General debate of the UN General Assembly opens in New York

Lhe high-level general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly begins on September 21 in New York, in a context still marked by the repercussions of Covid-19 and the increasingly felt impact of global warming .

This general debate, which will continue until September 27, shines the spotlight on the challenges of the fight against Covid-19 and the acceleration of vaccination, as well as the equally pressing issues of global warming.

Alongside these topical issues, the participants in this global high mass will sift through other issues of concern to the international community, namely the persistence of inequalities, biodiversity and the goals of sustainable development (SDGs).

Equitable responses to the pandemic

The aim is to highlight, during this debate, the relevance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to create a dynamic upstream of major summits and intergovernmental meetings.

It is also about putting forward the urgent actions necessary to ensure that efforts to respond to Covid-19 are fair, inclusive and accelerate the transition to sustainable development, while demonstrating that large-scale transformative change is possible.

At the same time, Heads of State and Government will meet at the UN Security Council to discuss how to prepare for climate risks that could hamper peace and lead to conflict. They will also discuss practical actions the Council can take, given the growing evidence of climate fallout as a driver of conflict and instability.

Joe Biden’s first intervention

According to the UN, governments, in fragile countries in particular, often have limited resources to manage climate and other crises while helping vulnerable populations adapt to consequences such as drought and rising temperatures.

A large number of leaders, at the head of smaller delegations, are participating in this debate, the previous edition of which was held largely in virtual format due to the health crisis.

US President Joe Biden will be among the first heads of state to speak in person from the podium of the General Assembly. This is the first intervention of the tenant of the White House before the United Nations, since he took office last January.

(with MAP)

–