On September 22 (local time), at the United Nations headquarters in New York (USA), the high-level discussion session of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly with the theme "Restoring trust, creating transformation: A United Nations that acts for all" officially opened.
The event attracted the participation of more than 120 Heads of State, Heads of Government, along with leaders and representatives of member countries. General Secretary and President To Lam led the high-level Vietnamese delegation to attend this important meeting.
Speaking at the opening, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres and Chairman of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly Khalilur Rahman said that the world is facing increasingly deep rifts. These are prolonged conflicts, increasing inequality, severe climate crises and the development of a lack of governance mechanisms for artificial intelligence (AI).
Faced with that situation, the two leaders called on member states to unite to solve global challenges on the basis of respecting the UN Charter and international law. At the same time, the two leaders affirmed that the UN needs to continue to be strongly reformed to improve governance efficiency and prevent conflict in the context of a volatile world.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres especially called for an end to fighting, ensuring humanitarian access, protecting civilians, promoting disarmament and promoting accountability. Regarding sustainable development, the UN Secretary-General called for promoting the reform of the international financial architecture, fair handling of debt, expansion of long-term capital sources at reasonable costs and ensuring gender equality.
Specifically for artificial intelligence, the UN Secretary-General called on leading countries in AI to establish dialogue channels, share information on safety risks, towards a multilateral framework on AI risk management associated with an independent monitoring mechanism.
Speaking immediately after the opening session, US President Donald Trump affirmed that the US has achieved many great achievements both domestically and internationally, including promoting the successful resolution of 8 conflicts in the world, and emphasized the Peace Council initiative proposed by the US.
Meanwhile, senior leaders of many countries also shared the view that the world is facing unprecedented challenges; expressed strong support for the central role of the UN in the multilateral system and promoted the process of reforming this organization to respond more effectively to increasing crises.
The high-level discussion session within the framework of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly will last from September 22-28. This is an important forum for leaders of countries to share visions and find solutions to urgent global issues. In addition to the General Discussion Session, this year's High-Level Week will also feature many high-level thematic meetings on development rights, climate change, sea level rise, disease prevention and the process of nuclear disarmament.
