by Katherine Fang and Clara Apt
Afghanistan, civil society, Climate Change, Climate security, disarmament, International Human Rights, International Law, Non-proliferation, peacebuilding, Public Health, Rule of Law, Russia-Ukraine War, Security, Taliban, United Nations, United Nations General Assembly, Women's Rights
by Katherine Fang and Clara Apt
The 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) comes at a particularly precarious moment for international peace and security. The war in Ukraine, the specter of renewed great power competition, and conflicts and crises around the globe have threatened to undermine the rules-based international order. At the same time, the need for multilateral cooperation has never been more pressing in the face of transnational challenges ranging from climate change to pandemics to nuclear non-proliferation.
Against this backdrop, world leaders and civil society representatives will meet in New York City from Sept.13-27 to discuss these and other critical issues .
During the next two weeks, Just Security will highlight UNGA 77’s key moments and trends to watch. We invite you to regularly check this page for the latest commentary from UNGA 77 as it is updated to reflect the assembly’s meetings, speeches, notable quotes, expert analysis, and more.
United Nations General Assembly Archive Just Security’s coverage of United Nations General Assembly affairs, from policy critiques and enforcement of accountability to safeguarding international justice.
Russia-Ukraine War Archive A catalog of more than 100 articles from Just Security’s coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, with topics ranging from the war’s disinformation and economic consequences to questions of genocide and nuclear proliferation.
Prosecuting the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine A new series that outlines the importance of prosecuting the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine, organizing an international criminal tribunal established through the United Nations General Assembly, and addressing issues of jurisdiction and composition.
Anniversary of the Fall of Kabul A collection of articles marking the one-year anniversary of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
Mexico’s Initiative for Dialogue and Peace in Ukraine Ambassador H.E. Juan Ramón de la Fuente and Pablo Arrocha Olabuenaga discuss the Mexican President Manuel López Obrador’s proposal for the establishment of a High-Level Caucus for Dialogue and Peace in Ukraine, as well as the rationale behind it, given the United Nations Security Council’s standstill.
Framing the Problem of Hunger and Conflict at the UN Security Council Michael Fakhri ( @MichaelFakhri ) analyzes the Security Council’s failure to adequately address the link between food security and conflict and calls for a global right to food plan.
On Crimes Against Humanity, Protect the UN Sixth Committee’s Integrity With Action Leila Nadya Sadat ( @leilasadat1 ) and Akila Radhakrishnan ( @akilaGJC ) review how the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee could make progress on the International Law Commission’s draft treaty.
Addressing Atrocity Crimes at the United Nations General Assembly’s 77th Session Rebecca Barber ( @becjbarber ) details how states can leverage this year’s General Assembly to respond to atrocity crimes, including those committed by Myanmar’s military junta, the Taliban in Afghanistan, China, and Russia.
The UN’s Summit of the Future: Advancing Multilateralism in an Age of Hypercompetitive Geopolitics As the 77th United Nations General Assembly commences, Richard Ponzio and Joris Larik ( @JorisLarik ) analyze the need to address geopolitical challenges in the midst of a hostile international climate.
Richard Gowan on Ukraine and How Russia’s War Reverberates at the United Nations Richard Gowan discusses challenges to holding Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine against the backdrop of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.
The Case for Creating an International Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine Oona Hathaway (@oonahathaway) emphasizes the importance of prosecuting Russia’s crime of aggression in Ukraine and outlines a framework for a tribunal through the United Nations.
The United Nations in Hindsight: Challenging the Power of the Security Council Veto Shamala Kandiah Thompson ( @skandiah ), Karin Landgren ( @LandgrenKarin ) and Paul Romita ( @PaulRomita ) examine the Security Council’s flawed veto power and its recent shortcomings.
A UN Report Implicates the Chinese Government in Crimes Against Humanity. What Comes Next? Sophie Richardson ( @SophieHRW ) discusses the implications of the recently released report on China’s human rights violations against ethnic minorities and how the global community can hold the Chinese government accountable going forward.
Human Rights in the Crosshairs James A. Goldston ( @JamesAGoldston ) offers suggestions to strengthen the contemporary human rights movement in light of democratic backsliding and endangered justice.
Next Steps on the Road to Accountability and Security for Rohingya Refugees Tun Khin evaluates the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis and the Myanmar government’s wrongdoings whilst urging the international community to provide refugees with further humanitarian support.
Gender and Women’s Empowerment
Afghan Women Entrepreneurs Battle to Retain Economic Freedom Manizha Wafeq (@WWafeq) reviews how the Taliban’s economic and legal systems have squeezed the dwindling number of women-owned businesses in Afghanistan. Gendering the Legal Review of New Means and Methods of Warfare Andrea Farres Jimenez (@afarresj) argues that artificial intelligence systems in warfare should be required to take into account gender under the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.
