The United Nations General Assembly ramps up next week in New York City, with President Joe Biden and other world leaders in town.
Every September, world leaders convene in New York to speak at the start of the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. This year’s session, marking the 79th UNGA, will feature six days of speeches starting Tuesday.
Who Speaks at the General Assembly?
When the United Nations was established in 1945, there were 51 founding members, a number that has since grown to 193. Non-member observer states, such as the Holy See and the State of Palestine, along with the European Union, are also permitted to address the assembly.
It is a long-standing tradition for Brazil to speak first. This custom dates back to the early years of the UN when Brazil consistently volunteered to open the session when others hesitated. As the host country, the United States follows Brazil in addressing the assembly.
From there, the list of speakers follows a general order based on hierarchy and the timing of requests. Heads of state speak first, followed by deputy heads of state, heads of government, ministers, and other lower-ranked officials. This year, 87 heads of state, three vice-presidents, two crown princes, and 45 heads of government are among those expected to speak.
Speech Duration and Notable Exceptions
Speeches at the General Assembly are expected to last around 15 minutes, although some leaders have historically exceeded this limit. For example, Cuban leader Fidel Castro delivered a four-and-a-half-hour speech in 1960, while Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi spoke for more than an hour and a half in 2009.
Key Issues to Be Addressed
Although each year’s General Assembly has an official theme, leaders often focus on their own pressing concerns. This year’s theme is “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.” However, several key topics are expected to dominate discussions.
1. The War in Gaza
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is likely to be a major focus. Since October 2023, the war has claimed over 41,000 lives, according to local health authorities. Leaders are expected to call for a ceasefire and address the worsening humanitarian crisis.
2. Ukraine War
The conflict in Ukraine, which has lasted more than two and a half years, will be another prominent topic. Many leaders are expected to renew calls for peace and an end to the Russian invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to address the assembly, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will speak later in the week.
3. Climate Change
Leaders from island nations and countries most affected by climate change are expected to push for urgent action to limit global warming. The growing impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations will be a key part of the conversation.
4. UN Security Council Reform
Calls for reforming the UN Security Council will likely feature in speeches from countries such as Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan. These nations, along with others, have been advocating for changes to the Council’s structure, including the possibility of adding new permanent members and limiting the use of vetoes.
Summit of the Future
Before the formal speeches begin, the United Nations will host a two-day Summit of the Future on September 22-23. The summit aims to address governance challenges for modern issues like artificial intelligence, with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pushing for ambitious reforms of international institutions such as the UN Security Council, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
"No specific or credible threats"
NYPD and security officials held a news conference Friday to discuss security plans.
"For 79 years, world leaders have been meeting here in New York City to discuss global policy at the U.N. General Assembly. And every year, the men and women of the New York City Police Department make that meeting possible," Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon said. "Over the next two weeks, everyone here is working towards the same goal: The safety of U.N. General Assembly attendees and also the people in the neighborhood here. That's important. And also the pedestrians that we see walking through the neighborhood, to make them feel safe."
President Joe Biden is set to address the gathering. Federal agencies are partnering with the NYPD to deploy all resources and technology.
Donlon said the NYPD will be deploying resources citywide, and it will be a combined, "all hands" effort, with K9, aviation, harbor, highway and more units involved.
"I can tell you right now, there are no specific or credible threats at this moment to this very important event," Donlon said. "The eyes of the world will be looking at us, and I'm quite confident that this will be a very successful event, hopefully, that will be handled by professionals in a safe and secure manner."
"World leaders coming to New York City all at once. That's nearly 75% of all member states represented at the United Nations, and when you factor in spouses, the number of Secret Service protectives jumps over 200," U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Patrick Freaney said.
Security measures include ensuring the airspace over the event remains secure and preventing unauthorized drone activity.
Another concern: In just over a two month period, there have been two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump.
As always, NYPD officials are reminding people to "see something, say something" about any possible security concerns.
Protests have already begun
Friday morning there was already a lineup of emergency vehicles, with bomb-sniffing dogs and more. The NYPD said they handled 12 protests related to the UNGA Friday before noon. Hundreds gathered at a rally Friday morning calling for Israeli hostages to be brought home, as well as for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
The UNGA is is taking place amid increased attacks in the Middle East, particularly Lebanon, where hundreds of pagers detonated.
The NYPD says since Oct. 7 last year, police have responded to 4,000 protests in the city. The NYPD says they are equipped to handle any situation.
NYPD has extra eyes on traffic for Gridlock Alert Days
Donlon urges people use public transportation to get around due to the numerous street closures that are expected.
NYPD Lt. Dhendup Chadotsang gave CBS News New York's Jenna DeAngelis a glimpse at live traffic cameras, which the NYPD monitors with the city and state departments of transportation at the joint traffic management center.
"We have about 1,200 cameras that's looking at different intersections," Chadotsang said.
There will be traffic agents monitoring the situation from the ground and the team at the center on top of the cameras.
"There's a lot that you're gonna see and there's a lot that you wont see," NYPD Transportation Chief Philip Rivera said.
According to the DOT, traffic data shows average motor vehicle speeds in Midtown during this week are the slowest of the year.
"Last year during UN week, traffic speeds dropped to 3 miles an hour on average. There were days it was closer to 0 miles an hour," said Sam Schwartz, also known as "Gridlock Sam."
He recommends walking or taking the subway all week. Courtesy: News Agencies.
