United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) - Facts for UPSC Prelims

Section	Details
Introduction	– Establishment: 1945 under the UN Charter. – Nature: One of the six principal organs of the United Nations. – Purpose: Serves as a forum where all 193 member states discuss international issues and coordinate efforts for peace, security, and cooperation. – First Session: October 24, 1945 (celebrated as United Nations Day).
Purpose and Importance	– Provides a platform for discussions on pressing global issues. – Ensures equal representation, giving every country an equal voice. – Oversees the UN budget and appoints non-permanent Security Council members. – Addresses global peace, security, and human rights concerns. – Fosters dialogue and cooperation among nations.
Major Historical Milestones	– 1948: Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. – 1960s-70s: Played a significant role in decolonization efforts. – 2000: Adoption of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). – 2015: Adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Evolution	– Membership Growth: Expanded from 51 members in 1945 to 193 today. – Committee Evolution: Adapts roles to address modern issues (e.g., disarmament, political subjects). – Reflects changing international dynamics and global priorities.
Structure	– Member States: 193 sovereign nations, each with equal voting rights. – Observers: Includes non-member entities like the Holy See and Palestine. – President of the UNGA: Elected annually to preside over sessions, maintain order, and represent the assembly. – Sessions: Includes General Debates and thematic discussions.
Main Committees	– First Committee (DISEC): Disarmament and international security. – Second Committee (ECOFIN): Economic and financial issues. – Third Committee (SOCHUM): Social, cultural, and humanitarian issues. – Fourth Committee (SPECPOL): Special political issues and decolonization. – Fifth Committee: Administrative and budgetary matters. – Sixth Committee: Legal and international law.
Other Committees	– Credentials Committee: Verifies credentials of member states. – General Committee: Supervises the functioning of sessions.
Subsidiary Organs	– Commissions: Address disarmament, trade, and international law. – Boards: Oversee specific areas like children’s welfare and food security. – Councils and Panels: Provide policy guidance. – Working Groups: Focus on specialized issues. – Include committees, commissions, boards, councils, and panels to support the General Assembly’s work.
Seating Arrangement	– Geographical Groups: African, Asian, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean, Western European, and Other States. – Designated Seats: 193 member states, with arrangements reflecting regional and political affiliations. – Significance: Promotes equality and symbolizes international cooperation. – Regional Representation: Allocated based on geography and seniority.
Reports/Indices	– Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Framework defining universal human rights. – Annual UNGA Resolutions: Compiled resolutions on global peace, security, and development. – Special Sessions Reports: Detailed accounts and recommendations from special UNGA sessions. – Progress Reports on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Periodic updates on MDG achievements (2000-2015). – Progress Reports on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Tracks global advancement toward the 17 SDGs since 2015.
Initiatives	– Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Adopted in 2015, comprising 17 goals for sustainable global development. – Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Established fundamental human rights in 1948. – Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Set 8 goals in 2000 to combat poverty, education, and health challenges. – Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Adopted in 2006 to combat terrorism through preventive measures. – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD): Socio-economic framework for Africa, endorsed in 2002. – Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Adopted in 2007, promoting indigenous peoples’ rights. – Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons: A framework against human trafficking adopted in 2010. – International Decade for Action ‘Water for Life’ (2005-2015): Focused on global water and sanitation goals. – Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020): Aimed at reducing global road traffic fatalities. – International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (2017): Promoted sustainable tourism. – Global Health and Foreign Policy Initiatives: Addressed global health issues like disease prevention. – Culture of Peace: Initiatives since 1997 promoting peace through education and human rights advocacy.