The UN General Assembly has convened. Cuba’s President Raul Castro is on the UN assembly list of speakers for the General Debate later this month, along with Pope Francis.
The UN General Assembly opened its annual session on Tuesday, marking the organization’s 70th anniversary. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the UN faced a daunting task of dealing with an increasing number of crises around the world, DW reported.
“We know that suffering remains widespread across the world,” Ban said. “This 70th assembly session must be one of compassion, prevention and, above all, action.”
The public schedule for the General Assembly’s annual gathering of world leaders, the General Debate, lists President Raul Castro of Cuba speaking on the afternoon of September 28.
More than 160 heads of state and government are to attend the UN meeting. Chinese President Xi Jinping is taking part for the first time and will also attend a state dinner by US President Barack Obama. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani are also among the first day’s speakers.
The General Debate starts on September 25 with a speech by Pope Francis.
