Assembly time

Sep 17th, 2009 3:42 PM UTC
By Kara Arsenault

On Tuesday, the UN General Assembly began its 64th session in New York City. But what does this group really do—and why should we pay attention?

Founded in 1945, the General Assembly is (among other things) the chief policymaking arm of the United Nations (the UN consists of five main bodies: General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council and International Court of Justice). Made up of all 192 members of the UN, the Assembly provides a unique opportunity to discuss a range of issues affecting countries across the globe. It also gives each member state—regardless of size or stature—one equal vote. That means that developing countries can often help determine the agenda of the Assembly and the character of its debates.

While the Assembly issues only non-binding recommendations for member nations, many of these proposals have affected the lives of millions across the globe. In 2000, for example, the Assembly adopted the Millennium Declaration, a landmark agreement highlighting eight goals to reduce global poverty and disease by 2015, now commonly referred to as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS). Since 2000, substantial progress has been made toward some of the MDGS. For example, an estimated 3.2 million HIV-positive Africans are currently on antiretroviral treatment and 88 million bed nets have been delivered by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, substantially reducing malaria deaths in Ethiopia, Rwanda and Kenya.

The General Assembly is one of the few world bodies that has representation from every country—and while it’s voice may not be binding, it is representative and resounding. And this year, there is much that needs to be done in the fight against extreme poverty and disease—including accelerating progress toward the MDGs—particularly in light of the food, financial and climate crises. Next week as the General Assembly meets, and the G20 gather in Pittsburgh, let’s hope for some important life-saving action.

The UN General Assembly’s yearly regular session runs from September to December. We’ll keep you posted on any news during this year’s session.

-Kara Arsenault

TAGS: Policy News, United Nations