NEW YORK: World leaders will gather in New York City on Tuesday for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, an annual summit that comes at a time of heightened tensions and shifting diplomatic tides, Anadolu Agency reported.
Heads of state and government of member states will take to the podium of the Assembly Hall to elaborate on their priorities to a global audience. The General Debate opens Tuesday and is set to close on September 29. Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock becomes the fifth woman in history to preside over the General Assembly.
This year, the theme for the General Debate is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” Brazil will speak first, as has been customary since 1955, followed by the host country, the United States.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will represent Pakistan at the session and will participate in a meeting of selected Islamic leaders with U.S. President Donald Trump to exchange views on issues relating to regional and international peace and security. The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and senior UN officials to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Two non-member observer states—the Holy See and the State of Palestine—and an observer member, the European Union, have been granted the opportunity to address the Assembly. However, this year Washington refused to grant Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to travel to New York in person. The General Assembly recently adopted a resolution enabling Abbas to address its gathering of world leaders via video link.
Meanwhile, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will make his debut at this year’s Assembly in his first appearance before the UN after the U.S. granted him an entry visa. He will be the first Syrian leader at the Assembly since 1967.
Leaders are meeting amid growing global crises, including Gaza and Ukraine. Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 65,100 people since October 2023. Leaders are expected to highlight Israel’s violations of international law and UN resolutions, as well as the challenges in delivering humanitarian aid. Consultations are also expected on Sudan, climate change, and the advancement of women’s rights and security, Anadolu Agency reported.
