The United Nations General Assembly is an international governing body comprised of all 193 member states of the United Nations. Established in 1945, the General Assembly functions as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the United Nations. It convenes annually in regular sessions, with additional special sessions convened as needed.
The General Assembly operates on the principle of sovereign equality, affording each member state one vote. The key functions of the General Assembly include setting forth and discussing international issues, adopting resolutions and decisions on various matters, making recommendations, and fostering cooperation among member states. Its primary responsibility lies in formulating and monitoring principles and policies of the United Nations, as well as promoting international peace and security.
The General Assembly is also the forum for member states to present their national viewpoints on global issues. It provides an opportunity for diplomatic discussions, negotiations, and collaborative efforts. Alongside this, the General Assembly elects non-permanent members to the Security Council, appoints the Secretary-General upon the recommendation of the Security Council, approves the budgets and assesses the contributions of member states, and oversees subsidiary bodies and specialized agencies.
In summary, the United Nations General Assembly is an inclusive, representative body consisting of all member states that convenes to discuss, debate, and adopt resolutions on various international issues. It serves as a platform for diplomatic negotiations, the expression of national perspectives, policy formulation, and oversight of the United Nations' activities.
