Palestine wins UN seat in 'historic moment' at UN General Assembly opening session
NEW YORK CITY: Palestine won its seat as a United Nations member state at the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
A UN resolution passed in May recognized that Palestine met the criteria for membership and asked the Security Council to reconsider the country's admission.
Palestine enjoys equal status as a member state in the United Nations and is granted additional rights, including the right to submit proposals and agenda items and participate in committees, but no voting rights.
Tuesday's symbolic event was supported by the Egyptian delegation, which raised questions of order to mark a “historic moment”, but was opposed by Israel.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the 79th meeting was taking place at a time when “the world is in trouble”, but stressed that member states could work together to solve the problem.
He said: “From its inception, the United Nations has been a place for cooperation, dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral solutions based on the UN Charter.
“And it was a place where respect for one another, and respect for the dignity and human rights that belong to all members of humanity, came alive. As we welcome this 79th session, this task now falls to you.
“This is where solutions are created, and we need solutions on all fronts.”
Member state delegations line up to greet Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour (top right) upon his arrival at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. (AP)
He has covered a wide range of topics including economic development, 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 cooperation and solidarity.
“The values that have brought us together since 1945 are more essential than ever. As we face the challenges ahead, (the UN General Assembly) remains an indispensable tool and a vital path toward a peaceful and just future for all.”
The meeting was chaired by Cameroon’s Philemon Ms., who was elected President of the General Assembly earlier this year.
Yang outlined the main topics to be discussed at this year's General Assembly, including peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, global health and human rights.
This year’s general debate, which runs from 24 to 30 September, boasts the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together to Promote Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.”
In addition to the discussions, a future summit will be held, aimed at securing a negotiated “deal for the future” designed to strengthen global cooperation to effectively address current challenges for future generations.
There will also be high-level meetings on a wide range of topics, including eliminating nuclear weapons, addressing the threat of rising sea levels, and strengthening global health systems to combat antibiotic resistance.
