How does the UN General Assembly operate in terms of voting?

The United Nations General Assembly operates on the principle of "one state, one vote," meaning that each of the 193 member states has an equal vote regardless of its size or population. For most decisions, a simple majority is sufficient for passage. However, for significant matters such as the admission of new members, budgetary concerns, and other critical issues, a two-thirds majority is required. This requirement helps ensure that such important decisions represent a broader consensus among member states, taking into account both the need for inclusivity and the potential implications of these decisions on international relations and global policies.

The two-thirds majority standard underscores the General Assembly's commitment to multilateralism and collaborative decision-making, ensuring that a substantial number of member states agree on pivotal issues before moving forward. This threshold is carefully designed to foster cooperation and thorough deliberation on matters that could profoundly influence the UN's effectiveness and the global community's response to challenges.