Al Jazeera · 2026-09-17
• What happened: Brazil has traditionally opened the United Nations General Debate for decades, with the United States following as the host country. • Why it matters: This longstanding tradition highlights Brazil's significant role in international diplomacy and sets the tone for the discussions that follow at the UNGA. • What to watch next: Observers should pay attention to any changes in the speaking order or new developments in the UNGA that may affect Brazil's position or influence.
Why does Brazil get to speak first at UNGA?
Brazil has opened the UN’s General Debate for decades, with the US traditionally second in line as the host country. Here’s how that tradition began and how the rest of the speaking order is decided. Al Jazeera’s Farah Samir explains.
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