Africa-Press – Eswatini. The high-level week of the 77th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), which will bring together leaders from around the world in New York, kicks off today in person, with attention focused on the international crisis triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
After two years in a virtual and hybrid format due to Covid-19, this new session of the General Assembly will take place fully in person, although the pandemic still marks daily life in various parts of the world, and is still on the radar of planned discussions. for the event.
However, despite the basic health protocols defined for the General Assembly, few side events will take place at the UN premises in Manhattan.
According to Lusa, among the political figures expected this week in New York are the US President, Joe Biden, the head of state of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, or the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Serguei Lavrov.
Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not leave his country for New York, the United Nations has authorized him to deliver a pre-recorded speech at the high-level session, an exception to the requirement that all leaders speak in person.
Portugal will be represented by the Prime Minister, António Costa, who will travel to New York to participate in the General Assembly for the second time since he is leader of the Portuguese executive.
Despite the attempt to restore post-pandemic normality, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II changed the usual order of work, as several heads of state and government had to change their travels to be able to attend the funeral ceremonies in London and afterwards. move to New York.
One of these cases is that of the United States – the host country of the event and which traditionally appears in second place in the opening of the General Assembly debate -, but which will only speak on Wednesday due to the presence of the head of state, Joe Biden, at the funeral of the British monarch.
As usual, Brazil will open the high-level speeches at the General Assembly, through the President, Jair Bolsonaro, this morning.
The opening of the 77th General Assembly comes at a time when the planet is beset by crises on several fronts: the Russian war in Ukraine, the food, energy and climate crises, tensions between China and the United States or nuclear issues.
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