79th Session of UN General Assembly Opens with Call for Unity and Cooperation

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially opened on September 10,  at the UN headquarters in New York, led by its new president, Philemon Yang, Xinhua news agency reported today.

In his inaugural address, Yang highlighted pressing global challenges, including climate change, ongoing conflicts from Sudan to Ukraine, and the persistent issues of poverty and hunger. He emphasized the necessity of international cooperation, stating, “Cooperation among member states is what allows us to harness our collective resources.”

Yang outlined his priorities for the session, focusing on unity in diversity, sustainable development, gender equality, and the promotion of human dignity. He also reiterated commitments to reforming the Security Council and revitalizing the General Assembly.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed Yang’s sentiments, affirming that the General Assembly is crucial for addressing global challenges, including the Sustainable Development Goals and climate action. He urged member states to collaborate for a peaceful and just future. Yang, from Cameroon, was sworn in at the close of the previous session.