Revitalization of the General Assembly

Latest Updates

On 31 July, Member States met to discuss the latest version of the report of the Co-Chairs but could not reach agreement on how to adequately phrase the various positions during the discussions. Apparently, another meeting will be held in September.

On 21 July, Member States met to discuss the co-chairs' report on the work of the ad hoc working group on GA revitalization. Apparently, the Non-Aligned Movement requested more time to formulate its response to the report.

On 19 and 24 June 2008, Member States further discussed the status of implementation of previous GA revitalization resolutions. At the 24th June meeting, relevant officials from the Secretariat provided answers to questions from Member States. The co-chairs have prepared a report on their work which will be discussed on 21 July. At the 10 July briefing to NGOs organized by the President of the GA, Co-Chair Amb. Loizaga suggested that the issues of a more political nature are expected to be on the agenda at the next session, such as the relationship between the GA and Security Council; election of the Secretary-General; and strengthening the office of the GA President.

On 30 May 2008, a meeting on Revitalization of the General Assembly took place. The Co-Chairs presented a chart which details resolutions previously adopted on GA revitalization and their status of implementation. According to our sources, Member States welcomed the chart and will discuss it in more detail in the second half of June.

CHAPTER 2 of the Center's April 2008 publication Managing Change at the United Nations: REVITALIZATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
by Lydia Swart
An in-depth look at the revitalization of the General Assembly debate.

Working Group on GA Revitalization Sets Agenda for 62nd Session
by ReformtheUN.org, 5 March 2007
The General Assembly’s Ad Hoc Working Group on GA Revitalization convened on Thursday, 21 February to discuss how to move forward with enhancing the role, authority, effectiveness and efficiency of the Assembly. Co-Chaired by Ambassador Andrzej Towpik of Poland and Ambassador Eladio Loizaga of Paraguay, this was the Group’s first meeting of the 62nd Session.

Member States Resume Discussions on General Assembly Revitalization
27 November 2007
On Monday 26 November 2007, the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Sgrjan Kerim chaired a debate in the General Assembly on the issue of revitalization of the General Assembly. The following is an update of the meeting.

GA Adopts Resolution on Revitalizing the General Assembly
by ReformtheUN.org, 3 August 2007
The General Assembly yesterday adopted by consensus resolution 61/292 on "Revitalization of the role and authority of the General Assembly and strengthening its performance."

Member States Discuss GA Revitalization
19 June 2007
Member States met today at the United Nations in a closed session to informally discuss the revitalization of the General Assembly.

Member States Begin Interactive Debates
16 May 2007
During the week of 14-18 May 2007, Member States began a series of six interactive debates, both at the Permanent and Deputy Permanent Representative level, to discuss the revitalization of the General Assembly.

GA President Appoints Co-Chairs
9 March 2007
President of the GA appoints Ambassadors Daniele D. Bodini of San Marino and Paul Badji of Senegal as Co-Chairs. Appointment letter available via above link.

Concerned by Encroachment, Delegates Stress need for Cooperation Among Key Organs as General Assembly considers Revitalization of its work
DPI, 13 December 2006
Member States discussed the Secretary-General Report on the Revitalization of the General Assembly (A/61/483)

Background
For more on the background of GA revitalization, please see the latest publication from the Center for UN Reform:

1. Managing Change at the United Nations