UN General Assembly kicks off 71st session

Peter Thomson, president of the 71st session of United Nations General Assembly speaks during a media stakeout after the opening of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York, Sept 13, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

"We must seize the months ahead to garner from him all the broad wisdom and venerable experience he can pass onto us this year," Thomson said. "I look forward very much to working closely with our secretary-general and his team between now and year's end."

The president said that he "will be available at all times to assist the incoming secretary-general settle into her or his responsibilities of office."

"On Jan. 1, 2017, the 71st session will welcome the ninth secretary-general into these halls and conference rooms," Ban said. "Mr. President, you will serve as a bridge between my administration and the next, as you said in your acceptance speech."

"You will have my full support, and that of my team, in ensuring a seamless transition," said the secretary-general.

"The Assembly will be called upon to address many threats, and to show its solidarity with people facing injustice," Ban said. "People also look to this body not just to react to problems, but to work proactively and preventively to better the human condition."