The General Assembly (GA) is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the United Nations (UN). It brings together all 193 member states of the UN, each having one equal vote, making it the most inclusive body in the international system.
Composition and Voting
- Every member state has one vote, regardless of size or power.
- Sessions are held once a year in September at the UN Headquarters in New York.
- Special sessions or emergency special sessions can be convened if needed.
Key Functions and Powers
The General Assembly serves as a forum for multilateral discussion on international issues, including peace, security, development, human rights, and international law. Its major powers include:
- Discussing and making recommendations on global peace and cooperation.
- Approving the UN budget and allocating funds.
- Electing non-permanent members of the Security Council and other UN organs.
- Appointing the Secretary-General, based on Security Council recommendation.
- Overseeing the work of other UN bodies and specialized agencies.
Legal Status of Resolutions
While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they carry moral, political, and diplomatic weight. These resolutions reflect the collective opinion of the international community and often lead to the formation of new international laws and treaties.
Importance in International Relations
The GA plays a critical role in:
- Fostering diplomacy
- Promoting international cooperation
- Building consensus on global crises
- Giving voice to smaller nations
Through platforms like the General Debate, world leaders address the Assembly, outlining their vision for global issues such as climate change, security, and public health.
Special Features
- Member states adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights here in 1948.
- Member states launched the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through General Assembly consensus.
- It plays a central role in admitting new member states to the UN.
