The United Nations General Assembly – particularly during its annual ministerial meeting – serves in a sense, as a stage for the Heads of State or Government and ministers of all 192 Member States to project their image to the world community. This year’s meeting opened on 23 September 2010 with speeches by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President of the General Assembly Joseph Deiss, and President Barack Obama.
However, what is the precise role of the United Nations General Assembly? The United Nations is made of three primary decision-making bodies: the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The main purpose of the Security Council is to maintain international security and peace. Under the United Nations Charter, the members of the United Nations have delegated the Security Council to carry out decisions, making them mandatory on Member States. In contrast, the General Assembly serves as a forum for discussion among all 192 Member States, where recommendations on any matter that falls under the realms of the United Nations Charter are made. For example, the issues discussed may concern security and peace (unless the Security Council is already engaged in addressing a particular situation), human rights, international law, international collaboration on economic, social, cultural, educational, and health-related issues.
Of important note is the fact that the General Assembly cannot legally compel government to act upon its decisions. However, the recommendations carry the heavy weight of the world opinion replica breitling bentley 6.75. The theme for this year’s annual ministerial meeting at United Nations Headquarters was: “Reaffirming the central role of the United Nations in global governance”. According to UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss, “There is a danger the United Nations could be marginalized as other actors emerge on the international scene.”
Two years after Obama’s election as President of the United States, Obama addressed the General Assembly for the second time. During his speech, he reiterated the need for cooperation and action: “The world that America seeks is not one we can build on our own. For human rights to reach those who suffer the boot of oppression replica breitling Aeromarine , we need your voices to speak out. In particular, I appeal to those nations who emerged from tyranny and inspired the world in the second half o the last century – from South Africa to south Asia; from Eastern Europe to South America. Don’t stand idly by, don’t be silent www.replicaforbest.co.uk, when dissidents elsewhere are imprisoned and protesters are beaten. Recall your own history. Because part of the price of our own freedom is standing up for the freedom of others.”
Author’s Biography
Brenda Vongova writes for the HARBUS on international affairs. She has served in the cabinets of three Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly.
