the African continent, economic disparities between the North and South, the ongoing violent crisis in Haiti, and the pressing matter of climate change, just to mention a few examples.
The impact of the event itself may be weakened by the fact that US President Joe Biden is the only leader from the permanent five members of the UN Security Council attending. French President Emmanuel Macron will not be present as he is involved in addressing issues in Niger and Sudan. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also decided not to attend, which is unusual for his country. Russian President Vladimir Putin could face arrest if he travels, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping never attends. However, despite these absences, there will still be 140 heads of state and government in attendance. Additionally, there will be several vice presidents, deputy prime ministers, ministers of state, and chiefs of delegations delivering their remarks for their nations. Consider tuning in to UNTV on Tuesday to watch Brazil, followed by the US, Ukraine, Cuba, and others, deliver their speeches.
For the first time ever, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky will personally attend the annual summit, instead of appearing on video monitors in the General Assembly Hall. Additionally, he is scheduled to have a meeting with Biden in Washington on Thursday.
The global disputes between major powers at the UN are expected to hinder any efforts to improve relations and make progress on various issues. The Swiss Ambassador, Pascale Baeriswyl, highlighted the escalating rivalry between the United States and China in the chamber. Furthermore, the advocacy group Human Rights Watch urged nations to stay focused on human rights and not be distracted by politics during the week's events.
"The week presents smaller countries around the world with a chance to articulate their priorities to us. From my perspective, the week is not about pitting big powers against each other," stated US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield last week.
The United Nations started a fund for sexual exploitation and abuse victims of its peacekeepers and staff, but in Haiti, many mothers say they've received little support.
David Von Blohn/CNN
A number of children in Haiti were abandoned by UN staff, and their mothers are seeking justice. In the upcoming Ukraine meeting at the Security Council, President Zelensky is expected to engage with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov if he attends. Additionally, private meetings will be held between UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey. The UN aims to reinstate Russia in the Black Sea grain deal, however, it is unlikely that Russia and Ukraine will have a joint meeting in New York.
"It is crucial to combat individuals who misuse their power to restrict democracy," stated Guterres during his press briefing last week. However, a Security Council representative revealed that Russia violated the UN charter when it invaded Ukraine.
The upcoming Monday will witness extensive discussions surrounding the poorly titled Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs: a set of seventeen objectives implemented years ago to enhance poverty, education, and health. According to one ambassador, a mere 15 percent of the required funding has been secured thus far to achieve these goals.
During the bustling week, the public is restricted from entering the headquarters. Despite nearby demonstrators who may shout and hold signs, their voices will not reach the UN compound where sleek limousines discreetly come and go.
The annual UNGA event draws attention from various extraordinary individuals (such as K-pop superstars BTS, who delighted fans by frolicking in the Assembly Hall in 2021). This year, renowned tennis player Roger Federer is anticipated to be present, while Prince William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, are scheduled to meet with the UN Secretary-General on Monday afternoon to promote William's Earthshot climate initiative.
Thus, UNGA can now be called the Royal Rumble. But nobody slams a diplomatic face into a turnbuckle. Only a week or more of verbal sparring, as the world looks for action on a long roster of crises.
