Starting today, world leaders will meet in New York for the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations. This year, the official theme of the high-level meeting is “Reconstruction Strengthen trust and reactivate global solidarity». The aim is to conclude new global agreements and create tools that will make it possible to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs when, seven years after the end of the period set for the Agenda, there is clear evidence that the results fall short of expectations.
“This is a time to take stances or positioning.” This is not the time for interference or indecision,” said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, “we must unite in the search for real and practical solutions.” It is Time to find a compromise to achieve a better future. Other topics that will certainly be on the agenda will be the invasion of Ukraine and tensions between the West and the Global South. Traditionally, the inaugural speech will be given on behalf of Brazil and the world will be able to hear its president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who wants to make it clear that “Brazil is back,” but in reality many view him with suspicion because of his controversial stance on the war in Ukraine.
The regular budget for this year’s meeting is $3.4 billion as President Joe Biden restored hundreds of millions of dollars in U.N. funding that had been cut during Donald Trump’s presidency. Getting around the Big Apple won’t be easy these days as several roads are closed. At a time when the city is experiencing one of its worst cleanliness and safety crises, the City Council has sprung into action to welcome the celebrity guests and the New York Police Department has deployed thousands of officers to ensure that the meeting takes place in harmony. As usual, getting a hotel room is not an easy task these days, the average price is around 700 dollars per night (656 euros) and the city’s most famous restaurants are shielded to serve exclusively and with maximum privacy by the state and their long-time security team . The reservations were confirmed at least 7 months ago, the restaurateurs say. “It is the most important diplomatic meeting of the year and nothing can go wrong,” explains chef Carlos Mirañi to LA RAZÓN.
As the city prepares for the most important political event of the year, everything is ready within the United Nations to welcome the men and women who rule the world. A large tent has been erected on the site of the venue, which will host hundreds of journalists from around the world who will cover the event next week. Each media outlet will pay close attention to the words of its leader or, in his absence, the representative who will speak in his place. In the case of Russia, no president is expected Wladimir Putin in view of the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court in March this year. The Chinese head of state will also not travel to New York, as is tradition. Xi Jinping.
The peacemaker French president is missing Emmanuel Macron who will stay in Paris this time to meet the British King Charles III. on his first visit to France as monarch. France’s head of state will also meet Pope Francis in Marseille on September 22nd. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will also not be able to hear the speech of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, instead Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will lead the speech of the British delegation. It is the first time in a decade that a British leader has withdrawn from the meeting.
The absence of prominent leaders is a blow to the executive assembly at a time when many doubt the usefulness of the organization. In fact, US President Joe Biden will be the only permanent member of the UN Security Council to attend the high-profile meeting. During his two-day visit to the Big Apple, he will “meet with world leaders to discuss cooperation in addressing threats.” “Contributing to international peace and security, promoting global prosperity and protecting the Human rights,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who addressed the chamber remotely last year, is planning a trip to New York this time. For obvious security reasons, many details of his agenda are unknown, but he is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 19 and the Security Council the following day.
For the Ukrainian president, this trip will be an opportunity to get closer to the leaders of the global south. In his speech, Zelensky is sure to condemn the invasion, highlight Ukraine’s efforts to get food to needy countries in Africa and the Middle East and criticize Russia for its decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July. He is also likely to meet with the Israeli Prime Minister on the sidelines of the UNGA. Benjamin Netanyahu. After concluding their meetings in New York, the Ukrainian leader plans to travel to Washington to meet with his American counterpart Joe Biden.
