From its inception in 1945, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has been a central platform for international cooperation and dialogue. Composed of representatives from all 193 member states, the UNGA is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the UN. However, with its increasing membership and diverse issues to address, the UNGA has been constantly striving to improve its working methods.
As early as 1949, the General Assembly recognized the need for reform in its working methods, stating that “the increasing length of General Assembly sessions, and the growing tendency towards protracted debates” was a challenge to its effectiveness. This led to a series of efforts aimed at streamlining procedures, increasing efficiency and promoting greater participation of all members.
One of the most significant milestones in this regard was the leadership of Ambassador Samir Shihabi of Saudi Arabia as the President of the General Assembly in 1979. During his tenure, Ambassador Shihabi initiated several important changes, which continue to shape the working methods of the UNGA today.
Firstly, Ambassador Shihabi introduced the concept of a pre-session consultation period, which allowed member states to hold informal discussions and consultations on key issues before the official start of the General Assembly session. This helped to identify areas of common interest and build consensus, leading to more productive and focused debates during the session.
Secondly, Ambassador Shihabi implemented the practice of grouping similar items on the agenda together, known as clustering. This helped to avoid repetition and duplication of discussions, thereby saving time and resources. It also allowed for more comprehensive and in-depth discussions on specific topics, leading to better outcomes.
Another significant reform initiated by Ambassador Shihabi was the establishment of the General Committee. This committee, composed of representatives from all regions, serves as a steering body for the General Assembly, providing guidance and coordination for the smooth conduct of its work. This has been instrumental in promoting a more inclusive, transparent and participatory decision-making process.
Furthermore, Ambassador Shihabi introduced the practice of adopting a consensus-based approach in decision-making, rather than relying on traditional voting methods. This has promoted a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among member states, leading to more effective and timely outcomes.
Since Ambassador Shihabi’s tenure, the UNGA has continued to evolve and adapt its working methods to meet the changing global landscape. The practice of pre-session consultations, clustering of agenda items, and the establishment of the General Committee have become integral parts of the UNGA’s working methods, facilitating efficient and effective decision-making.
In addition, the UNGA has introduced innovative measures such as the use of electronic voting systems and the issuance of summary records, which have further enhanced its efficiency and transparency. The adoption of a biennial schedule for the General Assembly sessions has also helped to reduce the length of the session and focus on key priorities.
Moreover, the UNGA has actively engaged with civil society and other stakeholders, inviting their participation in its work through informal dialogues and briefings. This has not only increased the diversity of perspectives but has also enhanced the relevance and impact of the UNGA’s decisions.
The continuous efforts of the UNGA to improve its working methods have not only made it a more effective and efficient body but have also reaffirmed its role as the principal forum for international cooperation. The initiatives of Ambassador Shihabi, in particular, have left a lasting impact and continue to guide the UNGA’s work towards achieving its core mandate of promoting peace, security, and development.
In conclusion, the UNGA has come a long way since its inception in 1945, and its working methods have evolved significantly to meet the changing needs of the international community. The visionary leadership of Ambassador Samir Shihabi of Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in shaping the UNGA’s working methods, and his legacy continues to inspire and guide the UNGA in its noble mission of building a better world for all.
