The 77th UN General Assembly took place September 13 to 27, 2022, as complex, overlapping crises unfolded around the world. Food insecurity is looming. Humanitarian needs are deepening. Climate goals remain largely unmet. Inequality is worsening. All eyes were on diplomacy’s biggest moment as the need for unprecedented, urgent global cooperation became clearer by the day.
UNGA 77 presented an opportunity for world leaders to consider and debate how we can collectively solve the shared problems of our time—and create a more sustainable, more just future for all.
As the diplomatic community gathered in New York, the UN Foundation put the spotlight on key topics while convening leaders, experts, and influencers across countries and sectors to share helpful insight and analysis.
Keep reading for insights on key issues from the UNGA 77 agenda and commentary from UN Foundation experts and thought leaders.
The biggest moment on the diplomatic calendar brought together people from around the world. Here’s what experts across the UN Foundation were watching for at this year’s UNGA — and what was at stake.
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This year’s Global Fund Replenishment Conference raised a record-breaking US $14.25 billion to support the fight against HIV, TB, and malaria over the next three years. But the work isn’t done.
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Revisit the moments, speeches, and calls to action that defined UNGA 77 — and go behind the main stages to meet the change-makers who made a difference.
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From transforming education to pioneering justice and inclusion, young people are at the forefront of making our world a more just and sustainable place. Young people were an integral part of the dialogue at UNGA 77—and we’re proud to have provided a platform for them to drive change around the world, while supporting the UN and its mission.
Our Future Agenda is UN Foundation’s flagship initiative to support young people as designers of the future. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has made clear that “young people must also be at the table”—and Our Future Agenda aims to bring them into the fold at UNGA 77 and beyond.
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In 2021, the UN Foundation brought together some of the biggest youth-led and youth-focused organizations to launch the Unlock the Future coalition. These partners are committed to increasing youth representation and participation in part of the world where the majority of future generations will live.
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World leaders, experts, and influencers convened at UNGA 77 for major events and meetings. Acclaimed foreign affairs journalist Mark Goldberg hosted a special edition of his popular Global Dispatches podcast to offer daily analysis and hot takes on what was trending in New York.
DAY 1 | What Happened at the Transforming Education Summit?
First, Mark Goldberg interviews Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the United Nations Foundation. As a veteran of many United Nations General Assemblies, Elizabeth explains the key stories, events, moments and leaders’ speeches she will be following during High-Level Week.
Next, Mark speaks with Thaís Queiroz, Youth Representative for the World Organization of the Scout Movement and United Nations Foundation Next Generation Fellow. Thaís shares her experience at the Transforming Education Summit, a major meeting of heads of state and civil society leaders focused on improving education access and outcomes.
DAY 2 | Food Security in Focus & The Global Refugee Crisis
On the first day of the UN General Debate, world leaders focused heavily on food insecurity and access. Mark interviews Rob Vos, Director for Markets, Trade and Institutions at the International Food Policy Research Institute, to discuss the state of the global food crisis.
Next in the guest chair is Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at the UN Refugee Agency, explaining how refugee issues are being addressed at UNGA this year.
DAY 3 | BIDEN'S SPEECH & PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS
In this episode, Richard Gowan, the UN Director of the International Crisis Group and Anjali Diyal, Professor of International Relations at Fordham University and Senior Scholar-in-Residence at the U.S. Institute of Peace, join Mark to discuss the highlights from President Biden’s much anticipated address to the General Assembly.
Next up is an interview with Kate Dodson, Vice President for Global Health at the United Nations Foundation, on pandemic preparedness and response, following an event, co-hosted by Costa Rica, South Africa, Sweden and WHO.
DAY 4 | Global Fund Replenishment & Clean Energy
This episode opens with a spotlight on a unique meeting of the Security Council concerning war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
Next, the episode turns to the major fundraiser for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, hosted by President Biden. Mark sits down with Director of External Relations and Communications of the Global Fund Francoise Vanni to reflect on this key event from High-Level Week.
The final segment features an interview with Susan Ruffo, Senior Advisor and Senior Director for Ocean and Climate at the United Nations Foundation, who discusses a meeting of foreign ministers and civil society leaders focused on the clean energy transition.
Global Goals Week is a shared commitment between partners across civil society, business, academia, and the UN system to accelerate action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. It is also an opportunity to speak out as one voice, share ideas and transformative solutions in the fight to build back better from global challenges.
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