Volume 9, Number 39

September 14, 2006

61st Session of the UN General Assembly Opens

By Samantha Singson

     (NEW YORK — C-FAM) At the opening of the 61st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), its newly-elected president, Sheika Haya Rashed al-Khalifa of Bahrain, stressed the primary legislative and decision-making role the body plays within the UN system.  Rashed al-Khalifa highlighted what she thought were the UNGA's most pressing concerns: UN reform, peace-building, combating international terrorism as well as the global fight against poverty. While the world’s media focuses its attention on these issues, the proceedings of the Security Council and the election of a new Secretary-General, conservative groups will be closely monitoring resolutions in the UNGA’s Third Committee which deals with economic and social issues.

     In past GA sessions, the Third Committee resolutions have dealt with contentious issues relating to access to sexual and reproductive health services, sexual orientation and sex education for children.

     This week, the GA will prepare for what is known as the "general debate" that will begin on September 19 with addresses from a parade of heads of state. The leaders will address the pressing political, social and economic issues. The work of the Third Committee begins in October where over 80 resolutions on a wide-ranging variety of topics such as women and children’s rights, the family, the environment and the protection and promotion of human rights.

     On the eve of the opening of the 61st session, the Holy See held its annual interdenominational prayer service. A message written by Vatican Secretary of State, Angelo Cardinal Sodano on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI was delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Holy See, Archbishop Celestino Migliore. The Archbishop relayed to the standing-room only crowd that “the Holy Father trusts that Almighty God will bestow upon all those associated with the work of the coming session the wisdom, perseverance and moral vision needed to confront these pressing issues.” The Archbishop continued, “The Holy Father hopes that those participating in these UN sessions will be sustained in their efforts to build a future of justice, freedom and peace for the whole human family.”

     Outgoing Secretary-General Kofi Annan was also in attendance at the prayer service. Despite the polarized debate on the role and place of religion at the United Nations, Mr. Annan acknowledged that men and women of faith are crucial to the work of the world body.

     The work of the 61st session of the General Assembly and its main committees is expected to wrap up by the end of December.

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