Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will lead the Timor-Leste delegation to the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that will be in New York from 22- 27 September 2024. The Prime Minister is expected to speak at the General Assembly on 27 September.
The theme of the 79th Session of the UNGA is “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations”. Every year the meeting at UNGA brings together leaders from around the world and many side meetings and events are held, providing opportunities for countries to promote their interests and interact with other global leaders. 
On 22 September, Prime Minister Gusmão will join other Heads of State and Government and speak at the Summit of the Future This Summit is the first of its kind organised by the UN focussed on how the international system can better meet the needs of current and future generations.
On 23 September, Prime Minister Gusmão will participate in the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Leaders’ Summit. On this same day, the Prime Minister will officially launch the coffee table book ‘My Sea, My Timor’, containing stunning images of Timor-Leste’s vibrant and exciting marine life This launch will also highlight the country’s dedicated efforts towards conserving its marine environment and its plans for sustainable ocean management. The event will feature a special appearance by renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, who will share her insights and expertise.
On 24 September, Prime Minister Gusmão is scheduled to meet with the UN Secretary General, António Guterres who visited Timor-Leste last month and took part in the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Popular Consultation administered by the UN in 1999.
On 25 September, Prime Minister Gusmão will deliver a public lecture at Columbia University speaking on conflict and why peace is the precursor for sustainable development. On 26 September, the Prime Minister, who is also the Eminent Person of the g7+ will participate at the High-Level Summit on” Peace in the World and Peace in the g7+ countries – shared challenges and solutions”.
Prime Minister Gusmão will also participate in the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a high level event focusing on a key public health issue challenging the world today, as well as a high level side event discussing the existential threats posed by sea-level rise.
In addition to these high-level events, Prime Minister Gusmão is also expected to attend an official reception and associated bilateral meetings with heads of state and government on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.
The UN General Assembly is one of the six bodies that make up the UN and brings together the 193 member countries. The event is held annually at the UN headquarters in New York and is attended by heads of state, heads of government and diplomats from all over the world.
Since Timor-Leste’s admission as the 191st member of the UN in September 2002, the country has actively participated every year in the UN General Assembly, promoting its interests and contributing to global debates on peace, security and development issues.
The Timorese delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Health, Elia dos Reis Amaral, Vice-Minister of ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel and the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the UN, Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares and other official delegates.