Brazil’s president addressed the United Nations General Assembly first yesterday, followed by US President Donald Trump. The question is how the order of the two leaders’ speeches was determined, as it was based neither on alphabetical order nor on any geographical or political power criteria.
The system for determining speaking priorities at the UN General Assembly is extremely complex. According to the United Nations Office, Brazil has been delivering the first speech since 1955 simply because, in the early days, no country wanted to speak first. In that situation, Brazil consistently volunteered to take on the responsibility of delivering the opening address.
After that, since the United States is the host country, the US president has traditionally delivered the second speech. So far, the arrangement is straightforward, but the matter becomes more complicated afterward.
Several factors are involved in determining the order of speakers. It is considered which representative a country is sending. It is also taken into account when they requested a date to deliver their speech. In addition, geographical balance between speakers’ addresses is considered.
It is also ensured that, in the initial order, heads of state speak first, followed by heads of government and then vice presidents. Crown princes, foreign ministers and other deputy ministers are given their turn afterward.
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