The annual high-level general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly began on Tuesday, September 24. In this, the heads of state and government of more than 120 countries of the world are reaching New York to present their views to the world.
“We have seen the rise and fall of empires, the uncertainty of past rifts and the greatest world change in human history,” said the top UN official.
“Today, we simply cannot continue on this path. It is in our best interest to navigate the great changes that are taking place, to choose the future we want, and to lead the world in that direction.”
Secretary-General Guterres referred to the recently adopted ‘Agreement on the Future’, which was unanimously adopted at the Future Summit in the General Assembly on Sunday.
This MoU presents a set of actions, measures and guiding principles for a safe, clean and fair future.
The UN Secretary General said that this summit has proved that through dialogue and agreement, the world can be moved forward on a sustainable path. However, this is the beginning of a journey.
In view of this, he appealed to lead the world to a path where there is no sense of impunity and uncertainty, accountability is fixed, justice is guaranteed and there is more opportunity.
AI: Potential or Risk
The UN chief said artificial intelligence, AI, has immense potential, but it can also cause artificial cracks in various areas. Two types of Internet systems, two markets, two types of economies, with each country having to choose one, with dire consequences.
“The United Nations is a public forum for dialogue and consensus,” through which cooperation on AI can advance in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
He noted that in addition to the Global Digital Compact, two resolutions have been passed by the UN General Assembly and the recommendations of the High-Level Advisory Group on AI have been received, which could lay the foundation for an inclusive governance system for AI. .
“Let’s work together to use AI for good.”
Climate change
He said, we are facing a crisis on the climate front. Extreme temperatures, forest fires, droughts and floods are not just natural disasters.
They are fueled by fossil fuels, disasters caused by human activity. No country is untouched by them, but the poor and vulnerable suffer the most.
He noted that as the problem gets worse, the solutions get better. The cost of renewable energy is falling and their adoption is increasing rapidly.
Countries in the G20 group account for 80 percent of emissions. The annual United Nations Climate Conference (COP29) is around the corner and these countries need to end fossil fuel subsidies to move towards an equitable transition in energy sources.
Asymmetry, ‘Stain on Consciousness’
The UN chief said discrimination is a question of power, which is rooted in history. He described it as a stain on the collective conscience and said it was deepened by violent conflicts, climate turbulence, epidemics and livelihood crises.
At the same time, women and girls face gender-based discrimination and abuse, and laws that affect their reproductive health and rights. Rape is being used as a tool of war.
Even in the UN General Assembly, she said, there is disparity and less than 10 percent of speakers in general debates are women.
More than 50 countries located on the African continent have no permanent seats on the Security Council;
President Philemon Young addresses the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
General debate, an important moment
Philemon Young, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, said that the General Debate is a very important platform for reflection and collective action at the global level.
He warned that countries are lagging behind in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. These are supposed to be completed by 2030, but only 18 percent are on track.
At the same time, the climate crisis is not a distant threat, it is already here, destroying ecosystems and destroying the livelihoods of communities.
The President of the General Assembly called for an end to violent conflicts in the Middle East, from Gaza to Ukraine and from Haiti to South Sudan, and for the implementation of an immediate ceasefire.
The head of the General Assembly said that the Hamas-Israel war must immediately stop fighting, ensure the unconditional release of all hostages, and that all warring parties must comply with international law. In addition, a just and lasting solution must be found in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.