WASHINGTON, D. C.: The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations is going virtual this year for the first time in its 75-year history because of the coronavirus pandemic — except for the likely personal appearance by United States President Donald Trump. In past years, thousands of people have flocked to New York for the annual meeting of world leaders at the General Assembly, known as the General Debate. Because of the pandemic, General Assembly members agreed this month to have each country’s leader deliver a prerecorded speech that will be broadcast in the assembly chamber with a small number of New York-based diplomats allowed to be present. The speeches will start as scheduled on September 22, but will be preceded by an event on September 21 marking the UN’s 75th anniversary. For the US, she said, “we’re going to be focused on human rights issues, on transparency and on accountability.”

Source: Manila Times July 31, 2020 02:03 UTC