UNITAR
18 September 2025, New York, USA – On 15-16 September 2025, the UNITAR office in New York, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore and the Forum of Small States (FOSS), convened the annual Briefing for Delegates on the General Assembly and the Main Committees. The two-day programme, held at UN Headquarters, brought together 275 participants, including newly arrived diplomats, for a comprehensive orientation to the structure, rules, and practices of the General Assembly, while also fostering a deeper understanding of its evolving role within the UN system.
This year’s edition carried special significance as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations—a milestone moment to reflect on eight decades of multilateralism and collective action.
Day 1 – 15 September (Monday)
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The programme opened with welcoming remarks by H.E. Mr. Burhan Gafoor, Permanent Representative of Singapore and Chair of FOSS, followed by a keynote address from H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. Ms. Ruth de Miranda, Director of the General Assembly and ECOSOC Affairs Division, and Mr. Marco Suazo, Head of the UNITAR New York Office, also delivered remarks framing the orientation within the broader objectives of strengthening diplomatic capacity at the UN.
The morning continued with sessions that provided delegates an overview of the 80th Session of the General Assembly, insights into its rules of procedure, and a briefing on protocol and liaison services—critical tools for navigating the busy diplomatic season.
In the afternoon, the focus turned to the substantive work of the Main Committees. Incoming Chairs and senior Secretariat officials introduced the mandates and working methods of the First (Disarmament and International Security), Second (Economic and Financial), and Third (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) Committees, allowing participants to gain first-hand perspectives on how each body addresses key global challenges.
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Day 2 – 16 September (Tuesday)
The second day of the programme continued with deep dives into the Fourth (Special Political and Decolonization), Fifth (Administrative and Budgetary), and Sixth (Legal) Committees, again guided by the Incoming Chairs and senior officials. Their interventions underscored both the technical rigor and political dynamics shaping the committees’ work.
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Later in the morning, delegates were introduced to UN elections and decision-making processes—an essential component of General Assembly practice that equips diplomats to engage effectively in negotiations and institutional procedures.
The afternoon sessions expanded outward to examine the General Assembly’s relationship with other UN bodies, including the Security Council. Experts also provided practical briefings on interpretation services, documentation, and conference management—resources that underpin the daily functioning of diplomacy at the UN.
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The two-day programme concluded with closing remarks highlighting the importance of informed participation in the General Assembly and reaffirming UNITAR’s commitment to supporting Member States through training and capacity-building.
UNITAR New York Office extends its deepest appreciation to all distinguished speakers, including H.E. Ms. Baerbock, H.E. Mr. Gafoor, and the Incoming Chairs of the Main Committees, for their invaluable contributions. The success of the programme reflects the strong collaboration between UNITAR, the Permanent Mission of Singapore, and FOSS in equipping new diplomats with the knowledge and tools to advance multilateralism in today’s complex global landscape.