United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) UPSC Notes Download

The United Nations General Assembly UNGA is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. It comprises all the member states of the UN Organisation and provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues which are covered by the Charter of the United Nations.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the International Organisations subject in the General Studies Paper-2 syllabus as well as current events of international importance in UPSC prelims. 

This article studies in detail about latest developments, history, powers & functions, and other important organs of the UN organization.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) – Everything You Need To Know:Download PDF here!

Image Source: UNGA

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

UNGA is one of the principal six organs of the UN organization. It is the only organ of the UN in which all 193 members of the United Nations has an equal vote.

Working of the General Assembly

• From September through December of every year, the Assembly meets in regular sessions or as deemed necessary.
  • It discusses Through dedicated agenda items or sub-items, and also examines certain concerns and adopts resolutions.
• The UNGA also elects the non-permanent members of the Security Council and approves the UN budget, among other important decisions for the UN.
• The Secretary-General is appointed by the UNGA on the proposal of the Security Council.
• The Assembly advises States on global issues that fall under its purview. Additionally, it has taken action in relation to political, economic, humanitarian, social, and legal issues as well as across all UN pillars.
• In the “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” final document of the United Nations Summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda, the Assembly adopted a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals in September 2015.
• The Assembly met several times in 2022 to consider the suggestions made by the Secretary-General in his report titled “Our Common Agenda,” an action plan intended to enhance and expedite multilateral accords, particularly the 2030 Agenda, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Image Credit: UNGA

Background of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

The United Nations Organisation was established in 1945 with 51 members. However, the number of members was expanded to 193 and the General Assembly comprised all 193 members. The United Nations comprises 6 organs, and UNGA was among one organ. The other organs of the United Nations are the Security Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, Economic and Social Council, and Secretariat.

Read more about the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD)!

Functions of the United Nations General Assembly UNGA

According to the Charter of the United Nations, the powers and functions of the UN General Assembly are listed below.

• Consideration and approval of the budget of the United Nations and establish the financial assessments of Member States
• Election of the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of other United Nations councils and organs and, appoint the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council.
• Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for maintaining international peace and security, which also includes disarmament.
• Discussion of any question related to international peace and security and, except where a dispute or situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council and make recommendations on it
• Discuss, with the same exception, and make recommendations on any questions within the scope of the Charter or affecting the powers and functions of any organ of the United Nations
• Promotion of international political cooperation by Initiatiating studies and to develop and codify of international law, the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and international collaboration in the economic, social, humanitarian, cultural, educational and health fields
• Make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation that might impair friendly relations among countries
• Take into account the Security Council and other United Nations body reports.

Read more about the United Nations Development Program!

Subsidiary Organs of UNGA

The General Assembly is empowered to create any subsidiary organs it considers appropriate to carry out its duties under Article 22 of the Charter. The General Assembly’s subsidiary institutions are broken down into the following categories.

• Boards,
• Commissions,
• Committees,
• Councils and Panels,
• Working Groups, and Others.

The subsidiary organs make their proposals, typically in the form of draught resolutions and decisions, to the Assembly’s plenary meeting for consideration after debating the issues on the agenda and attempting to unify, where possible, the various approaches taken by States.

Read more about the United Nations Conference and Trade and Development!

Main Committees of UNGA

The Assembly starts debating the important topics on its agenda when the general debate is over. The Assembly distributes issues pertinent to the work of its six Main Committees among the many items on the agenda. The Committees hold hearings on the issues on the agenda and provide recommendations to the Assembly for consideration and action on drafting resolutions and decisions. Several agenda issues, especially those pertaining to the Palestinian and the Middle East crisis, are discussed in the General Assembly plenary.

Image Credit: UNGA

Trusteeship Council

• Trusteeship Council was established by UN Charter as one of its main organs.
• The main responsibility of the Trusteeship Council was to oversee the management of Trust Territories put under the International Trusteeship System by the UN Charter.
• The International Trusteeship System’s primary objectives were to support the development of Trust Territory citizens and their gradual transition to self-government or independence.
• The five permanent members of the Security Council: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States, make up the Trusteeship Council.
• To the extent that all Trust Territories have achieved self-government or independence, either as separate States or by joining other nearby independent countries, the objectives of the Trusteeship System have been achieved.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

ECOSOC was established by the UN charter in 1945 as one of the six main organs of the United Nations. The Economic and Social Council is at the center of the UN system’s efforts to improve the economic, social, and environmental facets of sustainable development. It serves as the main forum for promoting discussion and original thought, establishing agreement on the best course of action, and coordinating efforts to meet internationally recognized objectives. It is also in charge of overseeing the aftermath of significant UN summits and conferences.

UN bodies within the Scope of the ECOSOC

There are 9 UN bodies within the scope of ECOSOC. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Also, check out the article on International Organizations And Their Headquarters with this link!

Important Facts of United Nations General Assembly UNGA for UPSC

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