World leaders gather in New York as UN General Assembly debate begins

The main event, the General Debate, begins today, Tuesday, September 22, with heads of state, heads of government and other senior representatives scheduled to address the General Assembly. The debate will continue through September 26 before resuming on September 28.

Nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend the high-level week in person, according to the United Nations. The theme of this year's General Assembly is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the General Assembly on the opening day. His speech comes as international attention remains focused on the conflict involving the United States and Iran, as well as wider security concerns in the Middle East.

Trump has also been holding diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the UN gathering. The annual General Assembly provides an opportunity for leaders to meet separately and discuss bilateral and international issues alongside the formal debate.

The gathering comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with the wars and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine remaining major issues for governments and international organisations.

Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature prominently during this year's high-level week, alongside climate change, sustainable development, health, peace and security and reforms to international institutions. The UN has identified AI governance as one of the areas requiring greater international cooperation.

The General Assembly brings together all 193 UN member states, giving each country an equal vote in the body, although the General Debate itself is primarily a platform for governments to present their positions on international issues.

The discussions in New York are therefore expected to provide a major diplomatic platform for governments to outline their positions on conflicts, global security, economic challenges and emerging technologies.

With nearly 130 national leaders attending in person, attention will also focus on bilateral meetings and negotiations taking place outside the main General Assembly chamber.

For now, the opening of the General Debate marks the beginning of several days of intensive diplomatic activity at the United Nations, as governments seek to address some of the most pressing international challenges.