by Xinhua writers Xia Lin, Gao Shan and Pan Yunzhao

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) began on Tuesday amid growing calls for more international cooperation to address challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality, while tackling the fallout from ongoing conflicts and global health crises.

The session saw world leaders heading to New York to deliver their statements as they took part in high-level discussions on the existential threat of sea-level rise, accelerating progress in combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, and driving forward the United Nation's long-term goal of achieving global nuclear disarmament with a plenary meeting marking the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

President of the 79th session of the UNGA, Philemon Yang, told the opening ceremony that "the General Debate remains one of the world's most inclusive, representative and authoritative platforms for global reflection and collective action. This year, the urgency of our task cannot be overstated."

He noted that countries are falling behind in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With just five years to go, less than 18 percent have been met. Meanwhile, the climate crisis is "no longer a distant threat" but "here now, ravaging ecosystems and dismantling the livelihoods of entire communities."

Yang also addressed the various conflicts raging from the Middle East to Ukraine, and from Haiti to South Sudan. "I call for an immediate ceasefire in all these conflict settings," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opened the General Debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly, saying that the current state of the world is unsustainable, but working together can find solutions.

"That requires us to make sure the mechanisms of international problem-solving actually solve problems," he said. "It is time for a just peace based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions."

THE AGENDA

The 79th session of the UNGA opened on Sept. 10, and the first day of the high-level General Debate falls on Tuesday. The 79th session marks a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 SDGs, according to a UN press release.

While the overall state of SDGs globally remains of grave concern, the SDG Moment event on Tuesday demonstrates that dramatic progress is still possible between now and 2030. It will do so by highlighting inspiring examples of progress across the world and the role of just and inclusive transitions in accelerating SDG progress.

World leaders gathered to engage in the annual high-level general debate under the theme "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations." Heads of state and government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

On Wednesday, the High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise will convene global leaders, experts and stakeholders to address the urgent and escalating threat of rising sea levels. This meeting will focus on building common understanding, mobilizing political leadership and promoting multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder collaboration and international cooperation towards the objective of "addressing the threats posed by sea-level rise."

Participants will work towards developing comprehensive solutions and actionable commitments to combat sea-level rise, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future including for small island developing states and low-lying coastal areas, according to the United Nations.

On Thursday, the High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) presents an opportunity for countries and stakeholders to renew efforts and accelerate progress in combating the growing threat of AMR. This meeting will serve as the foundation for executing policies and ensuring accountability for strengthening health systems against AMR.

"Building on the momentum of previous declarations and commitments, participants will focus on enhancing international cooperation, promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials, and advancing the development of new treatments to safeguard global health," said the United Nations.

Also on Thursday, a high-level meeting will be held for International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

On Monday, the United Nations just concluded the highly anticipated two-day Summit of the Future, which underscored the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to address pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality, while tackling the impacts of ongoing conflicts and global health crises. Enditem

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