Published 17:13 IST, September 22nd 2019
UNGA 74: From terror to climate change to Iran; everything to expect
As the world leaders from over 190 countries are set to convene under the globe's largest diplomatic forum, the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
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As the world leaders from over 190 countries are set to convene under the globe's largest diplomatic forum, the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), a diverse scope of issues ranging from pressing global affairs to summits and bilateral banters lies ahead of them. Prime Ministers, Presidents and top diplomats from the length and breadth of the globe are known to converge in New York to deliberate on climate crisis, terrorism, universal health care and the socio-political world order.
"The world is at a critical moment on several fronts the climate emergency, rising inequality, an increasing hatred and intolerance, as well as an alarming number of peace and security challenges. Tensions are rising everywhere," said Antonio Guterres the United Nations Secretary-General.
Here's what can be expected from the UNGA meet:
Kashmir issue
Despite the international community brushing aside Islamabad's narrative and India's assertation that Kashmir is an integral issue, Pakistan PM Imran Khan is adamant to "forcefully present the Kashmir issue like never before" in his address to the UNGA on September 27. The claim comes despite his repeated admission that 'No Muslim country' is backing Pakistan in his stance against PM Modi government.
In his address to the UNGA, the prime minister will "share Pakistan's perspective and position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and its current human rights and related dimensions," the Foreign Office said in a statement here.
In response, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, in a veiled reference to Pakistan said that "poisoned pens don't work for too long."
"United Nations is a platform for multilateral engagement. It's a platform for collaboration, for cooperation. If there are efforts by individual countries to misuse that platform we know how to address them. Some people refer to the UN as a place of sacred drama. That means there are some who use it for dramatics, there are others who give it a nature of sacrosanct importance in their orientation. We are not those who will use it for dramatic purposes. We are those who believe in focusing and addressing issues in a reasoned manner."
"If someone stoops, we have ways of addressing it. When they stoop we soar. We do not need to stoop in the way they stoop. We have a forward-looking vision. We will soar when they stoop," he added.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is likely to use the opportunity of discussions during the high-level UN General Assembly session to raise the Kashmir issue, the UN chief's spokesperson has said. While both, PM Modi and Pakistani counterpart will be under one roof during the summit, there has been no bilateral meet planned between the two nuclear armed nations, on New Delhi has reiteration that 'terror and talks' don't flow concurrently.
Trump-Rouhani meet
The tensions between Tehran and Washington spiralled to new highs after the drone attack on Aramco's two oil facilities, thus fading the chances of any bilateral meet between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
Many speculated that with the exit of former NSA John Bolton or the 'warmongerer' as the Iranian leadership labelled him, the Presidents of both conflicted nations would come to the talking table. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry refuted the possibility on September 16, following the attack on two oil installations.
On the same day, Trump as well repudiated the possibility of a meet in a tweet saying: The Fake News is saying that I am willing to meet with Iran, "No Conditions." That is an incorrect statement (as usual!).
On the contrary, Trump has announced to slap fresh sanctions on Iran's national bank, disdaining Iran's accusation of 'economic terrorism.'
Taliban and US talks 'dead'
After the abrupt failure of a one year long negotiation deal between the Donald Trump administration and Taliban in the Qatari capital, Doha, made Kabul susceptible to bloody violence. According to reports, Afghanistan recorded more deaths in August than Syria and Yemen combined.
While Donald Trump has been infamous for his dramatic gestures like meeting North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, but the admission of a 'secret meeting' just 3 days before the 18th anniversary of 9/11, which consequently led to the US invasion of Afghanistan angered critics and even some allies of the US President.
While, Taliban arrived in Moscow with an attempt to push forth the deal a day after Donald Trump declared it to be 'dead.' There is a possibility for the UNGA member nations to discuss the unprecendented negotiations.
Saudi Arabia's Aramco attack
US staunchly backing ally Saudi Arabia has asserted Iran's complicity in the attack on the world's largest oil facility, despite the claims by Yemen-based Houthi rebel group. In consequence to the averment, Washington imposed more stringent sanctions on Tehran, however, key European allies, London, Paris and Berlin have opposed the 'maximum pressure technique' by Donald Trump administration.
The House of Saud faced substantial backlash for their aggression against the Aramco attack, on the contrary, an absolute negligence over the torture, imprisonment of women activists in the Kingdom and the death of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Nonetheless, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Sakman recieved a grand reception from human rights organisations.
Absence of World Leaders
Amid political uncertainities, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled his UNGA visit. Not pleased with the UNGA irresponse to Iran's threat to Israel and Netanyahu gave the silent treatment to the UNGA for over 45 seconds.
According to reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of China Xi Jinping and North Korean Supreme Leader will give UNGA in New York a miss. Along with them, the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro also stated his absence.
Unrest in the Middle East
Along with crucial Gulf regions- Saudi Arabia and Iran, the protests in Sudan and the ongoing Egypt protests against general-turned-president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi are likely to be a part of the UNGA agenda.
Climate Change
Climate crisis will be at the crux of the UNGA summit. There will be climate strikes, climate summits, climate debates, a dire climate science report, climate pledges by countries and businesses, promises of climate financial help and more, over the coming week. It will also include climate poetry, film and music. “We’re about to start an extraordinary series of events over the next few days,” said Rachel Kyte, special representative on sustainable energy for the United Nations secretary-general. “The climate emergency is being declared by people, and especially young people on the streets the world over. And this is about an appropriate response to that emergency,” she added.
16:22 IST, September 22nd 2019