Palestine officially took its seat among UN members during the opening session of the General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday. This follows a UN resolution passed in May, recognising that Palestine met the criteria for membership and calling on the Security Council to reconsider admitting it as a full member state. While Palestine now enjoys additional rights, including the ability to introduce proposals, participate in committees, and sit with member states, it has not yet been granted the right to vote.

The event, seen as symbolic, was met with support from Egypt, whose delegation highlighted the moment as “historic.” However, it was opposed by Israel, which raised a counterpoint of order. The session was also marked by a speech from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who opened the 79th session of the General Assembly by acknowledging the challenging global landscape while urging nations to work together through collaboration and diplomacy to find solutions.

Guterres emphasised the enduring role of the United Nations as a forum for multilateral solutions rooted in respect for human dignity and rights. He spoke on a broad range of issues, including economic recovery, climate change, and the rise of artificial intelligence, reminding member states that through step-by-step cooperation, trust in one another can be rebuilt.

Philemon Yang of Cameroon, who was elected president of the General Assembly earlier this year, outlined key topics for discussion at this year’s assembly. Among them were peace and security, climate action, sustainable development, and global health. The upcoming General Debate, set to run from September 24 to 30, will centre on the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity.” A Summit of the Future will also aim to secure a global pact to address current and future challenges through strengthened cooperation.