Annual gathering of world leaders ends at the United Nations


The annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations has drawn to a close in New York.

The general debate which takes place each year at the start of a new session of the General Assembly is a chance for the international community to come together to explore the world's current state of affairs.
Sam Kutesa, the President of the 69th session, says the six days of debate provide an unparalleled occasion for discussion.

"It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Member States to share with a worldwide audience their accomplishments, ambitions, hopes and fears. The General Debate is indeed the world's premier political global stage. It serves as a unique opportunity to recall the intrinsic value of our mutual engagement in the work of this Organization."

One hundred and seventeen heads of state and government spoke in this year's debate.

They tackled a wide range of issues including the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus, the rise of militant religious extremism, climate change and the elaboration of the post-2015 agenda.

SOURCE: Daniel Dickinson. United Nations.