This week marks the highly anticipated commencement of the U.N. General Assembly’s high-level segment, where global leaders converge to tackle the most urgent issues facing our world. Celebrating its 80th year, this gathering arrives at a challenging juncture for the organization, grappling with widespread conflicts and a significant internal budget shortfall. Nevertheless, it remains an unparalleled platform, drawing over 140 heads of state, top officials, and delegations to New York City for a week of intense diplomacy.
The cornerstone of the week is the General Debate, kicking off on Tuesday, where representatives from every member state will deliver their perspectives on a broad array of global concerns.
Beyond the central debate, several other significant events are poised to capture global attention:
- On Monday, the question of Palestinian statehood will dominate discussions at a conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. Following recent announcements from nations like Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal recognizing Palestinian statehood, France has also signaled its intent to do so. Additionally, the Security Council is scheduled for an urgent session to address the recent unauthorized entry of Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace.
- On Tuesday, expect critical meetings of the Security Council concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader Middle East security landscape (1 p.m. Eastern), followed by another session focused on the situation in Ukraine (4 p.m. Eastern).
- On Wednesday, world leaders will participate in a climate summit, presenting their latest commitments and exploring collective solutions to combat global climate change.
- On Thursday, the critical topic of artificial intelligence is slated for discussion among leaders.
This high-profile gathering also serves as a crucial platform for bilateral meetings. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has indicated his desire to meet with President Trump. There’s also speculation about a potential meeting between the Russian and U.S. foreign ministers, especially after recent diplomatic attempts to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine yielded limited results.
Below is a detailed, day-by-day overview of some of the key speakers and their anticipated remarks:
Tuesday, September 23
In a long-standing tradition, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will deliver the opening address from member states. His appearance follows a significant development back home: the sentencing of former President Jair Bolsonaro to over 27 years in prison for his role in a failed 2022 coup attempt. President Lula has publicly stated his refusal to yield to U.S. pressure, notably from Mr. Trump, to drop these charges.
President Trump is slated to speak second, representing the United States as per the host country’s convention. While his exact remarks remain unknown, he is expected to address the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine – two wars he has repeatedly vowed to resolve, though progress has been slow. Domestically, his administration’s escalating immigration policies and new tariffs aimed at safeguarding American industries, which have caused international concern, are also likely to be key talking points.
The Assembly will also hear from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alongside leaders from Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt. Tensions remain high in the region after an Israeli airstrike in Qatar earlier this month, targeting Hamas officials, sparked widespread condemnation from various Arab nations.
Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron will address the chamber, advocating for a diplomatic initiative aimed at securing recognition for Palestinian statehood as part of efforts to preserve a two-state solution with Israel.
In the afternoon, President Karol Nawrocki of Poland is scheduled to speak, a nation that has recently voiced strong concerns over incursions by Russian drones.
Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, will also take the podium. Her country is currently navigating significant pressure from President Trump regarding trade policies and collaborative efforts to combat drug cartels.
Wednesday, September 24
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to deliver an address, primarily focusing on Russia’s ongoing invasion. While Mr. Zelensky conveyed cautious optimism after his August meeting with President Trump, a direct encounter with Russian President Vladimir Putin remains out of reach, especially as Moscow intensifies its drone assaults.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is confirmed to attend, as announced by his political adviser on social media. His address will follow a war with Israel in June that significantly impacted Iran’s military leadership.
Wednesday will also mark the U.N. debut of Syria’s new President, Ahmed al-Shara, whose rebel alliance successfully overthrew the long-reigning Bashar al-Assad last December.
Thursday, September 25
Despite the Trump administration’s denial of visas to Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, and his delegation, the General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to allow Palestinian representatives to participate virtually, including a prerecorded statement from Mr. Abbas. Meanwhile, Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza City has exacerbated a severe humanitarian crisis, with rampant hunger across the enclave.
Prime Minister Kamil Idris of Sudan is also anticipated to speak on Thursday, amid a two-year-long civil war that continues to devastate his nation.
Friday, September 26
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to open Friday’s speeches. He confronts growing internal divisions with his military command over his Gaza war strategy, a conflict that has intensified his international isolation and fueled domestic political opposition.
Following Netanyahu, Premier Li Qiang of China, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, and India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, will address the assembly. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seen his once-close relationship with President Trump cool considerably in recent months.
A representative from Nepal might also speak, after recent violent protests led to the government’s collapse and the appointment of Sushila Karki, the nation’s first female chief justice, as interim prime minister. The attendance of the former prime minister had been planned, but the current delegate remains unconfirmed.
Saturday, September 27
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to speak on Saturday. He recently met with Mexico’s President Sheinbaum to develop a joint ‘action plan’ concerning President Trump’s tariffs. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, is also anticipated to address the assembly in the morning, with the Kremlin steadfast in its demand for ‘security guarantees’ before ceasing hostilities in Ukraine.
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yvan Gil, is scheduled to speak on Saturday, against the backdrop of a significant increase in U.S. naval presence near Venezuelan waters. U.S. rhetoric has intensified regarding drug cartel operations, marked by lethal strikes on suspected smuggler vessels and the designation of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a ‘terrorist-cartel leader.’ Maduro, in turn, has consistently accused the United States of attempts to destabilize his government.
Monday, September 29
The week will conclude with addresses from representatives of Afghanistan, a nation where the Taliban regained control four years prior, and South Sudan. The specific delegates for these countries remain to be confirmed.