4.1 UN General Assembly: Composition, Functions, and Voting Procedures
2 min read•july 24, 2024
The , with its universal membership and one-nation-one-vote principle, serves as the world's most inclusive forum for global decision-making. Its composition includes member states, observers, and a leadership structure that guides operations and discussions on international issues.
From policy recommendations to budgetary powers, the General Assembly's functions are far-reaching. It plays a crucial role in appointing key UN officials, admitting new members, and establishing subsidiary organs to address specific global challenges, making it a cornerstone of international cooperation.
Composition and Functions of the UN General Assembly
Composition of UN General Assembly
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- Universal membership encompasses all 193 UN member states represented adhering to one nation, one vote principle
- include () and granted special privileges
- Other observers comprise intergovernmental organizations () and non-governmental organizations ()
- Leadership structure consists of , 21 Vice-Presidents, and Chairpersons of six overseeing operations
Functions of General Assembly
- Policy-making and recommendation involve discussing international issues and adopting resolutions on global matters (climate change, human rights)
- Budgetary powers include approving UN budget and determining financial assessments for member states
- Appointment functions encompass electing non-permanent members of Security Council and appointing upon Security Council recommendation
- Admission of new members requires General Assembly approval
- Amendments to UN Charter processed through General Assembly
- Establishment of subsidiary organs to address specific issues or regions (, )
Voting Procedures and Global Impact
Voting in General Assembly
- Types of majorities:
- requires more than half of members present and voting
- needed for
- Voting methods include show of hands, roll-call, and electronic voting system
- "Important questions" requiring two-thirds majority cover recommendations on peace and security, election of non-permanent Security Council members, admission of new members, and budgetary matters
- One country, one vote principle ensures equal representation regardless of size or power
- involves adoption without a vote used for less contentious issues
Global impact of General Assembly
- Norm-setting function achieved through adoption of international conventions and treaties ()
- Agenda-setting power brings attention to global issues and initiates studies and reports (climate change, pandemic response)
- Soft power influence exerts moral authority through universal representation and shapes global public opinion
- (SDGs) adopted and promoted as part of guiding global development efforts
- Human rights promotion advanced through and international covenants
- Peacekeeping operations authorized and overseen by General Assembly supporting conflict resolution
- and special sessions organized on critical issues (UN Climate Change Conference)
Key Terms to Review (31)
1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence: The 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is a United Nations resolution that emphasizes the right to self-determination for all peoples, advocating for the decolonization of nations still under colonial rule. This declaration marked a pivotal moment in the UN's history as it provided a framework for international support in the fight against colonialism and recognized the significance of sovereignty and self-governance.
2005 World Summit Outcome: The 2005 World Summit Outcome refers to the agreements and commitments made by member states during the United Nations World Summit held in New York in September 2005. This summit focused on a range of global challenges, including peace and security, development, and human rights, aiming to revitalize the UN's role in addressing these issues and enhancing collective action among nations.
2030 Agenda: The 2030 Agenda is a global framework adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aimed at achieving sustainable development through 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the year 2030. This agenda emphasizes a collective commitment from all countries to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all, reflecting a collaborative approach among member states in addressing global challenges.
African Union: The African Union (AU) is a continental organization established in 2001 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aiming to promote unity and cooperation among African states while addressing various social, economic, and political issues. It connects with the historical evolution of international organizations through its formation in response to the need for a more effective and united approach to Africa's challenges.
Budgetary function: The budgetary function refers to the processes and mechanisms through which an organization allocates, monitors, and manages its financial resources to achieve its goals. In the context of international organizations like the UN General Assembly, this function is crucial as it involves deliberation on budgets, funding priorities, and the overall financial sustainability of initiatives and programs undertaken by member states.
Collective Security: Collective security is a system where states agree to respond collectively to threats against any member, ensuring that aggression towards one is considered an aggression towards all. This concept is rooted in the idea that peace and stability can be achieved through mutual cooperation and shared responsibility among nations.
Consensus decision-making: Consensus decision-making is a collaborative process where all participants actively seek agreement on a particular decision, ensuring that everyone’s viewpoints are considered and integrated into the final outcome. This approach fosters cooperation, enhances trust among members, and often leads to more sustainable solutions because it seeks to reflect the collective interests of the group rather than just a majority opinion. It is particularly significant in international organizations, where diverse member states work together on complex global issues.
Convention on the Rights of the Child: The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989 that establishes fundamental rights for children, including their right to survival, development, protection, and participation. It emphasizes the importance of child welfare and education, advocating for children's rights on a global scale and requiring state parties to take all necessary measures to ensure these rights are respected.
Deliberative function: The deliberative function refers to the process through which members of an assembly engage in discussion, debate, and decision-making on various issues. This function is essential for promoting dialogue among member states and facilitates informed decisions regarding international policies, resolutions, and recommendations.
ECOSOC: The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating the economic, social, and related work of 15 UN specialized agencies, their functional commissions, and five regional commissions. ECOSOC plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation and dialogue on economic and social issues, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing the quality of life around the world.
Full Member States: Full member states are sovereign countries that have been granted complete membership status in an international organization, such as the United Nations. These states have the right to participate fully in the organization's decision-making processes, including voting on resolutions and being part of various committees. This status also entails responsibilities and obligations, such as adhering to the organization's rules and contributing to its budget.
