The General Assembly, sometimes called the nearest thing to a world parliament, is the main deliberative body of the United Nations. This is where all 185 Member States can gather to discuss the pressing problems of our times, most of which involve many countries or continents and therefore require international cooperation. The General Assembly is not a world government; its resolutions are not legally binding upon Member States. However, through its recommendations on all matters within the scope of the UN Charter, it can focus world attention on important issues, generate international cooperation and, in some cases, its decisions can lead to legally binding treaties and conventions.
Occupying a central position in the UN, the Assembly receives reports from other organs, admits new Members and appoints the UN Secretary-General. Each Member State has one vote and decisions on ordinary matters are taken by simple majority. Important questions require a two-thirds majority.
The Assembly holds its regular sessions from mid-September to mid-December; special or emergency sessions are held when necessary. When the Assembly is not in session, its work goes on in special committees and bodies.
From the United Nations Department of Public Information.
