The concept and practice of the annual Treaty Events take root in the Secretary-General's Millennium report (A/54/2000) to the General Assembly where he stated the need to provide "special facilities for the Heads of States or Government to add their signatures to any treaty or convention of which the Secretary-General is the depositary". Ever since, all necessary facilities have been provided for the purpose during the General Debate of each session of the General Assembly, and the Heads of State or Government or Foreign Ministers or other duly authorised state representatives have made use of this unique opportunity to express support for the multilateral treaty framework and the rule of law. As envisioned years ago, the successive treaty events inspired a renewed enthusiasm for participation in these treaties by a growing majority of States. By signing multilateral conventions or depositing their instruments of ratification, accession or through other instruments establishing the consent to be bound, the Member States contribute significantly to the advancement of the rule of law in international relations and the cause of peace.
The Secretary-General's Letter to Heads of States and Government
List of Multilateral Treaties Highlighted at the 2019 Treaty Event