UNGA to Go Virtual, First Time in 75 years

The United Nations has decided to hold the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2020 in the virtual mode in the wake of the deadly coronavirus in all the parts of the world. The leaders from all the 193 member countries will submit pre-recorded video statements for the assembly session to be held in September 2020.

With this, the United Nations is conducting it online for the first time in its history.

Details of the UNGA Session

The landmark 75^th session of the UN General Assembly will commence on September 15. The general debate is held at the beginning of each session of the Assembly and they usually run for over a week when leaders and ministers from the member states address the world from the iconic lectern in the General Assembly Hall.

Each member state, observer state and the EU can submit pre-recorded statements of the Heads of State, Vice President, Crown Prince or Princess, Head of Government, Minister or Vice Minister and these will be played in the General Assembly Hall during the general debate session.

The decision has been taken in order to reduce the footprint during the UNGA meeting and also to restrict the number of people entering the UN Building. Physical presence will be allowed for one or a maximum of two delegates in the Assembly Hall.

The UNGA session is significant this year because it is the 75^th year of existence for the UNGA and the session is expected to see robust participation from all the member countries of the United Nations.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020