A large number of world leaders have gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the high level segment of the General Assembly’s annual General Debate beginning later tonight. Global issues ranging from climate change, poverty and sustainable development to terrorism, human rights and humanitarian crises are high on the agenda. Situation in Libya, the Palestinian statehood application for UN Membership, impact of economic slow down, reforms in the UN Security Council and controlling non-communicable diseases are expected to be the focus of debate. More than 120 heads of State or government are slated to speak with the theme of this year’s General Debate being the role of mediation in the settlement of disputes. The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the assembly on Saturday. Representatives of all 193 UN Member States, as well as the Holy See and Palestine, will also address the Assembly. This includes the newest UN Member State – South Sudan. Our correspondent covering the UN General Assembly reports from New York that a huge contingent of journalists have come from across the globe to cover the event.