The UN’s Counterterrorism Office Wants a Seven-Fold Budget Increase. First, Tackle Underperformance and Risks. Larry Attree ( @LarryAttree ) explores the causes and effects of the UN’s counterterrorism shortcomings and suggests structural changes to make its efforts more effective.
Abusive “Counterterrorism” Crackdowns Choke Independent Civil Society in the Middle East Fionnuala Ní Aoláin (@NiAolainF ) writes on how “counterterrorism” strategies in Israel and Saudi Arabia target individuals and groups seeking to hold the governments accountable.
Biden’s New Counterterrorism Policy in Somalia: Cautions and Unknowns Luke Hartig (@LukeHartig) analyzes the Biden administration’s decision to deploy 500 troops to Somalia and conduct strikes against al-Shabaab.
The United Nations in Hindsight: The Security Council and Weapons of Mass Destruction With the failure of the 2022 Nuclear Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, Karin Landgren ( @LandgrenKarin ) analyzes the U.N. Security Council’s role in regulating weapons of mass destruction.
The Tenth NPT Revcon: What’s at Stake for the Global Nuclear Order Sang-Min Kim (@SangMinKim0) reviews key experts’ views on the goals of the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Good COP, Bad COP: After the Mixed Results of COP26, What’s Next? Ben Abraham and Jocelyn Perry analyze the “mixed results” of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference and suggest that implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement will depend on countries’ commitment to addressing the threat of climate change.
Long Term International Climate Assistance to Pakistan is a Hard Sell, but Necessary. Here’s Why. Michael Kugelman ( @MichaelKugelman ) examines Pakistan’s severe climate vulnerability and the need for international aid as the country endures devastating floods.
The General Debate will take place September 20-26, 2022. Delegates from each member state will have 15 minutes to speak, beginning with Brazil and then continuing in alphabetical order .
General Assembly (September 26, 9:00 AM ET): Fourteenth plenary meeting, continuation of the General Debate
20 delegates will speak during the fourteenth plenary meeting. The high-level debate concludes with a statement from the President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly.
General Assembly (September 24, 9:00 AM ET): Twelfth plenary meeting, continuation of the General Debate
20 delegates will speak during the thirteenth plenary meeting.
General Assembly (September 24, 3:00 PM ET): Thirteenth plenary meeting, continuation of the General Debate
14 delegates will speak during the thirteenth plenary meeting.
General Assembly (September 23rd, 3:00 PM ET): Eleventh plenary meeting, continuation of the General Debate
16 delegates will speak during the eleventh plenary meeting.
General Assembly (September 22st, 9:00 AM ET): Eighth plenary meeting, continuation of the General Debate
17 delegates will speak during the eighth plenary meeting.
General Assembly (September 22st, 3:00 PM ET): Ninth plenary meeting, continuation of the General Debate
17 delegates will speak during the ninth plenary meeting.
General Assembly (September 21st, 9:00 AM ET): Sixth plenary meeting, continuation of the General Debate
18 delegates will speak during the sixth plenary meeting.
General Assembly (September 21th, 3:00 PM ET): Seventh plenary meeting, continuation of General Debate
19 delegates will speak during the seventh plenary meeting.
General Assembly (September 20th, 9:00 AM ET): Fourth plenary meeting, opening of the General Debate
15 delegates will speak during the fourth plenary meeting.
General Assembly (September 20th, 3:00 PM ET): Fifth plenary meeting, continuation of General Debate
18 delegates will speak during the fifth plenary meeting.
Several world leaders will meet for a “frank and informal exchange” about climate change on the sidelines of the General Assembly. The Secretary-General and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt will chair the off-camera meeting. John Kerry, the U.S. climate envoy, will attend. Climate action has been a key theme in many speeches given on the General Debate floor thus far. Guterres held a talk with reporters after the roundtable.
High-Level Plenary Meeting (10:00 and 3:00 PM ET): Commemoration and Promotion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
The high-level meeting will raise awareness about the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their elimination in order to mobilize international efforts towards achieving the common goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.
High-Level Side Event (10:00 AM ET): Staying ahead of the Curve – Climate Security and International Law
Hosted by Germany and Palau, this event explores effective approaches to resolving humanitarian, security-related, and geopolitical effects of climate change. Discussions will focus on the legal frame in which climate change is addressed.
Press Conference (1:00 PM ET): Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Foreign Minister for Pakistan
Reporters receive a hybrid press briefing by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.
High-Level Event (3:00 PM ET): Ending the COVID-19 pandemic through equitable access to vaccines, tests and treatments
This event aims to take stock of the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics and treatments, identify priority areas to accelerate equitable access, and mobilize additional political support to effectively end the pandemic this year.
