- The 193 UN Member States, elected a veteran diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago, Dennis Francis as the President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
- Francis, who has had a nearly 40-year-career, will take the helm of the UN’s main policy-making body, starting in September.
- He was elected by acclamation during a ceremony in the iconic General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in New York.
- The General Assembly consists of all 193 UN Member States, all of which have an equal vote.
- Its duties include appointing the Secretary-General, on the recommendation of the Security Council, and approving the Organisation’s annual budget. Francis said he would prioritise encouraging and facilitating meaningful dialogue.