World Insights: UNGA concludes general debate, stressing stability in an uncertain world

by Xinhua writers Xia Lin, Gao Shan, Pan Yunzhao
NEW YORK, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) — The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concluded here Monday, with a focus on updating institutions to address global challenges like regional conflicts, climate change, and AI.
The General Debate, themed “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations,” opened in September.
With six years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UN leaders emphasized urgent action, especially on gender equality. Over 100 world leaders participated in the High-Level Week, tackling issues such as sea-level rise, antimicrobial resistance, and nuclear disarmament, reaffirming their commitment to global cooperation.

THE CONFLICTS
During the session, conflicts from Gaza to Darfur, Ukraine to Yemen, the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Sudan, the Sahel region, and Haiti have left a devastating trail of destruction. The loss of life and livelihoods, coupled with widespread property destruction, threatens not only the futures of individual nations but also the foundation of global peace and security.
The escalating violence in the Middle East took center stage at the assembly.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that this cycle of violence must end, urging all parties to step back from the brink. He stated that the people of Lebanon, Israel, and the wider region cannot afford an all-out war. Guterres called for a recommitment to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) and an immediate return to a cessation of hostilities. He also reiterated his demand for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
UNGA President Philemon Yang echoed this sentiment, warning that recent escalations between Israel and Hezbollah could lead to broader conflict in the region. He stressed that peace hangs by a thread and the world must prevent an all-out war.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas received a long round of applause for his speech, declaring that “Palestine is our homeland” and accusing Israel of genocide, urging an end to the violence.
Other leaders, including Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, emphasized the urgency for collective action to address these challenges and reaffirmed the importance of the UN Charter in maintaining global cooperation. Kenya’s President William Ruto highlighted the interconnected nature of today’s complex challenges, warning of rising factionalism, social upheaval, and the dangers of escalating conflicts.

THE DEVELOPMENT
During the assembly, countries of the Global South collectively called for a larger role on the world stage and increased opportunities for development.
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized Africa’s potential, rejecting handouts and calling for opportunities in a new global system to ensure access to education, healthcare, and jobs. He stressed that African nations must take ownership of their own security.
Liberian President Joseph Boakai emphasized that greed, insensitivity to the poor, the drug epidemic, money laundering, climate change, and social media necessitate a reevaluation of our approach to global peace and security. He urged collective action to preserve the planet for future generations and stressed that conflicts threaten global stability, highlighting the need for collaboration for peace. Boakai also voiced concern about rising security challenges in West Africa, including terrorism and political instability.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose country holds the G20 presidency for 2024, urged the group to address climate change crises, combat hunger, and reform multilateral institutions. He highlighted priorities such as social inclusion to tackle hunger and inequality, accountability for climate change across all sectors, and reforming global governance to place the UN at the center of international decision-making.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that all countries should enjoy sovereign equality, noting that as many Global South nations grow, the era of a few powers dominating is over. He called for an equal, multipolar world where every country has a role, advocating for genuine multilateralism and more democratic international relations. Wang urged for extensive consultation and joint contributions to make global governance more just and equitable.
Wang reaffirmed China’s support for UN reform towards a modernized “UN 2.0,” stressing the need for a more suitable international financial system and balanced global governance. He also pledged China’s commitment to fulfilling international obligations and increasing the representation of Global South countries within the UN.

THE FUTURE
The development of artificial intelligence and addressing threats like nuclear and antimicrobial resistance were key topics during the UN General Assembly.
U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the need for a stronger, more effective, and inclusive UN and called for reforms to the Security Council to better promote peace.
The UN’s Summit of the Future, held as part of the General Assembly, adopted a 42-page Pact of the Future. This pact aims to tackle rising global risks and lay the foundation for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order. It includes the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, covering areas like climate change, peace, security, and digital cooperation.
Guterres called these agreements a step toward more effective, inclusive, and networked multilateralism, prioritizing dialogue and negotiation to end conflicts and reform the Security Council. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) highlighted the need for collective action, noting that no nation can tackle global crises like climate change or technological risks alone.
“Facing transformation unseen in a century, it is highly relevant that we gather at the Summit of the Future and, together, adopt the Pact for the Future to galvanize our collective efforts for world peace and development,” Wang, also a special representative of Chinese President Xi Jinping, told the summit on Monday. ■