Backgrounder: key facts about General Debate of UN General Assembly

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Wednesday delivered a speech at the annual General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly. It was the first time a Chinese premier took the floor at the UN general debate.

In the speech, Wen expounded on China's foreign policies and stance over major international issues.

Following are some key facts about the General Debate of UN General Assembly.

The General Assembly occupies a central position as the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising all 192 UN members, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter. It also plays a significant role in the process of standard-setting and the codification of international law.

The Assembly meets in regular session intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as required.

The annual General Debate of the General Assembly, which traditionally features statements by dozens of heads of state or government as well as ministers, lasts nine days.

The debate provides an opportunity for UN members to discuss international issues on an equal footing. Representatives from member states expound on stands and views on issues of common concern.

The theme of the general debate of this year is "The impact of the global food crisis on poverty and hunger in the world, as well as the need to democratize the United Nations."

During the 63rd session, the 192-member body will examine the immediate and root causes of the world food crisis, and its impact on world hunger and poverty and discuss UN reforms.

Three high-level sessions on development issues are expected to be held this year, including a high-level UN meeting for the Millennium Development Goals , which will be held on Thursday.

Representatives from some 150 countries, including more than 90heads of state or government, are expected to attend the MDGs summit, which will be convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with the aim to generate further actions to realize the MDGs by 2015.

Source:Xinhua