World leaders are assembling in New York this week for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, where debates are expected to be heavily shaped by the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
Unites States President Donald Trump is also expected to deliver a “major speech” on Tuesday, September 23, as the high-level general debate is scheduled to begin.
By convention, Brazil will deliver the opening speech, followed by the US as the host nation. The UN’s protocol office notes that this tradition dates back to the organisation’s early years when “no one wanted to speak first, but Brazil always offered to speak first.” Since the 10th session in 1955, Brazil has maintained this role, as per news agency ANI.
Key conflicts on the table
The UN assembly comes amid heightened global tensions. France and Saudi Arabia convened a meeting on Monday, September 22, pushing for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, despite opposition from the US and Israel.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for an end to hostilities by Israel on Gaza and asked for immediate resumption of humanitarian aid in the region.
Read more: France recognises Palestinian state at UN meeting to revive Mideast peace process
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was denied a US visa and is expected to address the gathering via video link, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to speak on Friday, September 26.
Ukraine is also slated to be discussed prominently. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in New York on September 22 to attend the debate and hold bilateral meetings.
Who are the major leaders skipping the meet?
Not all leaders will be present in person to attend the UNGA 2025 debate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will skip the meeting and will be represented by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.
Similarly, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will lead Moscow as Russian President Vladimir Putin will be absent for yet another year. China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang instead of President Xi Jinping.
Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on September 22 to discuss cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and critical minerals. He also joined European Union ministers in an informal dialogue on multilateralism, India-EU ties and global conflicts.
Trump to deliver ‘major speech’ at UNGA
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday, September 22, said Trump will deliver a “major speech” at the general debate, outlining his administration’s foreign policy priorities and claiming credit for “ending seven global wars and conflicts” within his eight month in the office, reported news agency PTI.
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He is also expected to reiterate his assertion that Washington mediated a ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan following hostilities during May 7-10.
New Delhi has consistently denied the claim, stating that the ceasefire followed bilateral talks after Pakistan Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) requested the cessation of armed conflict.
Trump is also expected to chair a multilateral meeting with leaders and officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan, with the crisis in Gaza high on the agenda, according Reuters.
Washington reportedly intends to propose a framework for peace, post-war governance and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces, potentially involving the deployment of Arab and Muslim troops to stabilise Gaza and financing for reconstruction.
You can 2025 Theme
The theme of United Nations General Assembly 2025 is ‘Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,’ which underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation.
President of the 80th session, Annalena Baerbock, emphasised the urgency to revitalising the UN “fit for the future and fit for purpose.” She also highlighted the UN’s contributions that the body has achieved since 1945.
Read more: US could hit entire International Criminal Court with sanctions soon
