The curtain fell on the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly’s General Debate this Monday, marking a milestone week of global diplomacy and tough conversations.
"At the beginning of this week, we referred to the United Nations as the house of diplomacy and dialogue, standing at a crossroads, a place where we gather to have hard conversations during challenging times," General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock reflected in her closing remarks. In total, 189 member states spoke, including 124 heads of state and government, underscoring the UN’s continued relevance.
From raging conflicts and major-power rivalries to the climate crisis and gaps in sustainable development, world leaders tackled the most pressing challenges. Baerbock noted that the impassioned words and strong engagements "showed we are capable of finding the strength to lift up our common leadership and to take the right path at the crossroads."
Coinciding with the UN’s 80th anniversary, the High-level Week also featured events on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and commemorations marking eight decades of collective action. As Baerbock urged, "Let us be inspired by the legacy of our past, daring for a better future that is better together. Unafraid. Unbroken. United."
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
