UNITED NATIONS - Nuclear weapons, refugees fleeing violence, terrorism and reform were the universal concerns expressed by speakers cutting across borders as the 72nd General Debate of the UN General Assembly kicked off at the UN headquarters Tuesday.
The week-long annual session gives priority to development. This year's general debate is around the theme "Focusing on people."
Some 90 heads of state, including a reigning monarch, more than 30 heads of government, four vice presidents, three deputy prime ministers and scores of ministers are scheduled to speak before the assembly by next Monday, UN officials said.
Listing rising insecurity, inequality and conflict, and the changing climate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "Our world is in trouble. People are hurting and angry."
He said the sense of global community was disintegrating, with societies fragmented and political discourse polarizing.

"Trust within and among countries is being driven down by those who demonize and divide," the UN chief said in his annual report. (Xinhua)