As is tradition, the new period begins two weeks before the General Assembly meeting brings together more than 150 world leaders at the United Nations headquarters in New York where they will also debate commitments to the 2030 Agenda and the Charter of the UN at the Future Summit, scheduled for September 22nd and 23rd.

Starting this Tuesday, the General Assembly will be chaired by Philemon Yang, former Prime Minister of Cameroon, who announced a mandate focused on diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for everyone, everywhere. “I am convinced that through dialogue, through consensus, talking together and looking to the future together, we can solve problems,” the diplomat said last May after being confirmed for the position.

Yang will succeed Dennis Francis, from Trinidad and Tobago, who recognized the role of the UN at the gates of a new cycle and in the midst of reform to “look to the future.” “There is no other organization on this planet like the UN that has the capacity or the commitment to do what it does,” Francis told reporters last Monday on his last day in office.

The diplomat was optimistic about the convening power of the United Nations, which “reflects the diversity that exists worldwide” and where states “can discuss their problems and concerns together in a rational and civilized manner to find solutions.”

Francis also highlighted the action of the General Assembly facing the stagnation of the Security Council. In his view, it is clear that the upcoming General Assembly, under appropriate circumstances, will enhance its authority and make its voice heard on matters that also affect peace and security.

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