NEW YORK: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted the work programme for its 79th session, deciding to include items on addressing the legacy of nuclear arms and on lethal autonomous weapons systems in its agenda, while Ukraine and Russia voiced opposing views on the body’s consideration of an item relating to the war-hit eastern European nation.
Acting on the suggestion of its steering committee, the 193-member Assembly has decided that the general debate, which will be held from 24 to 30 September, will continue on Saturday, 28 September.
Over 130 heads of state and government, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, are likely to attend the high-level debate. The Assembly President Philémon Yang of Cameroon, has highlighted the Committee’s other suggestions on the organization of the session, concerning rationalization of work, the general debate, closing date of the session, and the conduct of meetings.
The Assembly took note of information on the ‘right of reply’ — especially the organ’s practice that statements delivered in exercise of the right of reply in order to addresses made by Heads of State be in writing.
The Assembly also took the decision to consider the draft agendas titled “Addressing the legacy of nuclear weapons: providing victim help and environmental suggestions to Member nations affected by the use or testing of nuclear arms” and “Lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS)” under the “Disarmament” heading on its agenda.
