We are back today with a jam-packed menu, lunch included. We’ll be taking you right into the:

• UNGA 78’s General Debate, where world leaders take the stage

• First ever Climate Ambition Summit

• High-level meetings on how the world will put their money where their mouth is and will prep for future pandemics

• UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine at 11 am, with live coverage

Tune in on Wednesday, when UN Secretary-General António Guterres convenes the Climate Ambition Summit, calling on leaders from Governments, business, cities and regions, civil society, and financial institutions to step up to tackle one of today’s most pressing challenges.

Here’s what you need to know.

President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi of the Islamic Republic of Iran is escorted by UN protocol to the podium. In his speech, he stated: "The Islamic Republic extends a warm welcome to any hand that is extended in friendship, firmly believing that an independent and robust neighbourhood represents an opportunity for the entire region. We will welcome any extended hand quite warmly."

#ICYMI: UN Video has got you covered with what went on at the UN today

It is the first action word of the UN Charter: “We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war…” And this year, it is also the slogan of the Secretary-General's report on the work of the Organization. Opening the week-long General Debate, António Guterres presented the report on the Organization, which highlights inspiring examples of the impact of the UN work across the globe, based on the determination and belief that a better world is not only necessary, but within our grasp.

#YoungPeople must find their voice and use it!@UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador @AshleyJudd tells UN News why she speaks up for #WomensRights #UNGA

Listen to the interview: https://t.co/JXlJBPhDoj pic.twitter.com/A4yBf5GFNF

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 19, 2023

His Excellency Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, Constitutional President of Bolivia, tells the UN General Assembly that "Due to the prevailing system we have exceeded six of the nine planetary limits within which humanity and Mother Earth, as a whole, need to be able to live and continue prospering". Find out more about how the UN promotes harmony with nature and the restoration of Mother Earth.

Peter Thomson (left), UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean: "We don't exist without a healthy ocean. My mantra is no healthy planet, no healthy ocean."

The UN High Seas Treaty, a historic legally binding agreement for marine biodiversity, was adopted on June 19, 2023, after nearly two decades of intense negotiations aimed at fostering a unified approach to conservation and sustainability in the high seas beyond national borders. This groundbreaking treaty will be open for signature starting tomorrow, on 20 September.

Find out why this treaty is critical for the world.

The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told world leaders in the GA Hall: "The leaders gathered here are responsible for the fate and future of humankind. Yet, as we approach the UN’s 80th anniversary, we have come almost full circle to the Organization’s point of departure."

The K-9 unit is always on the job.

"Our guys always step up to the plate and get the job done" – Lt. Meza

Lt. Henry Meza talks to @UN_News_Centre about the K-9 Unit preparation ahead of #UNGA @UNDSS pic.twitter.com/vU0rkx7pQ6

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 19, 2023

Her Excellency Katalin Novák, President of Hungary, expressed her country's solidarity with Ukraine. As proud and active members of the United Nations she reiterated that Hungary "knows how precious freedom is and how painful it is to be deprived of it" - "there is no alternative to peace" and "war is never a solution".

Veronique Vandegans, a UN French interpreter, invites us to an interpretation booth, the place where they work at the General Assembly. Get to know this strategic place by numbers right here!

1. Very small place with 2-3 seats.
2. Interpreters work in teams of 2 or 3 for 3-hour shifts. They take turns every 20-30 minutes. For the General Debate, there are morning, afternoon, evening and night teams.
3. Panoramic view helps them to see not just the speaker, but the audience and how they react.
4. They have lights, but they usually do not turn them on. They prefer the semidarkness so they can see the room better. Besides, “the best interpreter is the one who is not noticed; the more invisible you are, the better,” says Veronique.
5. Screen just with the face of the speaker: Helps to get additional visual information, especially by following the person so much closer to the point of being able to read lips and leverage their emotion and passion.
6. Documents: When they get the statement in advance (which is not always the case) they need to check against delivery. Last-minute changes happen.

Slovenia President Natasa Pirc Musar, reflected on the rise of disinformation: "Mr. Secretary General is to the point in referring to the proliferation of hate and lies in the digital space as grave global harm. Big tech companies should take more systematic responsibility for the content they host and moderate. They should better protect users from hate speech, disinformation, and other harmful online content".

"Global governance is stuck in time. Look no further than United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods system. They reflect the political and economic realities of 1945, when many countries in this Assembly Hall were still under colonial domination. The world has changed. Our institutions have not."—UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Where are all the women? Last year there were far more men leaders; so far this year doesn't look much better.

Members of the Brazilian delegation in the GA Hall smile for the camera.

Twelve different young reporters are in New York thanks to the Reham al-Farra (RAF) fellows programme, named for a 29-year-old Jordanian UN staffer who was killed in the 19 August 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. Aminata Sangyan, a Gambian journalist, explains how journalism can drive change.

Lots of suits at the UN these days but one of the biggest game-changers is a gamer! Meet the guy who plays Minecraft for the United Nations. “It’s the best job in the world,” he says.

No special perks in midtown: Just outside the bubble of HQ, Heads of State, their delegations and the Secret Service have to wait for the light to change before crossing the road.