Why was the first Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly called?

The first Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly was called to discuss the Suez Canal Crisis, which erupted in late 1956 when Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal. This strategic waterway was crucial for trade and maritime navigation, particularly for European countries accessing oil supplies from the Middle East. The crisis triggered military intervention by the United Kingdom, France, and Israel, raising concerns about threats to international peace and security.

In response, the United Nations sought to address the situation through the General Assembly, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts through diplomacy rather than force. This session marked a significant moment in UN history as it illustrated the organization's role in addressing crises that could destabilize international relations.

The other options refer to significant historical events, but they do not pertain to the reason for convening the first Emergency Special Session. The Korean War occurred before this session; the Vietnam conflict escalated later in the 1960s; and while poverty is an important global issue, it was not the specific focus of this inaugural Emergency Special Session.