Why Brazil Opens the UN General Assembly Before Other Countries
Every year, world leaders and government representatives gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly to discuss major international issues.
The high-level General Debate for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly began on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
One of the longstanding features of the event is Brazil’s position as the first country to address the General Debate.
Here are five things to know about the tradition.
1. Why does Brazil speak first?
Brazil has delivered the opening speech at the UN General Debate since 1947, making it a longstanding diplomatic tradition.
According to the United Nations, during the early years of the organisation, countries were reluctant to be the first to address the General Assembly. Brazil repeatedly volunteered to take the opening position, and the practice eventually became an established tradition.
The United States, as the host country of the United Nations headquarters in New York, traditionally speaks immediately after Brazil.
2. Is Brazil required to speak first?
No.
There is no formal United Nations rule requiring Brazil to open the General Debate.
Instead, the position developed through diplomatic practice and has continued over the decades. What began as Brazil volunteering to speak first eventually became an established feature of the annual UN General Assembly proceedings.
3. How is the speaking order determined for other countries?
After Brazil and the United States deliver their addresses, the speaking order is determined through a combination of factors.
Heads of state generally take precedence, followed by heads of government and other government representatives, including foreign ministers.
The United Nations also considers geographical balance, the order in which requests to speak were submitted and other relevant factors when determining the sequence of speakers.
4. How long can leaders speak?
Speakers are requested to limit their General Debate statements to 15 minutes.
However, in practice, government officials can speak for longer than the recommended time.
The General Debate provides countries with an opportunity to present their positions on international matters and highlight issues considered important to their governments.
5. Why does Brazil’s opening speech attract attention?
Brazil’s position at the beginning of the General Debate means its address comes before those of the other countries participating in the main high-level discussions.
With representatives from all 193 UN member states taking part, the General Debate is one of the world’s largest annual diplomatic gatherings.
The opening position therefore gives Brazil an early opportunity to present its priorities and address the international community at the start of the debate.
