2019 UNGA Guide

Key Takeaways from UN General Assembly 2019

From September 23 to 27, leaders from around the world gathered at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Amid calls for faster progress toward achieving the Global Goals, many of them put forward commitments for tackling humanity’s most pressing challenges: climate change, inequality, poverty, and health care, among others.

Leaders’ promises to deliver a better future for people and planet were positive signs of momentum for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But it’s clear that there is still much more to be done, and that the world needs action more than ever.

Now civil society, governments, and the private sector must prepare to step up for a Decade of Action.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about what the discussions and decisions made at UNGA mean for the world.

 

OUR EXPERTS BREAKDOWN MAJOR THEMES FROM UNGA

The UN General Assembly was full of announcements, actions, and commitments. Our experts explain key moments from the week and the path forward.

UN General Assembly 2019: What You Need to Know

Every September, diplomacy gets a major moment: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). At UNGA, leaders from around the world come together to discuss challenges that impact our lives and to find ways to solve them together. Here’s what you need to know about UNGA–and why it matters.

When is it? Where is it?

The opening of the next session of UNGA will take place September 17, 2019 in New York City.

September 23 will mark the beginning of “Summits Week” or “High-Level Week” when the UN will host five summits on the issues that matter to our lives: health care, inequality, climate change, poverty, and more.

Quick Facts

Who’s going?

Leaders representing the UN’s member states, the private sector, and advocacy groups will attend. This year, young activists, innovators, and change-makers who are driving climate action will showcase their solutions at the historic Youth Summit and other moments throughout the week.

What happens?

In addition to giving speeches, world leaders will participate in five summits to deliver a fair future for people and planet.

KEY ISSUES TO WATCH AT UNGA

Check out this blog post for more details on UNGA and the big issues that world leaders will tackle during the summits.

Why does it matter?

You may wonder, “What does any of this have to do with me?”

The short answer: A lot. It’s your world at stake.

The long answer: In today’s connected world, global problems need global solutions. The actions and discussions at the UN General Assembly will shape the world we live in.

Diplomacy is not always glamorous or easy. But we know that working together works. Here’s a glimpse of our collective impact:

  • The world has eradicated smallpox and is close to wiping out polio.
  • We’ve fixed the hole in the ozone layer.
  • And we’ve established universal human rights.

The UN is urging countries to come together and step up for our world and our future. We’ve got the plans to get us to a fair future where no one is left out. Now we need leaders to act.

UN Foundation President and CEO Kathy Calvin shares how UNGA is a chance to build and catalyze global progress.

Key Moments

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20-FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

UN Youth Climate Summit

Read the press release

Watch the playback: Part 1, Part 2

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

UN Climate Action Summit

Watch the playback: Part 1, Part 2

Read the press release

 

Meeting on Universal Health Care

Watch the playback: Part 1, Part 2

Read the press release

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

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