 The high-level general debate of the UN General Assembly’s 76th session opens in New York on September 21, 2021 (Photo: dangcongsan.vn) |
The theme for this year’s general debate is “Building resilience through hope – to recovery from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalize the United Nations.”
During the high-level general debate week, delegates are due to discuss and seek multilateral actions to address current global issues of most concern such as the prolonged effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery and sustainable development, hot spots in regions, and non-traditional security challenges, including climate change and food security.
In his opening speech, Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th UNGA vowed to promote international cooperation in the COVID-19 response, post pandemic economic recovery and development towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He also emphasized the need to accelerate global climate change response efforts, eliminate poverty, promote and protect human rights.
Addressing the event, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the international community to urgently act and strengthen cooperation to find solutions to a series of the greatest crises at present such as conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
He emphasized that priority should be given to accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and post-pandemic recovery, reducing inequality, promoting fair and equal access to COVID-19 vaccines, narrowing the digital divide, ensuring gender equality, as well as reforming and improving the operational efficiency of the United Nations.
Vietnamese State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc is scheduled to deliver an important speech on Wednesday afternoon (New York time), in which he will propose comprehensive and long-term solutions to the current pressing international issues in order to contribute to preserving world peace and security, promoting sustainable and inclusive development globally.