Palestine takes place among UN member states in 'historic moment' at opening session of General Assembly
NEW YORK CITY: Palestine took its place among UN members at the opening session of the organization's General Assembly on Tuesday.
A UN resolution was passed in May recognizing that Palestine met the requirements for membership, and requested that the Security Council reconsider admitting the state.
Palestine was granted additional rights in the UN, including sitting in member states, the right to submit proposals and items on the agenda, and participate in committees, but it has not been given voting rights.
Tuesday's symbolic event was met with support from the Egyptian delegation, which tabled a point of order to mark the “historic moment”, but was opposed by the Israelis, who raised a counter-point of order.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the 79th session opened against the backdrop of a “world in trouble”, but stressed that member states can work together to do something about it.
He said: “From day one, the UN has been the site of multilateral solutions, founded in cooperation, dialogue, diplomacy and the UN Charter.
“And it has been the place where respect for one another, and for the dignity and human rights of every member of the human family, is brought to life. As we welcome this 79th session, these tasks now fall to you.
“This is the place where solutions are created and we need solutions across the board.”
Delegates from member states line up to greet Riyad Mansour, top right, Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, as he arrives for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. (AP)
He addressed a range of topics, including economic progress, 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 important than ever. As we face the challenges ahead, (the UN General Assembly) remains an indispensable tool and an important path towards a peaceful and just future for all people.”
The session was chaired by Philemon Yang of Cameroon, who was elected President of the General Assembly earlier this year.
Yang outlined the topics he expected to dominate discussions at this year's assembly, including work for peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, global health and human rights.
This year's public debate, which will run from September 24 to 30, boasts the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together to Promote Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Current and Future Generations.”
In addition to the debate, there will be a Future Summit, which aims to secure a negotiated “Pact for the Future” designed to strengthen global cooperation to effectively tackle current challenges for future generations.
There will also be high-level meetings on such far-reaching topics as the elimination of nuclear weapons; address the threat of rising sea levels; and strengthen global health systems against antimicrobial resistance.
