United Nations preview: How much does the General Assembly matter?

The United Nations general assembly kicks off in earnest next week. We analyse what might happen in some of the highlights expected from the meeting, including American President Donald Trump’s first real address to the international community and UN Secretary General António Guterres presiding over his first General Assembly debate since assuming his new role. Mina Al Oraibi, Editor in Chief of The National and a journalist with more than 10 years experience covering the event in New York, gives insight into just how much happens on the side-lines and whether the intergovernmental body still holds its weight in global politics. Toby Harward, head of the UNHCR office in the UAE, describes how refugees are not only one of the biggest issues on the agenda this year but could become increasingly more prevalent as global warming is likely to cause even more human displacement as the earth warms. Carla Mirza, a writer for The National, explains that more could be done in the UN if people begin to understand leadership dynamics and how personalities play a part on this, the global stage.