Palestine takes place among UN member states in 'historic moment' at opening session of General Assembly
NEW YORK: Palestine took its place among the members of the United Nations at the opening session of the organization's General Assembly on Tuesday.
In May, a UN resolution was adopted recognizing that Palestine meets the requirements for membership and requesting the Security Council to reconsider the admission of this state.
Palestine was granted additional rights at the UN, including membership, the right to make proposals and agenda items, and to participate in committees, but it did not receive the right to vote.
The symbolic event on Tuesday was met with support from the Egyptian delegation, which brought a point of order to mark the “historic moment”, but was opposed by the Israelis, who raised a counter-point of order.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the 79th session opens amid a “world in trouble” but stressed that member states can 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 UN Charter.
“And it was a place where respect for each other, as well as the dignity and human rights that belong to every member of the human family, came to life. As we welcome this 79th session, these tasks now fall to you.
“This is where decisions are made, and we need decisions across the board.”
Delegates of member states line up to greet Riyad Mansour (top right), the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, as he arrives for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. (AP)
He touched on a number of topics, including economic progress, climate change and artificial intelligence.
He added: “Step by step, decision by decision, we can rebuild trust and faith in each other and 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 before us, (the UN General Assembly) remains an indispensable tool and a vital pathway to a peaceful and just future for all people.”
The session was chaired by Philemon Yan of Cameroon, who was elected President of the General Assembly earlier this year.
Ian outlined the themes he believes will dominate discussions at this year's assembly, including working towards peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, global health and human rights.
This year's general debate, which will be held from 24 to 30 September, will be held under the theme “Leaving no one behind: acting together to promote peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations”.
In addition to the debate, there will be a Future Summit, which will aim to secure an agreed “Future Pact” designed to boost global cooperation to effectively address today's challenges for future generations.
There will also be high-level meetings on such broad topics as the elimination of nuclear weapons; combating the threat posed by rising sea levels; and strengthening global health systems against antimicrobial resistance.
