From Russia’s war in Ukraine to food crisis: Why it’s not business as usual at UNGA

The all-important United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is back to hold its first in-person gathering, after two years of pandemic-related restrictions. World leaders have convened in New York’s Manhattan for the 77th edition of UNGA, which began the first day of the high-level General Debate on Tuesday.

Heads of state, heads of government and top diplomats from across the globe are attending the session, which was opened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. More than 150 delegates will deliver speeches as the world copes with the war in Ukraine, food shortages, and climate change.

The busiest diplomatic week of the year is underway!

See what world leaders, influencers and advocates have to say and follow the action with our special #UNGA @twitter activation.https://t.co/JVXh8caAUI

— United Nations (@UN) September 19, 2022

Here’s a look at who is attending the Assembly, what’s being discussed and what more can we expect.

Is the PM attending UNGA?

No Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not attending this year’s UNGA and has sent ministers as representatives instead. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is our representative at the event and is expected to speak at the podium on 24 September. He is taking part in more than 50 official engagements, which will include bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral meetings.

He has already met with the president of the 77th session of the UNGA Csaba Kőrösi and “discussed the criticality” of the Sustainable Development Goals agenda for global progress.

Delighted to meet @UN_PGA Csaba Kőrösi at UN headquarters.

Congratulated him on his priorities for #UNGA77. Assured him of India’s fullest support.

Discussed the criticality of SDG agenda for global progress. Shared Indian experiences in that regard. pic.twitter.com/QjLonisuJQ

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 20, 2022

What will be India’s agenda at the session?

India is expected to focus on counterterrorism, peacekeeping, reformed multilateralism, climate change, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, according to a report by The Indian Express.

India believes that the global agenda should focus much more on the genuine, pressing needs of the international community, which currently are energy security concerns, food security concerns, fertilizer and health concerns, debt concerns and trade disruption concerns.

Day 2 at #UNGA.

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