Palestine takes place among UN member states in 'historic moment' at opening session of General Assembly
NEW YORK CITY: Palestine took its place among the UN members during the opening session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.
In May, a United Nations resolution was passed recognizing that Palestine met the requirements for membership and calling on the Security Council to reconsider the admission of the state.
Palestine was granted additional rights at the United Nations, including the ability to sit alongside member states, the right to submit proposals and agenda items, and to participate in committees, but it was not granted the right to vote.
Tuesday's symbolic event met with the support of the Egyptian delegation, which raised a point of order to mark the “historic moment,” but was opposed by the Israelis, who raised a counter-point of order.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the 79th session opens against the backdrop of a “world in distress,” but stressed that member states could work together to do something about it.
He said: “From day one, the United Nations has been the place for multilateral solutions, based on collaboration, dialogue, diplomacy and the United Nations Charter.
“And it has been the place where respect for one another, and for the dignity and human rights that belong to every member of the human family, are brought to life. As we welcome this 79th session, those tasks now fall to you.
“This is where solutions are created, and we need solutions at all levels.”
Delegates from member states line up to welcome Riyad Mansour, top right, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, as he arrives for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. (AP)
He addressed a range of topics, including economic progress, climate change and artificial intelligence.
He added: “Step by step, solution by solution, we can rebuild trust and faith in each other and in what we can achieve through collaboration and solidarity.
“The values that have united us since 1945 are more essential than ever. As we address the challenges we face, (the UN General Assembly) remains an indispensable tool and a vital path toward a peaceful and just future for all people.”
The session was chaired by Philemon Yang of Cameroon, who was elected President of the General Assembly earlier this year.
Yang outlined the issues he said would be central to discussions at this year's assembly, including working for peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, global health and human rights.
This year's general debate, which will take place from 24 to 30 September, will have the theme “Leaving no one behind: acting together to advance peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations”.
In addition to the debate, a Future Summit will be held, which will aim to secure a negotiated “Pact for the Future” designed to strengthen global cooperation and effectively address current challenges for future generations.
High-level meetings will also be held on far-reaching topics, such as eliminating nuclear weapons, addressing the threat of rising sea levels, and strengthening global health systems against antimicrobial resistance.
