81st United Nations General Assembly begins in New York

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly commenced on September 22, 2026, in New York, gathering over 130 heads of state and government to address a backdrop of global instability. Key participants include U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The summit focuses on the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the search for a new UN Secretary-General to succeed António Guterres, whose ten-year tenure ends this year.

Diplomatic efforts include high-level bilateral meetings, such as the discussion between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron regarding energy sector moratoriums and defense support for Kyiv. President Trump is expected to address the Assembly to outline his foreign policy, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program, maritime security, and institutional reform of the UN. The assembly's theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A UN that works for everyone," underscores the urgent need to address the deep crisis of confidence currently facing international institutions amid economic pressures and geopolitical tensions.