4.1 UN General Assembly: Composition, Functions, and Voting Procedures

The UN General Assembly, with its universal membership and one-nation-one-vote principle, serves as the world's most inclusive forum for global decision-making. Its composition includes member states, observers, and a leadership structure that guides operations and discussions on international issues.

From policy recommendations to budgetary powers, the General Assembly's functions are far-reaching. It plays a crucial role in appointing key UN officials, admitting new members, and establishing subsidiary organs to address specific global challenges, making it a cornerstone of international cooperation.

Composition and Functions of the UN General Assembly

Composition of UN General Assembly

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• Universal membership encompasses all 193 UN member states represented adhering to one nation, one vote principle
• Non-member observer states include Vatican City (Holy See) and State of Palestine granted special privileges
• Other observers comprise intergovernmental organizations (African Union) and non-governmental organizations (Red Cross)
• Leadership structure consists of President of the General Assembly, 21 Vice-Presidents, and Chairpersons of six Main Committees overseeing operations

Functions of General Assembly

• Policy-making and recommendation involve discussing international issues and adopting resolutions on global matters (climate change, human rights)
• Budgetary powers include approving UN budget and determining financial assessments for member states
• Appointment functions encompass electing non-permanent members of Security Council and appointing Secretary-General upon Security Council recommendation
• Admission of new members requires General Assembly approval
• Amendments to UN Charter processed through General Assembly
• Establishment of subsidiary organs to address specific issues or regions (UN Women, UNICEF)

Voting Procedures and Global Impact

Voting in General Assembly

• Types of majorities:
  1. Simple majority requires more than half of members present and voting
  2. Two-thirds majority needed for important questions
• Voting methods include show of hands, roll-call, and electronic voting system
• "Important questions" requiring two-thirds majority cover recommendations on peace and security, election of non-permanent Security Council members, admission of new members, and budgetary matters
• One country, one vote principle ensures equal representation regardless of size or power
• Consensus decision-making involves adoption without a vote used for less contentious issues

Global impact of General Assembly

• Norm-setting function achieved through adoption of international conventions and treaties (Convention on the Rights of the Child)
• Agenda-setting power brings attention to global issues and initiates studies and reports (climate change, pandemic response)
• Soft power influence exerts moral authority through universal representation and shapes global public opinion
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted and promoted as part of 2030 Agenda guiding global development efforts
• Human rights promotion advanced through Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international covenants
• Peacekeeping operations authorized and overseen by General Assembly supporting conflict resolution
• Global conferences and special sessions organized on critical issues (UN Climate Change Conference)