78th UN General Assembly convening to promote development, address global challenges

NEW YORK

The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, gathering heads of state and government, ministers, and delegations from member countries, is set to commence in New York on Tuesday.

Representatives from 193 countries are participating in the annual high-level talks, which take place at the UN headquarters every September.

Dennis Francis from Trinidad and Tobago will serve as president of the 78th session.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, representing Türkiye in the General Assembly discussions, is scheduled to address the chamber on the first day of the week-long session.

Erdogan will deliver his speech during the seventh slot on the first day, following Brazil, which traditionally speaks first, followed by the host country, the US, and Colombia, Jordan, Poland, and Cuba.

The session's agenda includes sustainable development, climate issues, epidemic preparedness, and conflict zones, with this year's theme: "Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has referred to the assembly talks as "G193," highlighting his primary focus to "forge new pathways" in the context of the UN sustainable development goals.

Guterres has repeatedly emphasized that multilateral institutions today, which were established in the aftermath of World War II, are representative of the political and economic dynamics of that era.

His statements underscore a firm belief that reform within the UN is necessary to align with the realities of the contemporary world.

Concrete recommendations are expected to be presented to address contemporary challenges and threats.

Ukraine is likely to be in the spotlight during the high-level talks, which are also expected to delve into global conflict zones and wars.

In addition, concerns have been raised in some circles that the in-person presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could overshadow the main agenda items during this year's debate. Zelenskyy had delivered a video message in last year's General Assembly session.

*Servet Gunerigok contributed to this story