The UN headquarters in New York. Bloomberg
The UN headquarters in New York. Bloomberg
The UN headquarters in New York. Bloomberg
The UN headquarters in New York. Bloomberg

UN General Assembly gets under way in New York


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Follow our full coverage of the UN General Assembly

Global leaders are gathering in New York on Tuesday for the start of the UN General Assembly's general debate, the world body's highest-profile event where monarchs, presidents and prime ministers outline their visions for the future.

The theme of this year’s get-together is centred on "rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity", but it comes at a moment of international crises stemming from conflict, climate change and economic inequality.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who recently warned of geopolitical tensions and deepening divides, begins proceedings with his annual state of the world report.

In keeping with tradition, his speech will be followed by remarks from Brazil’s President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and US President Joe Biden.

Mr Biden is the only leader from the UN Security Council's five permanent members to attend the UNGA this year. The leaders of Russia, China, Britain and France are staying away for various reasons.

He is expected to use his speech to galvanise support for fighting climate change, marshal resources for sustainable development and strengthen support for Ukraine.

“The President will absolutely reaffirm our commitment to the values of the [UN] charter,” a senior Biden administration official told reporters.

“And that includes sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine, so that will be featured in the speech."

Mr Biden is also expected to highlight his foreign policy achievements, in what will be his third address to the General Assembly.

While in New York, he is expected to meet Mr Guterres, Mr da Silva and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

US President Joe Biden addresses the 77th session of the UN General Assembly on September 21, 2022. AP
US President Joe Biden addresses the 77th session of the UN General Assembly on September 21, 2022. AP
What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.

It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.

There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.

In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.

In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.

It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Normal People

Sally Rooney, Faber & Faber
 

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
The Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets

Sui Dhaaga: Made in India

Director: Sharat Katariya

Starring: Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, Raghubir Yadav

3.5/5

The Farewell

Director: Lulu Wang

Stars: Awkwafina, Zhao Shuzhen, Diana Lin, Tzi Ma

Four stars

Biography

Favourite drink: Must have karak chai and Chinese tea every day

Favourite non-Chinese food: Arabic sweets and Indian puri, small round bread of wheat flour

Favourite Chinese dish: Spicy boiled fish or anything cooked by her mother because of its flavour

Best vacation: Returning home to China

Music interests: Enjoys playing the zheng, a string musical instrument

Enjoys reading: Chinese novels, romantic comedies, reading up on business trends, government policy changes

Favourite book: Chairman Mao Zedong’s poems

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

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Schedule
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The biog

Fast facts on Neil Armstrong’s personal life:

  • Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio
  • He earned his private pilot’s license when he was 16 – he could fly before he could drive
  • There was tragedy in his married life: Neil and Janet Armstrong’s daughter Karen died at the age of two in 1962 after suffering a brain tumour. She was the couple’s only daughter. Their two sons, Rick and Mark, consulted on the film
  • After Armstrong departed Nasa, he bought a farm in the town of Lebanon, Ohio, in 1971 – its airstrip allowed him to tap back into his love of flying
  • In 1994, Janet divorced Neil after 38 years of marriage. Two years earlier, Neil met Carol Knight, who became his second wife in 1994 
Red Joan

Director: Trevor Nunn

Starring: Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson, Tereza Srbova

Rating: 3/5 stars

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Updated: September 19, 2023, 9:43 AM