Major international crises are expected to dominate the agenda, with particular focus on Iran and the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, the Palestinian issue and Sudan.
United Nations
World leaders are gathering in New York for the United Nations General Assembly as wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, artificial intelligence and the future of global cooperation dominate the agenda.
Nearly 130 heads of state are expected to attend the diplomatic gathering, which begins amid growing pressure on the United Nations and uncertainty over its ability to respond to major international crises. US President Donald Trump is returning to the UN rostrum for a second year, while Washington’s reduced contributions and withdrawals from several UN bodies have added to concerns about the organization’s finances and influence.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the assembly, instead planning talks with Trump in Washington. His absence has added to questions about the UN’s role as major powers increasingly pursue direct bilateral diplomacy.
The UN Security Council could hold high-level discussions on Ukraine, artificial intelligence and the Middle East. The US has paid $725 million toward its regular UN budget this week, helping preserve its voting rights, but still owes more than $1.3 billion.
AI governance is another major issue. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for common safeguards to prevent uncontrolled technological competition, while Trump has publicly played down concerns about AI risks.
The Middle East is expected to receive particular attention as the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran continues, while Houthi attacks threaten shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Guterres’ term ends in 2026, adding a leadership transition to the assembly’s agenda as member states debate the organization’s future.
