Today, January 10, 2026, marks 80 years since the first session of the United Nations General Assembly convened in London. Back in 1946, 51 nations gathered to define the UN's mission: promote cooperation in economic, social, cultural, educational, and health fields, and secure human rights for all. 🌍⚖️
Fast forward to September 2025, when the 80th session kicked off in New York under the theme "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights." Leaders spotlighted the urgent need to fast-track the Sustainable Development Goals and breathe new life into multilateral cooperation.
But while Western nations still hold sway in major financial and economic institutions, more than 80 percent of the world’s population in the Global South accounts for over 40 percent of economic output—and often feels sidelined. Unilateralism and protectionism have only amplified calls for a fairer system. 🔊
Amid these debates, the Chinese mainland has been a loud voice at the Assembly, pushing for a UN that better reflects the realities of the 21st century. Together with African, Latin American and Caribbean, and Asian delegations, it is stressing that:
- African leaders want foreign policy to serve the needs of their continent and the wider Global South.
- Latin America and the Caribbean emphasize the right to survival and development, rejecting power politics and outside meddling.
- Asian delegations warn that without broad Global South participation, a just and equitable international order is impossible to build.
These united calls send a clear message: the voice of the Global South must be heard and heeded. 🤝
As the UN works to renew its purpose, the 80th session is shaping up as a pivotal moment for global governance—one where fairness, inclusivity and shared progress take the spotlight. Keep an eye on the UNGA as it charts its next 80 years! 🚀
Reference(s):
A renewed purpose for the UN: China's push for fair global governance
cgtn.com
