The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is an institution, specifically one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), serving as its main deliberative, policymaking, and representative body. It was established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations to provide a forum for multilateral discussion on the full spectrum of international issues, fulfilling the UN's purpose to end "the scourge of war" and reaffirm "faith in fundamental human rights" after World War II. The first session convened on January 10, 1946, in London, with 51 countries represented.
The UNGA's powers, composition, functions, and procedures are set out in Chapter IV (Articles 9-22) of the UN Charter. It is unique because all 193 member states have equal representation and one vote, embodying a principle of democratic equality. The Assembly meets annually in regular sessions from September to December and thereafter as required. Its functions include discussing and making recommendations on international peace and security (Article 11), promoting international cooperation and the codification of international law (Article 13), and approving the UN budget (Article 17). Decisions on "important questions," such as the admission of new members or budgetary matters, require a two-thirds majority of members present and voting (Article 18).
The UNGA is closely connected to the other principal organs, particularly the UN Security Council (UNSC). The Assembly elects the non-permanent members of the UNSC and, upon the UNSC's recommendation, appoints the Secretary-General. While UNGA resolutions carry political weight, they are generally not binding on member states, unlike resolutions passed by the UNSC. A significant mechanism is the "Uniting for Peace" Resolution of 1950, which allows the UNGA to recommend collective action if the UNSC fails to exercise its primary responsibility for peace and security. Recently, the UNGA has been involved in the UN80 reform push, which, as of 2026, has led to a revised budget and a reduction in Secretariat staffing to streamline operations and align mandates with current global needs.