The General Assembly of the United Nations is the most representative and democratic UN body; it includes all 193 UN member states. In a world where power dynamics are often skewed by economic and military strength, the GA remains a rare forum where each nation, no matter how large or small, has an equal vote. This unique feature gives it a democratic appeal, around issues of global fairness. It reflects the will of the international community.
The work of the General Assembly (GA) is crucial due to its universality, legitimacy, and long-term impact on global governance.
The GA focuses on long-term global governance, peace, and development, addressing a wide range of issues – such as climate change, human rights, development, and humanitarian concerns – shaping the future of global cooperation. It is the closest thing to a global parliament, ensuring that every nation has a voice in international affairs.
The GA adopts resolutions that define international norms, tackling the root causes of global challenges, rather than merely addressing their symptoms.
Historically, the GA’s influence has shaped public opinion, diplomacy, and national policies, serving as the moral compass of the UN and preventing any single power from dominating global norms. Landmark GA resolutions have played key roles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, decolonization, and climate agreements.
The GA has been central in pushing for climate action. It was the forum where the 1992 Earth Summit was launched, and where discussions around the Paris Agreement have gained momentum, making it a critical player in environmental journalism.
During global health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, the GA has been a platform for urging cooperation, setting up resolutions for international support, and aligning countries’ efforts in fighting health crises.
The GA addresses global issues beyond conflict. It is indeed, the heart of the UN, and without it, the UN would lack legitimacy, accountability, and the ability to address broader global challenges beyond security.
When the UN Security Council (UNSC) is deadlocked – such as due to a P5 veto – the GA can intervene through Special Emergency Sessions (e.g., Ukraine crisis, Palestine) or Uniting for Peace resolutions (e.g., Suez Crisis, Korean War).
The GA has been instrumental in ending apartheid in South Africa, recognizing Palestine, and advancing nuclear disarmament – issues that were blocked in the UNSC.
The President of the General Assembly (PGA) plays a strategic role as a global leader, agenda-setter, and champion of multilateralism. As the de facto voice of all nations, the PGA represents 193 countries equally. By virtue of this position, the PGA advocates for urgent issues – such as climate change, development, humanitarian crises, and peacebuilding – promoting transparency, inclusivity, and effectiveness in UN processes.
The PGA is not merely a procedural leader of the GA but rather as “The People’s President of the UN,” who amplifies the voices of all nations and citizens. When the General Assembly passes a resolution, 193 nations unite to take a stand on an issue of global concern.
However, the General Assembly is often overshadowed by the Secretary-General (SG) and the Security Council (UNSC) in media and public perception.
The media’s limited focus on the President of the General Assembly (PGA) and the GA can be attributed to structural, political, and news-value factors.
The GA is often seen as a deliberative body without enforcement mechanisms, unlike the UNSC. Its resolutions are typically non-binding, making its work less immediate or impactful from a political standpoint.
The media tends to prefer stories driven by action with direct, immediate consequences, which are often temporary and/or short-term.
The role of the PGA is often viewed as procedural and diplomatic, lacking the decision-making authority that typically grabs headlines. Furthermore, because the GA operates through structured debates, formal resolutions, and consensus-building, its outcomes are slow-moving and technical.
News thrives on conflict, urgency, and unexpected developments. Media outlets tend to prioritize stories with tension, conflict, or powerful personalities.
And the GA’s consensus-driven discussions and annual general debates often fail to generate the immediacy required for sustained media interest. Despite this, the GA wields immense global influence.
Major international news outlets could benefit from covering the GA through analysis and opinion pieces, as well as breaking news.
The GA’s work on climate, human rights, and global security serves as a counterbalance to power politics, giving smaller nations a voice in contrast to the Security Council.
There are key takeaways from GA sessions that can shape global diplomatic narratives. Diplomacy at the UN happens at the GA, where high-profile figures and global influencers come to speak to the world.
The human impact of GA decisions is real, such as the UNGA resolution on climate finance, which addresses the urgent need for funds in developing nations.
A perceptive media professional can recognize its importance and global relevance, viewing it as more impactful than incidental reporting suggests.
GA resolutions drive real-world change as the only forum for the world’s most pressing issues.
A reporter focused on the GA’s value can cover high-stakes debates, votes, and geopolitical shifts. Analysis and opinion pieces can explore the GA’s influence on global governance and international law. Business and financial media can highlight how GA resolutions impact trade, sanctions, development finance, and investment trends. Specialized UN and development media (focused on SDGs, climate, human rights) can spotlight the GA’s work on humanitarian aid, development, and climate policies. Regional and national media can cover GA resolutions addressing regional conflicts, aid, and economic development.
To wrap up, the United Nations General Assembly is truly the heart of global cooperation. It’s a space where every country, no matter its size or power, gets an equal voice in shaping the world’s future. While it may not seem to make the headlines like the Security Council or the Secretary-General, the work done in the General Assembly is vital for tackling major global challenges like climate change, human rights, and security.
The President of the General Assembly plays a key role in bringing nations together, helping ensure that every voice is heard.
Though its resolutions may not always seem urgent, their effects are far-reaching, influencing policies and creating real, long-term change.
As our world becomes more connected, the General Assembly remains a critical platform for diplomacy, ensuring that global decisions reflect the collective will of all nations.
With these lesser-known but significant facts, the General Assembly offers rich material for in-depth and diverse media coverage – from policy debates to human interest stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and geopolitical shifts.
