<P> During the 1980s, the Assembly became a forum for the "North - South dialogue": the discussion of issues between industrialized nations and developing countries . These issues came to the fore because of the phenomenal growth and changing makeup of the UN membership . In 1945, the UN had 51 members . It now has 193, of which more than two - thirds are developing countries . Because of their numbers, developing countries are often able to determine the agenda of the Assembly (using coordinating groups like the G77), the character of its debates, and the nature of its decisions . For many developing countries, the UN is the source of much of their diplomatic influence and the principal outlet for their foreign relations initiatives . </P> <P> Although the resolutions passed by the General Assembly do not have the binding forces over the member nations (apart from budgetary measures), pursuant to its Uniting for Peace resolution of November 1950 (resolution 377 (V)), the Assembly may also take action if the Security Council fails to act, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member, in a case where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression . The Assembly can consider the matter immediately with a view to making recommendations to Members for collective measures to maintain or restore international peace and security . </P> <P> The first session of the UN General Assembly was convened on 10 January 1946 in the Methodist Central Hall in London and included representatives of 51 nations . The next few annual sessions were held in different cities: the second session in New York City, and the third in Paris . It moved to the permanent Headquarters of the United Nations in New York City at the start of its seventh regular annual session, on 14 October 1952 . In December 1988, in order to hear Yasser Arafat, the General Assembly organised its 29th session in the Palace of Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland . </P> <P> All 193 members states of the United Nations are members of the General Assembly . Further, the United Nations General Assembly may grant observer status to an international organization, entity or non-member state, which entitles the entity to participate in the work of the United Nations General Assembly, though with limitations . </P>

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