Veteran Qatari diplomat Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, former permanent representative of Qatar to the United Nations who was elected General Assembly president in June, said in his opening speech that the 66th session of the General Assembly is an opportunity for the international community to " define our place in this decisive moment in history," and to " prove that we have the courage, wisdom and tenacity to seek creative and visionary solutions."

Al Nasser said he suggested the theme "The role of mediation in the settlement of disputes" for the General Debate slated from September 21 to September 27 this year when world leaders gather to discuss key global issues.

Al-Nasser defined in his opening remarks four main areas of focus for the session. The first was the need to settle disputes peacefully, a necessity he said has become "more relevant and urgent than ever."

The second topic of focus will be UN reform and revitalization to meet "current global challenges."

"The third priority area this session is improving disaster prevention and response," said Al-Nasser, pointing to what he called an "unprecedented surge" of disasters that have occurred in recent years.

He cited global warming and the shifting of tectonic plates. "To address these critical issues, we must enhance cooperation among various actors," he said.

Al-Nasser said that the fourth focus for the session will be "sustainable development and global prosperity," calling the coming year "vital for pushing forward the sustainable development agenda. "

During the 66th session, representatives from all over the world will travel to Rio de Janiero for Rio +20 meeting, where sustainable development will be evaluated, and progress will be mapped for going forward. The meeting will run from June 4-6, 2012.

He also urged world leaders to take "strong and urgent action for the protection of the global climate for present and future generations" at the 2011 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 17) to be held from November 28- Dec. 9.

The new president of the UN's most representative body said that he would do his utmost to find consensus and create a real impact.