New York (People’s Daily) - The 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly opened on Wednesday with its president pledging to use her year in office to bring the world body closer to the people and strengthen their sense of ownership and support for the UN.

The president of the 73rd session of the 193-member General Assembly María Fernanda Espinosa. (Photo: Yinmiao/People's Daily)

In her first keynote address to what is the 73rd session of the 193-member General Assembly, President María Fernanda Espinosa, said that the need for stronger global leadership in the service of multilateralism, to ensure more peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies, would underscore her work.

“Let us proceed together, building a world more equal and free, more sustainable and respectful of nature, and more inclusive and supportive,” she said.

In her address, the assembly president outlined her seven priorities – identified in consultation with Member States – that will shape the year-long session: promoting gender equality; promoting and implementing the new global compacts on migration and refugees; advocating for decent work; protecting the environment; focusing on rights of persons with disabilities; supporting the UN reform process; and facilitating dialogue.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the new General Assembly, congratulating President Espinosa on assuming the office and noting the important issues that lie ahead.

“We need action for peacekeeping, gender parity, financing for the 2030 Agenda [for Sustainable Development], empowerment for the world’s young people, urgent steps to end poverty and conflict, and much more,” he said, calling on world leaders to come to the high-level week beginning on Monday. “Ready to be bold and ready to forge solutions for our global challenges.”

The secretary-general also underscored the importance of international cooperation and for the Assembly to show the true value of working together.

“The secretariat and I are committed to supporting you,” he said.