Palestine elected to UN in 'historic moment' at opening of General Assembly
NEW YORK CITY: Palestine accepted its position as a member of the United Nations during the opening session of the organization's General Assembly on Tuesday.
In May, a United Nations resolution accepted Palestine as meeting the requirements for membership and asked the Security Council to reconsider admitting the state.
Palestine enjoys additional rights in the United Nations, including sitting with member states, the right to propose proposals and agenda items, and to participate in committees, but does not have the right to vote.
Tuesday's symbolic event was supported by the Egyptian delegation, which raised the issue of “a historic moment” but was opposed by the Israeli side, which presented a counter-position instead.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the 79th session of the UN General Assembly was starting amid a situation where “the world is in trouble” but stressed that member states could work together to do something about it.
He said: “From day one, the United Nations has been a venue for multilateral problem-solving based on cooperation, dialogue, diplomacy and the UN Charter.”
“And a place where mutual respect, dignity and human rights are upheld by all in the human family. As we welcome this 79th Assembly, these tasks lie with you.”
“This is where solutions are built and we need a comprehensive solution.”
Representatives from member states line up to greet Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour (top right) as he arrives for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. (AP)
He spoke on a wide range of topics, including economic progress, climate change and artificial intelligence.
“Step by step, solution by solution, we can rebuild trust and faith in each other, and what we can achieve through cooperation and unity,” he added.
“The values that have brought us together since 1945 are more important than ever to meet the challenges ahead. The (UN General Assembly) remains an indispensable tool and a crucial path towards a peaceful and just future for all.”
The meeting was chaired by Philemon Yang of Cameroon, who was elected president of the General Assembly earlier this year.
Yang outlined the topics he expects to receive the most attention at this year's conference, including working for peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, global health and human rights.
This year’s general debate, which will be held from September 24 to 30, will have the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Working Together for Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Current and Future Generations.”
In addition to the discussions, there will also be a Future Summit, which will focus on reaching a negotiated agreement for the future, designed to stimulate global cooperation to effectively address current challenges for future generations.
There will also be high-level meetings on a variety of topics, such as the elimination of nuclear weapons, addressing the threat of rising sea levels, and strengthening global health systems to combat antimicrobial resistance.
