What is the UN General Assembly? Everything you need to know about UNGA 2024.

Every September, world leaders gather at the UN Headquarters in New York City to begin a new session of the UN General Assembly. The biggest moment on the diplomatic calendar, UNGA provides a unique opportunity to shape solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges.

But when is UNGA? What does the UN General Assembly do? How can I get involved?

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What is UNGA?

The UN General Assembly is the main legislative, policymaking body of the United Nations. But the term is also used to refer to the General Assembly’s High-level Week of meetings in September.  The General Assembly meets to discuss international issues covered by the UN Charter. Each of the 193 Member States has an equal vote.

When does UNGA 79 begin?

The 79th Session of the UN General Assembly will officially open on September 10, 2024. High level Week, when the biggest meetings take place, will run from September 22 to 28, 2024.

This year, UNGA will also coincide with the Summit of the Future, a high-level event taking place September 22 and 23.

Other major moments on the UNGA 79 calendar include the High-Level Meeting to Address Existential Threats Posed by Seal Level Rise and the High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

What will happen at UNGA in 2024?

On September 10, 2024, the UN Secretary-General will open the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

This year, H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, of Cameroon, was elected as the President of the General Assembly and will preside over the session’s proceedings.

Starting September 24, Heads of state and government leaders will take turns delivering speeches at the General Debate during High-level Week at UNGA.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

The Sustainable Development Goals—also known as the SDGs or Global Goals—are the world’s blueprint for the future. Agreed to by all 193 United Nations Member States, the 17 Goals are a plan to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth—by 2030.

During Global Goals Week, more than 150 partners—from civil society, business, academia, and the UN system—collaborate on an annual week of action to support progress on the SDGs, supercharging progress for people and planet.

What is the Summit of the Future?

At UNGA 78, there was particular attention and anticipation around the SDGs, since 2023 marks the halfway point to the Global Goals’ 2030 deadline. The SDG Summit, held September 18-19, 2023, was the major UNGA moment that reignited enthusiasm – and action – for the 2030 Agenda.

Hosted alongside the UN General Assembly from September 22 – 23, 2024, the Summit of the Future is a unique opportunity to build international cooperation and improve multilateral systems to meet the needs of current and future generations.

The convening is expected to deliver a brand-new Pact for the Future, a Global Digital Compact, and a Declaration on Future Generations.

How can I get involved at UNGA?

General Assembly meetings are usually livestreamed and available on demand. For other opportunities to engage, check out additional UNGA events.

Last updated July 26, 2024