Climate crisis and Ukraine main topics of UN General Assembly

UN General Assembly
(Image credit: YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)

The 77th annual UN General Assembly was in full swing in New York City on Tuesday, with a focus on the war in Ukraine as well as global economic and environmental problems. The assembly marks the first full meeting of members since pandemic restrictions were lifted; 157 people are expected to speak between Tuesday and Sunday representing various countries, reports The New York Times.

Secretary General António Guterres made opening comments strongly emphasizing the need for urgent climate action. "The climate crisis is the defining issue of our time. It must be the first priority of every government and multilateral organization," he said. Guterres also condemned Russia for its actions against Ukraine, saying the war has "unleashed widespread destruction with massive violations of human rights and international humanitarian law."

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.