The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) wrapped up on Monday, with artificial intelligence, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the US-Israel war on Iran taking center stage in addresses by global leaders.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his final speech before the end of his term, warning that the world faces four critical tests: AI, climate change, wars, and inequality. “Across all four tests, the decisive issue is power,” Guterres stated. “Power over force, money, energy, technology, rules and the future. That is why the UN Charter – and the work of the United Nations – matter more than ever.”
Palestine and Gaza Reconstruction
The situation in Palestine remained a focal point, with leaders addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and escalating violence in the occupied West Bank. Leaders from France, Canada, Iraq, and the UK called for Palestinian sovereignty. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the international community’s inaction, stating, “What credibility do we have if we continue to remain inactive in the face of Gaza?” He added that the so-called ceasefire had not reopened humanitarian routes.
Macron, along with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, chaired a meeting on Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, the US-led Board of Peace unveiled a $2.4 billion reconstruction blueprint for Gaza, comprising 66 projects. However, the plan explicitly excludes UNRWA, a decision criticized by Palestinian analysts as an effort to marginalize the agency.
Dozens of delegates walked out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address, in which he vowed continued military operations against Hamas and Iran.
Trump Defends Military and Energy Policies
US President Donald Trump used his speech to defend his administration’s foreign policy, particularly regarding Venezuela and Iran. He claimed credit for the abduction of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and highlighted a historic oil deal involving 65 billion barrels, asserting it would lower global energy costs. “To the victor belong the spoils,” Trump said.
On Iran, Trump reiterated that the US would never allow Tehran to possess nuclear weapons, citing the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program during the July 2025 conflict and the sinking of 159 Iranian naval vessels. He posed a choice between striking a deal post-election or annihilating the Islamic Republic.
Iran’s Stance and Diplomatic Engagements
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that his country had only acted in self-defense against attacks that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, scientists, and civilians. “We are not terrorists,” Pezeshkian declared, adding that Iran would not relinquish its right to peaceful nuclear technology.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held extensive sideline talks, including a four-hour meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, mediated by Qatar.
AI Governance Debates
Leaders also addressed the rapid advancement of AI. Finnish President Alexander Stubb described AI as the most consequential technology in human history, advocating for international cooperation. While Guterres and the EU pushed for global safety standards, Trump argued against international regulation, insisting the US should maintain control over its AI sector.
China’s Representation
Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the UNGA despite being in the US for talks with Trump. Vice President Han Zheng attended in his place, reiterating China’s support for Palestinian self-governance and the two-state solution. Han also called for a “people-centred” approach to AI development to bridge the digital divide.
The AI debate is fascinating. Guterres wants strict global standards, but Trump insists on maintaining US control. This split worries me.
Trump claiming credit for lower energy costs seems bold. I wonder how many people actually trust that narrative to be true.
I cannot believe delegates walked out during Netanyahu’s speech. That speaks volumes about the current global mood and sentiment.
It is wild that the US plan explicitly excludes UNRWA. Does anyone think this is actually going to help Palestinians rebuild?
Macron’s critique really hit home. The world has been far too quiet while Gaza suffers so much devastation.