Shut the door on tainted leaders, make UNGA more meaningful
Delegates walk out as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, US on September 24, 2026.
Every year, heads of state and government from across the globe get an opportunity to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). At this forum, global leaders are expected to articulate policies on matters such as climate change, international conflicts, human rights and development.
UNGA also offers an opportunity for leaders to engage in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. In principle, therefore, bringing world leaders together to address and debate issues facing humanity is a good idea. The forum has the potential of holding leaders accountable for actions and policies that undermine global standards on climate action, development and human rights.