75th session of UN General Assembly kicks off

The 75th session of the UN General Assembly opened on September 26 with a moment of silence against the unprecedented backdrop of the COVID pandemic, Report says, citing the UN press service.

The delegates will celebrate the United Nations' anniversary, hold general debates, and several other critical high-level meetings.

The newly minted Assembly President Volkan Bozkir promised to do his "utmost to support and lead" the high-level meetings to commemorate the UN's 75th anniversary.

After warmly congratulating Mr. Bozkir, Secretary-General António Guterres offered his full support and committed partnership. 

"This year will be a critical one in the life of our Organization," he said. "We must continue to respond to the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening health systems and supporting the development and equitable distribution of treatments and vaccines". 

 "The context in which we are working serves to remind us of the necessity of the multilateralism system," Volkan Bozkir told delegates sitting distanced apart in the gilded hall at New York Headquarters. 

He expressed that it was a profound honor to be hosting the session, noting the importance of meeting in person, "so long as health conditions allow," and affirmed his intension to convene face-to-face meetings as much as possible. 

 "While taking the mitigation measures needed to protect the health and safety of delegates and staff."