Germany's Baerbock assumes the role of President of the United Nations General Assembly

Baerbock commences duties as President of the United Nations General Assembly - Baerbock assumes presidency in the United Nations General Assembly

New German Leader Takes the Helm at the UN

Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock officially assumed the role of President of the United Nations General Assembly today in New York. Baerbock, who was elected to the position in June with an overwhelming majority, takes over from her predecessor Philemon Yang, the former Prime Minister of Cameroon.

Baerbock's arrival in New York was announced via a series of Instagram videos, one of which was styled in the "Sex and the City" manner. In another video, she was seen getting coffee and a bagel and humorously poking fun at her German accent in English.

The official farewell for Yang and swearing-in ceremony for Baerbock will take place at a meeting scheduled for 17:00 CEST. The top position is primarily of protocol significance and should not be confused with the role of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The UN General Assembly President's role primarily involves chairing sessions, determining procedures, and setting agenda items, including the upcoming General Debate of the UN General Assembly with heads of state from around the world.

Baerbock begins her new role in challenging times and under significant political and financial pressure. She has pledged to drive reforms and use the resources of the General Assembly as efficiently as possible. Her term as UN General Assembly President lasts for one year.

Baerbock has named achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, combating the climate crisis, and promoting gender equality as her priorities for her term. The decisions of the General Assembly often have more symbolic value and serve as a global barometer of opinion.

Baerbock is the fifth woman to hold this position. After the ceremony, she will take questions from journalists. Following the event, she will delve into the challenging tasks ahead, aiming to make a significant impact during her tenure.