World leaders address UN General Assembly debate

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Leaders of the world body and its member states are calling for cooperation and unity in addressing crises and challenges facing the world today.

At the opening of the General Assembly's general debate, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the world's most pressing challenges can only be dealt with countries uniting through the United Nations.

He says simultaneous crises on multiple fronts - food, energy, recession and pandemic flu - have shown the importance of renewed multilateralism.

General Assembly President Ali Treki told the panel that today's multiple challenges - including climate change, disarmament, extreme poverty, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic- demonstrate the need for greater international cooperation among the countries.

Speaking for the first time at the UN debate, Barack Obama says the United States has no interest in a go-it-alone stance and instead wants to act as an equal partner with others on the world stage.

Barack Obama, US President, said, "Responsibility and leadership in the 21st century demand more. In an era when our destiny is shared, power is no longer a zero-sum game."

Obama's speech was followed by Libyan leader Mommar Gaddafi's first UN appearance in 40 years.

With a copy of the UN Charter in hand, Gaddafi calls for equality of all UN member states and reform of the UN Security Council.

Representatives from all 192 members states, including around 140 heads of state and government are addressing the seven-day debate.

This year's theme is " effective responses to global crises, strengthening multilateralism and dialogue among civilizations for international peace, security and development."