UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- With a security clamp-down on access to the United Nations Headquarters, the 193-member General Assembly opened up on Monday to over 100 heads of state and government, first for the Nelson Mandela tribute then the annual week-long general debate.
Although world leaders can speak on any topic during the debate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made it clear that his utmost concern is the threat to multilateral diplomacy.
"One overriding concern in our increasingly globalized era: multilateralism is under attack from many different directions precisely when we need it most," Guterres said last week. "I will use my meetings and other opportunities next week to press for renewed commitment to a rules-based global order and to the United Nations."
"The United Nations is the world's indispensable forum for international cooperation," he said.
Other topics expected to be discussed during the debate include climate change, Afghanistan, Libya, refugee and migrant crises, violence in several African states, the Middle East in general and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in particular.
The debate -- actually a succession of independent speeches -- lasts from Tuesday until next Monday, with Sunday off.
