The General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly wrapped up on Monday, with 194 delegations taking the floor to address key issues including global peace, economic development, human rights, institutional reform, artificial intelligence (AI), and the upcoming selection of the next secretary-general.

"Across your statements, one word came before all others -- peace. But peace was spoken of less as a distant aspiration than as an urgent defense of the UN Charter, international law and the protection of civilians," General Assembly President Dr Khalilur Rahman stated during his closing address.

He further observed that "the maintenance of peace and security ... meant more than containing violence. It requires prevention, mediation and diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to international law and investment in the conditions that sustain peace."

Dr Khalilur Rahman highlighted that development remained a central theme throughout the speeches, noting that "time is running out, and promises remain unfulfilled," as only a minimal fraction of the Sustainable Development Goals remain on track while overall progress has ground to a halt.

Artificial intelligence, alongside artificial general intelligence, shifted from peripheral conversations in previous sessions to the forefront of this year's agenda.

He pointed out that while only five delegations brought up AI in the hall four years ago, 128 delegations addressed the topic this year—exceeding the total number of speakers who touched on climate change or human rights.

While numerous global leaders acknowledged AI's transformative capacity to revolutionize public services, hasten scientific breakthroughs, drive sustainable development, and broaden access to knowledge, they also underscored its inherent risks, with many framing the technology as a challenge of regulatory framework.

"AI governance must be human-centered, inclusive and attentive to the needs of developing countries. It must prevent a new divide ," Dr Khalilur Rahman emphasized.

Addressing institutional overhaul, world leaders spoke decisively regarding the imperative to reform the United Nations.

Dr Khalilur Rahman asserted that reform should not be viewed merely as an administrative restructuring or budget-cutting exercise, but rather measured by whether the organization delivers better, faster, and more equitably for the global population.

Regarding the appointment of the next UN secretary-general, member states advocated for a process anchored in transparency, inclusivity, and merit-based criteria.

He stressed that the selection procedure must bolster rather than erode the legitimacy, independence, and moral authority associated with the office.

Touching upon the core central theme of this year's session, Dr Khalilur Rahman noted that restoring trust resonated broadly across the speeches.

"Trust cannot be commanded. It must be earned through consistency between words and deeds, equal application of international law, fulfillment of commitments, genuine representation, transparency, accountability, and results," he remarked, adding that "restoring trust, therefore, means making our institutions worthy of that trust. Meaningful, and often painful, reforms need to underpin efforts to rebuild trust."

The high-level week was also marked by controversies surrounding host country responsibilities, as the United States was criticized for weaponizing visa issuance.

For the second consecutive year, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was prevented from traveling to New York due to a visa ban imposed by the US on Palestinian officials.

Delivering his address to global leaders through a prerecorded video statement, Abbas stated, "We reject these unlawful punitive measures. And we reject the accusations and justifications on which they were based."

He further asserted that the Palestinian leadership and its people must not face punishment for seeking an end to the occupation or for turning to the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the assembly on Thursday morning within the same session following Abbas's recorded remarks.

Netanyahu’s appearance prompted a mass walkout from the General Assembly Hall by scores of diplomats in protest.

The Israeli prime minister faced audible boos from delegates remaining in the hall, while supporters seated in the gallery applauded his speech.

Held under the overarching theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all," the high-level week also featured parallel assemblies and specialized sessions focused on sustainable development, climate action, rising sea levels, and global pandemic prevention and response.

Source: Xinhua