Held at the beginning of each session of the UN General Assembly, the General Debate invites world leaders to deliver a statement on global issues. Chinese President Xi Jinping is addressing the meeting via video link. The theme for the 75th General Debate is "The future we want, the United Nations we need: Reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism – confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action."

Founded in 1945 after World War II, the UN currently has 193 member states and plays an important role in maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, promoting sustainable development and upholding international law.