Since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has been dedicated to promoting international cooperation and addressing global issues. However, as early as 1949, the UNGA recognized the need to improve its working methods in order to effectively fulfill its mandate. This led to the implementation of various reforms and changes, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the UNGA.
One of the key challenges faced by the UNGA was the increasing length of its sessions and the growing tendency towards protracted debates. This not only hindered the timely resolution of important issues, but also resulted in a significant waste of resources and time. In response to this, the UNGA took proactive measures to address this issue and improve its working methods.
One of the most significant changes was the introduction of the “consensus rule” in 1955, which aimed to streamline the decision-making process by promoting cooperation and compromise among member states. This rule requires that all decisions of the UNGA must be made by consensus, rather than through a vote. This has not only reduced the time spent on voting, but also encouraged member states to engage in constructive dialogue and reach mutually beneficial solutions.
Another important reform was the establishment of the General Committee in 1958. This committee, composed of the President of the UNGA and 21 Vice-Presidents, is responsible for coordinating the work of the UNGA and ensuring the smooth functioning of its sessions. The General Committee has played a crucial role in reducing the length of UNGA sessions by prioritizing and streamlining the agenda, as well as facilitating discussions and negotiations among member states.
In addition, the UNGA has also implemented measures to improve the quality of its debates. In 1961, the “Uniting for Peace” resolution was adopted, which allows the UNGA to take action in cases where the Security Council is unable to fulfill its responsibilities due to a veto by one of its permanent members. This has enabled the UNGA to address urgent matters and make timely decisions, without being hindered by political differences.
Furthermore, the UNGA has also introduced the practice of thematic debates, which focus on specific issues of global concern. These debates allow for in-depth discussions and the exchange of ideas and best practices among member states, leading to more informed and effective decision-making.
The UNGA has also made efforts to enhance transparency and accessibility in its proceedings. In 2012, the UNGA launched the “UN Web TV” platform, which provides live and on-demand coverage of its meetings and events. This has not only increased the visibility of the UNGA’s work, but also allowed for greater participation and engagement from the public.
Moreover, the UNGA has taken steps to promote gender equality and diversity in its leadership. In 2006, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa of Bahrain became the first female President of the UNGA, and since then, several other women have held this position. This has not only brought a fresh perspective to the UNGA, but also highlighted the importance of gender equality in global decision-making.
In recent years, the UNGA has also embraced technology to improve its working methods. The use of electronic voting systems has significantly reduced the time spent on voting, and the introduction of e-delegations has allowed for more efficient and secure communication among member states.
In conclusion, the UNGA has come a long way in improving its working methods since its inception. The reforms and changes implemented over the years have not only addressed the challenges faced by the UNGA, but also strengthened its role as the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the United Nations. As we celebrate the leadership of Ambassador Samir Shihabi of Saudi Arabia, who played a crucial role in these reforms, let us continue to support and encourage the UNGA in its efforts to promote international cooperation and address global challenges.
