World Leaders Gather At UN Amid Wars, Crises, And Growing Global Tensions

As the United Nations marks its 80th year, world leaders from approximately 150 member states are gathering in New York for the General Assembly's high-level week, commencing Monday amid unprecedented global volatility. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the environment as "turbulent—even uncharted—waters," citing escalating wars in Gaza and Ukraine, climate change, technological advancements outpacing regulations, and widening inequalities. The UN itself faces a crisis, with strained international cooperation and severe funding cuts, including a 15% reduction in its 2026 operating budget to $3.2 billion and a 19% staff cut, largely due to U.S. withholdings. Guterres aims to leverage over 150 bilateral meetings to foster dialogue, urging leaders to prioritise solutions over "posturing and promises" on conflicts, AI governance, climate action, and the lagging 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, such as eradicating poverty and ensuring universal education.

The Gaza conflict dominates discussions, following Israel's recent offensive in Gaza City and a UN-commissioned report accusing Israel of genocide—a claim Israel dismissed as "distorted and false". Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour called Palestine the "huge elephant" in the session. A high-level meeting on Monday, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, focuses on a two-state solution, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressing via video after the U.S. denied his visa. The General Assembly recently voted overwhelmingly to support this resolution, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection of a Palestinian state. More than 145 countries recognise Palestine, with 10 additional recognitions expected. A Security Council meeting on Gaza is anticipated Tuesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump's first appearance in his second term on Tuesday, following Guterres' "state of the world" address, is anticipated to address tariffs, relations with Russia and China, and his claimed international achievements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend in person, with a Security Council session on Ukraine scheduled. Other debuts include interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, amid UN sanctions tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, set to potentially "snap back" by September 27 unless delayed.

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Additional agendas include climate change, Sudan's displacement crisis, Somalia's Al-Shabab threats, Haiti's gang violence, and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Women's Conference, where gender equality goals remain distant—estimated to be 300 years away. UN reforms for 2025 responsiveness are a priority, though experts like Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group foresee a "difficult period" for the organisation, predicting it will "muddle through" despite diminished influence on peace issues.

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