New York, United States – As usual, the representative of Brazil delivers the first speech at every session of the United Nations General Assembly. What is the reason?
For many years, no country wanted to be the first speaker, so Brazil voluntarily stepped forward to play this role.
Since 1947, it has become established custom for speakers to be in this order: the Secretary-General, then Brazil, then the United States as the host country.
Only two exceptions in history
Brazil has only been able to deliver the first speech twice in the history of the General Assembly, and has delivered the second.
This is due to protocol circumstances or late arrival of the delegation:
- 38th session – 1983
- 39th session – 1984
He is usually the official representative of Brazil to the United Nations General Assembly:
- Foreign Minister in most sessions for decades.
- The president of the country in some sessions when there are major political messages.
How are speeches arranged?
The week beginning September 23 of each year marks the beginning of the international diplomatic season.
When the high-level general debate takes place, world leaders address the United Nations General Assembly.
The ranking of speakers, after the United States and Brazil, becomes based more on political factors.
The ranking depends on the level of representation – the importance of the speaker sent by that country – individual preferences and other factors, such as balance and geographical spread.
Hence, the list is built on a hierarchy, and priority is usually given to whoever arrives first.
Heads of state speak first, followed by deputy heads of state and crown princes, then heads of government and ministers, then heads of delegations of lower ranks.
Fidel Castro.. Longest speech
You give each leader 15 minutes to deliver their speech or address, but you usually break this rule, and many leaders speak longer than that.
If a president is late to attend, the order of his speech will be delayed.
One of the longest speeches delivered during the opening of the General Assembly was delivered by Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1960.
His speech lasted about 4 and a half hours.
As for the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, he spoke for more than an hour and a half in 2009.
