The annual high-level debate of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) begins on Tuesday, September 22, as nearly 130 heads of state and government convene in New York. The general debate, a central feature of the session that commenced on September 8 under the presidency of Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman, will continue through the week.
Proceedings are scheduled from Tuesday, September 22, through Saturday, September 26, and resume on Monday, September 28. Sessions run twice daily, from 9am to 2:45pm and 3pm to 9pm local time, with no meetings held on Sundays. While speeches aim for a voluntary 15-minute limit, debates often extend as officials take turns at the podium.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will deliver his annual report and expected final address, followed by UNGA President Rahman. Brazil traditionally opens the country presentations, a custom dating back to 1955. The United States, as the host nation, typically follows; President Donald Trump is anticipated to speak on Tuesday morning around 9:45am local time. The European Union, the Holy See, and the State of Palestine are also invited to participate.
A notable development this year involves Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who will deliver a prerecorded address after the UN General Assembly voted to permit it. The US has denied visas to Palestinian officials for the second consecutive year, a move the UN describes as a violation of the Host Country Agreement requiring visa access for diplomats.
The agenda for the 81st session centers on “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” Key discussions will address climate action, sea level rise, pandemic preparedness, the declaration on the right to development, racism, and nuclear disarmament. Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, alongside artificial intelligence governance and funding challenges, are also expected to dominate remarks.
Diplomatic attention is increasingly focused on the race to succeed Guterres, whose term expires on December 31. Seven candidates remain, including Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, Ivonne Baki and Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Macky Sall of Senegal, and Olara Otunnu of Uganda. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet withdrew recently after receiving minimal support in Security Council straw polls. The Security Council must recommend a candidate without vetoes before the General Assembly makes a formal appointment.
The UNGA meets at the UN headquarters in Manhattan, a complex built between 1949 and 1952 that has hosted nearly all sessions since 1952. The organization now comprises 193 member states and two observer states, Palestine and the Holy See.
Another year of speeches, but will we actually see progress on climate action and nuclear disarmament this time around?
I did not realize Michelle Bachelet withdrew so recently. Her exit definitely shakes up the candidate lineup.
Guterres’ final address should set a strong tone for his successor. The succession race is getting quite competitive.
It is alarming that visa denials are affecting diplomatic participation. The UN must enforce its own agreements.