UNGA Journalists Guide 2019
During the week of September 22, world leaders will descend on New York for the high-level week of the UN General Assembly (This will be the 74th session for those keeping track).
This guide gives an overview of what leaders will talk about, where you can find information, and what you’ll need to cover what some consider “the Super Bowl of diplomacy” (or the “World Cup of diplomacy” for those who prefer the other football).
There will definitely be discussions around geopolitical issues and crises like the Ebola outbreak and trade tensions. But there are a few other things to flag as the UN focuses leaders’ attention on creating a fair future for people and planet:
CLIMATE ACTION
At a major climate summit on September 23 hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, countries and companies will announce stronger climate actions. It will be preceded on September 21 by a youth climate summit with hundreds of young activists participating from around the world. And on September 25, keep an eye out for the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — the UN body on climate science — on the Ocean and Cryosphere (aka, frozen water).
Health care
On September 23, world leaders will gather for a meeting on universal health coverage, the commitment the world has made to quality, affordable health care for all people.
Inequality
Inequality is causing unrest around the world, and on September 24-25, world leaders will review progress — and increase action — on their shared plan to tackle inequalities, end poverty, and protect the planet by 2030 (known as the Sustainable Development Goals). They’ll also meet to talk about how to finance sustainable development and support small island developing states.
Looking for other things to cover? Send a note to Serena Jiwani (sjiwani@unfoundation.org) and we can share details on some of the major side events and interesting characters at UNGA. (We’re in touch with UN agencies, solutions makers, youth climate activists, and more!)
Packing list: Phone chargers, hand sanitizer, blister strips, and granola bars top our list.
Accreditation: Contact the UN Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit at malu@un.org or 212-963-6934. You can also visit the website at: www.un.org/en/media/accreditation/index.shtml
Resources from the UN:
UNGA: UN General Assembly
IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
HLM: High-level Meeting
SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals
SIDS: Small Island Developing States
SG: UN Secretary-General (Currently, António Guterres. He’s on Twitter! @antonioguterres)
DSG: UN Deputy Secretary-General (Currently, Amina J. Mohammed; @AminaJMohammed)
PGA: President of the UN General Assembly (The President of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly will be Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UN)
P5: The 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council (U.S., UK, Russia, France, & China)
