International challenges must be met with innovative responses. This is equally true when it comes to the role of the General Assembly in matters of peace and security at the United Nations. According to the United Nations Charter, the Security Council bears the “primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security”, but at many points in its history divisions between permanent members have prevented the Security Council from carrying out this key mandate.
Yet, the Charter also posits a role for the General Assembly – the main deliberative, policymaking and representative principal body of the United Nations – to discuss and make recommendations related to peace and security. Throughout its history, the General Assembly has taken up this mandate to help advance conflict resolution and the maintenance of peace, both in cooperation with the Security Council and at moments when the Security Council is unable or unwilling to act.
Recent initiatives – such as recent emergency special sessions convened in connection with the Uniting for Peace resolution and procedural innovations such as the Veto Initiative introduced in 2022 – have reignited discussion about how to revitalize the role of the General Assembly and increase synergies between the General Assembly and the Security Council. It is in this context, and on the occasion of the Summit of the Future, that Portugal, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Liechtenstein and the United Nations University would like to promote a discussion on the role of the General Assembly in peace and security.
As a basis for the discussion, there will be a presentation on the recently-published Digital Handbook for the General Assembly, as called for in resolution 77/335 on the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. The Handbook summarizes past practice, identifying the Charter-based functions, powers and tools that the General Assembly has to respond to crises and to help maintain peace and security – a critical asset for facilitating international cooperation and response in times of crisis and inaction. This handbook will be given due visibility as a deliverable of the Summit of the Future, on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In light of this publication, this event will seek to engage high-level participants, representatives of Member States, United Nations agencies and members of civil society in a participatory exploration of the role the General Assembly has had, its potential for further action and creative aspirations for the most representative body of the United Nations.
Registration
Registration for this hybrid event is available here. Please indicate if you prefer to attend in person but please note that space is limited and the number of in-person attendees will therefore be restricted. In-person participants will receive a confirmation email the day before the event.
Modalities
Keynote addresses will be offered by the incoming President of the General Assembly (tbc) and invited high level guests, followed by a panel discussion on the potential role of the General Assembly in the peace and security arena to enhance effective, representative and coordinated action.
Keynote Addresses (to be confirmed)
H.E. Mr. Philémon Yang, President-elect of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly
Speakers (to be confirmed)
High-level speaker from Portugal
High-level speaker from Ecuador
High-level speaker from Liechtenstein
High-level speaker from Kenya
United Nations University Representative
Panel Discussion (to be confirmed)
Co-Sponsoring Member State
Co-Sponsoring Member State
United Nations University
Civil Society Representative
