Which division of the United Nations is called "the town meeting of the world"?

the International Court of Justice

the Security Council

the International Security Assistance Force

the General Assembly

The first General Assembly - held in London in 1946 following the establishment of the United Nations - saw 51 countries come together for a grand exchange of thoughts on international politics. Two world wars in four decades had left countries on both sides of the conflict in physical and financial ruin - and political leaders distrustful of each other. The world needed a change of discourse. This sentiment was reflected in the opening statement by Eduardo Zuleta Angel, Representative of Colombia and Chairman of the first session of the GA: "Determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war which, twice in our lifetime, has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and imbued with an abiding faith in freedom and justice, we have come to this British capital, which bears upon it the deep impress of a heroic majesty; to constitute the General Assembly of the United Nations and to make a genuine and sincere beginning with the application of the San Francisco Charter," he said.

Zuleta Angel called the GA "the town meeting of the world" and reiterated that this was a place where nations would be able to make their voices heard "in as free and democratic an atmosphere as that which prevailed at San Francisco and London."70 years later, the GA has grown into one of the most important platforms for world leaders to debate on global questions on peace and security, development, and international political cooperation. But while the fundamental idea of a global town hall meeting remains, much has changed in its organization and execution in the past 7 decades.