The United Nations General Assembly held its annual assembly in Midtown Manhattan, where leaders from 193 member countries gathered to discuss a wide range of global issues. Unlike the Security Council, which has been marred by disputes and vetoes, the General Assembly presented a platform for varied speeches and discussions on topics affecting individual countries and regions.

One of the highlighted issues during the assembly was the longstanding border dispute between Guatemala and Belize. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo addressed the assembly, emphasizing his country’s efforts to move past a history of dictatorship, civil war, and human rights violations. He pointed out the relatively peaceful resolution of the border dispute as an example for the world to follow.

Another significant issue was the naming dispute involving North Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria. After nearly three decades of negotiations, North Macedonia agreed to change its name from the “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” to resolve the conflict with Greece. However, Bulgaria remains a hurdle in North Macedonia’s integration into the EU due to other objections.

Cuba’s ongoing efforts to end the U.S. trade embargo dominated discussions, with many countries criticizing the sanctions imposed on the island nation. Several leaders at the General Assembly highlighted the negative impact of the embargo on Cuba’s development and called for its complete lifting.

President Adama Barrow of Gambia addressed the assembly, emphasizing his government’s commitment to women’s rights and protection. Despite his declaration of support for maintaining the ban on female genital cutting, a practice still prevalent in some African nations, challenges persist in fully eradicating the harmful tradition.

Libya, amidst domestic chaos and external interference, grappled with a political crisis involving rival administrations and militias. The failure to hold elections and disagreements among factions have further complicated the situation, leading to closures of key oil fields and economic instability in the country.

Overall, the UNGA served as a platform for countries to address local and global challenges, showcase progress, and call for international cooperation in resolving conflicts and promoting peace and development. The discussions at the assembly highlighted the diverse range of issues impacting nations across the globe and the continued need for diplomatic solutions and collective action to address them.