Leadership Positions in the GA
Leadership Positions in the GA
President of the General Assembly (PGA)
The PGA is the guardian of the GA Rules of Procedure. However, they does not participate in actual GA decision-making. The PGA opens and closes each GA plenary meeting, rules on points of order, and presides over discussions in plenary meetings. In addition, the PGA organizes thematic debates and plays an important role in raising the GA’s public visibility.
Vice Presidents (VPs) of the GA
When the PGA is absent, a VP fulfils the role of Acting President. The Acting President has the same powers and duties as the PGA and remains under the GA’s authority. An Acting President does not vote. If needed, the Acting President has to designate another delegation member to vote in their place. The PGA frequently tasks VPs with facilitating complex negotiations. In this capacity, the VPs will conduct consultations on a specific assignment. They will also chair informal plenary meetings with ambassadors and experts. While the GA elects 21 VPs, the number can be adjusted to conference size.
Chair of a GA Main Committee
The Chair declares the opening and closing of Committee meetings. In these meetings, they:
- Direct the discussions
- Makes sure that the rules are observed
- Grants the right to speak
- Put forward questions
- Announces decisions
The Chair has complete control of the proceedings at any meeting. They also has the responsibility of maintaining order at all times. Because the Chair represents the whole Committee, they cannot simultaneously represent one of the participating delegations.
Chairs are expected to cease operating as a member of their national delegation as long as they are acting as Chair and do not vote. If they are a delegation leader, then another member of that delegation must take over the role of speaking and voting on behalf of the delegation. The Chair should speak and act impartially on behalf of the Committee as a whole. They should not seek to promote any national or personal views.
There can be up to a maximum of six chairs. The number will depend on which GA Main Committees are included in the simulation.
Vice-Chairs
In the event that the Chair is not available for a meeting or any part of the meeting, the Vice-Chair shall take their place. While acting as Chair, the Vice-Chair shall have the same powers and duties as the Chair. While the GA elects eighteen vice-chairs, three per Committee, this number can be adjusted according to conference size.
Rapporteur
Although the UN Secretariat writes reports, the Rapporteur takes responsibility for reviewing the Secretary’s report on the Committee’s work at the end of each GA session. The Rapporteur also presents the Secretary’s report at the closing plenary meeting. Like the Chair and Vice-Chair, the Rapporteur is elected but sits alongside the Chair on the podium.
There can be up to a maximum of six rapporteurs. The number will depend on which GA Main Committees are included in the simulation.