UN General Assembly's 79th session opens with focus on conflict resolution

Philemon Yang, Cameroon’s representative took over from Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session

The 79th session of the UN General Assembly began on Tuesday, placing conflict resolution and sustainable economic growth at the forefront of its agenda.

Philemon Yang, Cameroon’s representative and newly elected president of the Assembly, took over from Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session.

Yang outlined his priorities, which include promoting peace, security, and addressing ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Haiti, and Ukraine. He also vowed to keep human rights at the core of the Assembly’s work and to strengthen international legal frameworks.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on the past year's challenges, citing poverty, inequality, and the persistence of conflict and violence.

Guterres also noted the record-breaking heat of the previous year, calling for unified action to address global issues.

"This is the place where solutions are made," Guterres said, underscoring the essential role of the General Assembly in confronting the world’s challenges.

Outgoing president Dennis Francis expressed gratitude for his time leading the Assembly, calling it "the honor and privilege of a lifetime."

He emphasised that, although he was unable to meet with Israelis and Palestinians directly, he raised the issue of their conflict at every opportunity and voiced hope for a ceasefire and a lasting political resolution.

Francis also highlighted the increasing scale of manmade suffering globally, with Gaza as a stark example of the humanitarian toll of ongoing conflicts.

The session also marks an important moment for Palestine, which, for the first time, will participate more actively in General Assembly sessions.

Following a May 10 resolution, Palestine, which holds observer status, was granted additional rights to engage in UN meetings and conferences.

The official opening of the 79th General Assembly is set for September 22 with the "Summit of the Future," and world leaders will begin delivering speeches on September 24.

Leaders from 190 countries are expected to attend, making it one of the most significant gatherings in the global political calendar.