High-Level Side Event (1:15 PM ET): Cooperation for Accountability in Ukraine: Setting the next steps for collective action to deliver justice
Hosted by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Ukraine, this event seeks to further accelerate efforts aimed at strengthening collective action in support of accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine. It will also promote a coordinated approach that can serve as an example for action to ensure justice in relation to alleged atrocity crimes globally.
Several world leaders will meet for a “frank and informal exchange” about climate change on the sidelines of the General Assembly. The Secretary-General and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt will chair the off-camera meeting. John Kerry, the U.S. climate envoy, will attend. Climate action has been a key theme in many speeches given on the General Debate floor thus far. Guterres held a talk with reporters after the roundtable.
UNGA Platform of Women Leaders (1:30 PM ET): First Meeting
The first meeting of the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders will be held under the theme “Transformative Solutions by Women Leaders to Today’s Interlinked Challenges.” This special initiative invites all current women Heads of State and Government to discuss priority issues on the international agenda during the UN General Assembly’s High Level week.
General Assembly (8:00 AM ET): Sustainable Development Goals Moment
The Sustainable Development Goals Moment brings into focus the promise of inclusion, resilience and sustainability embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Convened by the UN Secretary-General, the event features SDG priorities for the world experiencing much crisis.
Transforming Education Summit (10:00 AM ET): Leaders Day at the Transforming Education Summit
The third day of the Transforming Education Summit, Leaders Day, will be dedicated to the presentation of National Statements of Commitment by Heads of State and Government in the form of Leaders Roundtables. A number of thematic sessions will also be held to emphasize the cross-cutting priorities for transforming education. Leaders day will also feature the presentation of the Summit Youth Declaration and the Secretary-General’s Vision Statement for Transforming Education.
General Debate Interview with Secretary-General Guterres
Ahead of the 77th session of the General Debate (September 20-26, 2022), the Secretary-General stressed key issues in an interview at UN Headquarters.
Transforming Education Summit (10:00 AM ET): Mobilization Day at the Transforming Education Summit
The first day of the Transforming Education Summit, Mobilization Day, will be youth-led and youth-organized and will involve the full participation of a wide range of stakeholders. It will serve to convey the collective recommendations of youth on transforming education to policymakers. The day consists of five parallel thematic breakout sessions that pertain to youth advocacy, climate action, and gender and refugee rights.
General Assembly (11:00 AM ET): Third plenary meeting
Meeting pertains to the formal adoption of the General Assembly’s seventy-seventh agenda and allocation of items. The General Assembly adopted a resolution to allow Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy to participate via pre-recorded statement by a vote of 101-7, with 19 abstentions.
Press Briefing (11:15 AM ET): Briefing by the US Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
Reporters receive a briefing on the United States priorities for the UN General Assembly.
Press Briefing (12:00 PM ET): Briefing by the Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly and the Spokesperson of the Secretary General
Reporters receive a daily briefing, as well as a briefing on the 2022 Treaty Event by the Chief of the Treaty Section in the Office of Legal Affairs, David Nanopoloulos.
General Assembly (10:00 AM ET): Second plenary meeting and tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Second meeting includes a tribute to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, with statements from New Zealand, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica and the Asia-Pacific Group.
Press Briefing (12:10 PM ET): Briefing by the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, Special Advisor to the Secretary General on the Transforming Education Summit Leonardo Garnier and Stefania Gianni (UNESCO)
Reporters receive a briefing ahead of the Transforming Education Summit, which takes place between September 16-19 and constitutes one of the High-Level Meetings for UNGA 77.
Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization
Secretary-General Guterres released his annual report before world leaders convene for UNGA in New York next week. The Secretary-General wrote about the accomplishments of and the challenges facing the organization.
General Assembly (10:00 AM ET) : Meeting on the organization of work of the General Assembly
Meeting pertains to the formal adoption of the General Assembly’s seventy-seventh agenda and allocation of items.
Press Briefing (11:30 AM ET): Briefing by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the 77th session of the General Assembly
Reporters receive a briefing on the General Assembly’s 77th session.
General Assembly (3:00 PM ET): First plenary meeting and session opening by the President of the General Assembly
First meeting is devoted to organizing the work of the General Assembly’s seventy-seventh session.
Afghanistan, civil society, Climate Change, Climate security, disarmament, International Human Rights, International Law, Non-proliferation, peacebuilding, Public Health, Rule of Law, Russia-Ukraine War, Security, Taliban, United Nations, United Nations General Assembly, Women's Rights
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Katherine Fang is a Student Staff Editor at Just Security. She is a graduate of Yale Law School, where she was a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow for New Americans. Prior to law school, she was a Fulbright Scholar in Jordan and worked in economics research at Harvard Business School.
Clara Apt (@claraapt25) is an Assistant Editor at Just Security.
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