By outdoor-nature-child.com **Interview with Bola A. Akinterinwa on the 79th UNGA**
**Interviewer:** Bola, the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is often described as fascinating in terms of its organization and the challenges it faces. Could you elaborate on the organizational aspects of this session?
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** Absolutely. The 79th UNGA follows a four-layered procedural framework. Firstly, it begins with the election of the President, a process that took place on June 6, 2024. According to the Rules of Procedure, this election is typically based on regional rotation. Since it is 2024, it was Africa’s turn, leading to the selection of Ambassador Philemon Yang from Cameroon.
Moreover, Resolution 71/323 emphasized the importance of transparency and inclusivity, urging candidates to present their vision statements and engage in dialogues with all Member States. This year, in a noteworthy move, civil society representatives and individuals could submit questions for the candidates, enhancing the process further.
**Interviewer:** After the election, what followed?
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** The opening session formally commenced on September 10, 2024, at the UN Headquarters in New York. Following this, the “Summit of the Future” was held on September 22, culminating in the high-level general debate scheduled from September 24 to September 30. The theme for the 79th UNGA is particularly pressing: “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.” This prompts us to reflect on our current state of international relations and how we can make this theme a reality.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of the challenges, you mentioned that commitment to peace seems lacking among nations. Could you expand on that?
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** It’s concerning, really. The urgency of global peace seems to be overshadowed by an obsession with political self-preservation, often leading to intrigue and clandestine actions that harm international cooperation. Unfortunately, such engagements echo what we might describe in various cultures as fraud or dishonesty. The current state of affairs in conflict zones, particularly the ongoing struggles involving Israel and Palestine, illustrates how international intrigues derail the UN’s core mission of promoting peace, security, and human rights.
**Interviewer:** The UNGA indeed has a significant representation with its 193 Member States. How effective is its decision-making structure?
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** The UNGA operates on a ‘One State One Vote’ basis, but the general debate often reflects the competing interests of powerful states rather than a balanced discourse on global challenges. This often leads to an emphasis on power politics and neglected issues that directly affect many nations, especially those in Africa.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like there are substantial barriers to achieving international peace and security. Can you discuss what those might be?
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** Certainly. One primary issue stems from the power dynamics within the UN Security Council (UNSC). The permanent membership and the veto power exercised by the P-5 create a structural inequality, undermining the idea of sovereign equality. This situation becomes evident in crises such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where the actions taken or not taken by the P-5 have far-reaching consequences.
**Interviewer:** And this leads to a pattern where certain states evade accountability for actions that violate international law?
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** That’s correct. The double standards we often see, particularly in how powerful nations interact with Israel versus their dealings with other nations, is troubling. While they reinforce Israel’s right to self-defense, they simultaneously advocate for ceasefires without addressing deeper political issues or the rights of the Palestinian people.
**Interviewer:** It seems to present a complex paradox. Have there been any recent proposals that offer hope for change?
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** Yes, Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, recently suggested that the international community, particularly the Security Council, should work collaboratively toward recognizing Palestinian statehood with a clear timeline. This would indeed challenge the politics of procrastination and push for tangible resolutions instead of just rhetoric.
**Interviewer:** So, you believe that specifying a timeline could create a new momentum for the peace process?
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** Absolutely. A timeline would compel all parties to take decisive actions and prepare for future negotiations, changing the framing of the conflict from a bilateral to a broader global issue. It’s time for the international community to act decisively instead of falling into patterns of half-hearted diplomacy.
**Interviewer:** As countries navigate their own agendas, how do you see the role of the UNGA evolving to address these challenges?
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** The UNGA must prioritize truly impartial mediation, focusing on collective benefits rather than national interests. History has shown us that genuine peace is achievable when the voices of all involved, particularly the marginalized and oppressed, are heard. Addressing these issues authentically, rather than just acknowledging them, will be crucial in the coming discussions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Bola, for your insights. The landscape of international relations is indeed complicated, but your thoughts shed light on the pressing need for transformative actions.
**Bola A. Akinterinwa:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital we continue these conversations to inspire hope and change in our global governance systems.