New York, United States - September 10, 2024

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was declared open at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Tuesday by Philemon Yang, the General Assembly's new president.

Yang was sworn in and declared the opening of the new session, following the announcement by Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UNGA, of the closure of the previous session at its 109th plenary meeting earlier in the day.

In his address, Francis expressed gratitude for the support by developing countries including China and called on the international community to unite and practice multilateralism.

Later on Tuesday, the 79th session of the UNGA held its first plenary meeting, where Yang called on the international community to strengthen cooperation in addressing global challenges.

In his opening remarks, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the current severe global situation, highlighting the need for concrete solutions to end poverty, eliminate inequality and address climate catastrophe.

The United Nations remains an indispensable platform for seeking multilateral solutions, he said.

According to a resolution adopted earlier this year by the UNGA, Palestine can sit among the member states starting from the 79th session of the UNGA. Representatives from various countries congratulated the permanent observer of Palestine to the U.N. Riyad Mansour.

Mansour hailed it as "a historic moment" in an interview with the China Media Group (CMG) after the meeting.

After the General Assembly's new session, the U.N. entered its busiest period of the year, with the Summit of the Future 2024 and high-level debates set to commence starting Sept. 22. Leaders and heads of government from countries around the world are expected to gather at the U.N. headquarters to exchange views on global issues.

Shotlist:
U.N. Headquarters, New York City - Sept 10, 2024:
1. Various of president of 79th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Philemon Yang (M), president of 78th session of UNGA Dennis Francis (R), handing over presidency; U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) at ceremony;
2. Various of Francis addressing meeting; attendees applauding;
3. Meeting in progress;
4. Yang addressing meeting;
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Philemon Yang, president, 79th session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):
"We deeply believe in the power of dialog and the necessity of listening to all voices, ensuring that every member state is heard and valued. To this end, I will work tirelessly to not only fulfill the promise of our aspirations but will [also] exceed them.";
6. Various of Guterres addressing meeting; attendees;
U.N. Headquarters, New York City - Sept 10, 2024
7. Various of representatives from different countries congratulating permanent observer of Palestine to UN Riyad Mansour;
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of Palestine to United Nations (starting with shot 7):
"I feel great. This is a historic moment, and it is a significant step in acquiring our right, legal right and natural right, to become a full member.";
FILE: U.N. headquarters, New York City - Date Unknown
9. U.N. headquarters, cityscape, river;
10. U.N. flag;
11. U.N. logo.

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