Yemen chosen to take front row seat at next UN General Assembly

Yemen has been chosen as the winner to take the first front row seat of the next UN General Assembly (UNGA), the world body announced on Thursday.

"Every year on the day the new President of the General Assembly is elected, the Secretary-General picks out of a box the name of the country that will sit in the first seat in the front row during the next General Assembly," the UN said in a post on X, adding that this year’s winner is Yemen.

The announcement drew praise online.

"Embrace the little moments of happiness," one social media user wrote on X.

"A true win for the people of Yemen and Palestine," another responded to the news.

Every year on the day the new President of the General Assembly is elected, the Secretary-General picks out of a box the name of country that will sit in the first seat in the front row during the next General Assembly.
This year's winner - Yemen! pic.twitter.com/WxkN2QPDXg

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) June 6, 2024

Philemon Yang of Cameroon was elected President of the upcoming UNGA session on Thursday.

The 79th session of the General Assembly will convene on 10 September, with the body’s high level general debate starting on 24 September.

The theme of the 79th session is “unity in diversity, for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for everyone everywhere”.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Yang, highlighting several challenges confronting the global community, urging everyone to not lose sight of the collective objective of a more peaceful and sustainable world.

"Conflicts continue to rage. Climate catastrophe is deepening. Poverty and inequality is rife. Mistrust and division are pulling people apart," he said.