Heads up! The UN General Assembly is turning 80 this year 🌍. First convened on January 10, 1946 in London, it's the main policy-making hub where global heavyweights and rising nations mix it up.
At the 80th session, which kicked off in September 2025 under the theme "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights", world leaders spotlighted overlapping crises – from conflicts and climate shocks to hunger and inequality.
China's delegate has been emphasizing the need for fairer global governance. Drawing on the UN Charter's promise of cooperation in economic, social and cultural fields, they're calling for more balanced representation, especially for Global South countries, which make up 80% of the world's people but still struggle to have their voices heard.
African, Latin American and Caribbean leaders have been loud and clear 🔥: foreign policy should serve the needs of the Global South, not just legacy powers. Asian representatives warned that without broad participation from South and Southeast Asia, building a more just international order is impossible.
For young changemakers across South and Southeast Asia, this is more than diplomatic talk – it's a chance to push for the SDGs, champion human rights, and shape a future where everyone gets a seat at the table. Ready to join the convo? 🤝
As we cruise through 2026, one thing's sure: the UN's next chapter will depend on how loudly the Global South (and its tech-savvy youth) speak up for fairness and justice.
Reference(s):
A renewed purpose for the UN: China's push for fair global governance
cgtn.com
