The General debate of the seventy-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opened on 24 September 2024 and continued until 28 September, returning for a last day on 30 September 2024.[1] Leaders, diplomats and representatives from member states are scheduled to address the UNGA.
Organisation and subjects
The order of speakers is given first to member states, then observer states and supranational bodies. Any other observer entities will have a chance to speak at the end of the debate, if they so choose. Speakers will be put on the list in the order of their request, with special consideration for ministers and other government officials of similar or higher rank. According to the rules in place for the General Debate, the statements should be in one of the United Nations official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish) and will be translated and interpreted by United Nations translators and interpreters. Each speaker is requested to provide 20 advance copies of their statements to the conference officers to facilitate translation and to be presented at the podium. The theme for this year's debate was chosen by President Philémon Yang as: "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations".[2]
Speaking schedule
Since 1955 Brazil and the United States are traditionally the first and second countries to speak.[3] Other countries follow according to a speaking schedule issued by the Secretariat.
The list of speakers is provided by both the daily UN Journal, while changes in order are also reflected by the UNGA General Debate website.[4]
Tuesday, 24 September
Morning session
United Nations – Secretary-General António Guterres(Report of the UN Secretary-General)