Global conferences: Global conferences are large-scale gatherings where representatives from various nations, organizations, and sectors come together to discuss, negotiate, and make decisions on significant international issues. These events often facilitate dialogue among state and non-state actors, aiming to foster collaboration and build consensus on global challenges such as climate change, security, and human rights.
Holy See: The Holy See refers to the jurisdiction of the Pope and the central governing body of the Catholic Church, which is recognized as a sovereign entity in international law. It functions as an independent state that conducts diplomatic relations and participates in international organizations like the United Nations, holding a unique position due to its religious significance and global reach.
Important Questions: Important questions are inquiries that drive discussions, provoke thought, and guide decision-making processes within the context of international organizations. These questions often focus on the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by entities like the UN General Assembly, influencing how member states collaborate and respond to global issues.
Main committees: Main committees are the primary bodies within the United Nations General Assembly that handle specific issues and areas of concern. They play a crucial role in shaping resolutions, conducting discussions, and formulating policies on topics ranging from disarmament to social development, reflecting the diverse interests of member states. Each committee operates with a distinct mandate and collaborates to address global challenges through collective decision-making.
Non-member observer states: Non-member observer states are entities recognized by the United Nations that do not have full membership status but can participate in UN General Assembly meetings and activities. These entities hold a unique position that allows them to engage with member states, contribute to discussions, and gain insights into international diplomacy while lacking voting rights in the assembly.
President of the general assembly: The president of the General Assembly is an elected official who presides over sessions of the United Nations General Assembly, guiding discussions and facilitating the decision-making process among member states. This role is crucial for maintaining order, ensuring adherence to rules, and representing the Assembly in diplomatic matters, making it a key position within the broader framework of the United Nations' operations.
Red Cross: The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization established to provide emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in communities around the world. It operates based on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and humanity, making it a crucial player in international humanitarian efforts and a significant non-governmental organization in global affairs.
Resolution 194: Resolution 194 is a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted in December 1948, which addresses the situation of Palestinian refugees and calls for their right to return to their homes. This resolution is significant as it underscores the UN's role in promoting the rights of displaced individuals and establishes a framework for addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for a just solution to the refugee issue.
Secretary-General: The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer of the United Nations, responsible for carrying out the day-to-day work of the organization and implementing its policies. This position serves as a bridge between the various organs of the UN, facilitating communication and coordination among them, while also representing the organization on the global stage.
Simple majority: A simple majority refers to the minimum number of votes required for a decision to be made, specifically more than half of the votes cast. In the context of voting procedures within the UN General Assembly, a simple majority is often utilized to pass resolutions and decisions, ensuring that a majority of member states agree on a specific issue. This voting method is crucial as it reflects the democratic principle of collective decision-making among member states.
Sovereign Equality: Sovereign equality refers to the principle that all states, regardless of their size, power, or wealth, have equal rights and responsibilities in the international system. This concept is foundational for ensuring that every nation is treated with respect and has an equal voice in global decision-making, fostering cooperation among nations while recognizing their independence and autonomy.
State of Palestine: The State of Palestine is a sovereign state that claims the West Bank and Gaza Strip as its territory, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Recognized by over 130 UN member states, it plays a significant role in international discussions about self-determination, sovereignty, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Sustainable Development Goals: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015 to address urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges. They aim to create a better future for all by promoting prosperity, equality, and sustainability by 2030, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these goals within international governance frameworks.
Two-thirds majority: A two-thirds majority is a voting requirement that mandates at least two-thirds of the votes cast to be in favor of a proposal for it to be approved. This threshold is significant as it ensures that decisions have substantial support, preventing the imposition of will by a simple majority, and it is particularly relevant in settings that aim for broader consensus, such as the UN General Assembly.
UN General Assembly: The UN General Assembly is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, composed of all member states, which meets annually to discuss and make decisions on various international issues. It plays a critical role in promoting international cooperation and addressing global challenges, including human rights, peace and security, and sustainable development.
UN Security Council: The UN Security Council is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has the authority to impose sanctions, authorize military action, and take measures to prevent conflicts. The council consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms, reflecting the balance of power in international relations.
UN Women: UN Women is a United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, established in 2010. It works globally to promote women's rights, enhance women's participation in decision-making, and eliminate discrimination and violence against women. This organization plays a critical role in advocating for policies and programs that support gender equality at local, national, and international levels.
UNICEF: UNICEF, or the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, is a UN agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental assistance to children worldwide. Established in 1946, its mission is to ensure the protection and promotion of children's rights, focusing on health, education, nutrition, and emergency relief efforts. UNICEF operates as part of the UN system and plays a crucial role in coordinating with various UN agencies to address children's needs globally.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, outlining fundamental human rights that are to be universally protected. It establishes a common standard of achievements for all peoples and nations, emphasizing the inherent dignity and equal rights of every individual, which connects deeply with principles of international cooperation, law, and governance.
Vatican City: Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy, and serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the smallest sovereign state in the world, both in area and population, and holds a unique position in international relations due to its religious significance and diplomatic presence.