UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation. Its powers are to oversee the budget of the United Nations, appoint the non-permanent members to the Security Council, receive reports from other parts of the United Nations and make recommendations in the form of General Assembly Resolutions.

Functions and powers of the General Assembly

According to the Charter of the United Nations, the General Assembly may:

1. Consider and approve the United Nations budget and establish the financial assessments of Member States;

2. Elect the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of other United Nations councils and organs and, on the recommendation of the Security Council, appoint the Secretary-General;

3. Consider and make recommendations on the general principles of cooperation for maintaining international peace and security, including disarmament;

4. Discuss any question relating to international peace and security and, except where a dispute or situation is currently being discussed by the Security Council, make recommendations on it;

5. 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;

6. Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote international political cooperation, the development and codification of international law, the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and international collaboration in the economic, social, humanitarian, cultural, educational and health fields;

7. Make recommendations for the peaceful settlement of any situation that might impair friendly relations among nations;

8. Consider reports from the Security Council and other United Nations organs.

Important points related to United Nations General Assembly

1. Each member country has one vote.

2. The Assembly meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as required.

3. The sessions of the General Assembly are presided over by the President who is elected annually by its members.

4. The Assembly elects its own President and Vice-Presidents every year.