World Leaders Converged in New York as UN General Assembly Opened Its 80th Session

The United Nations General Assembly marked its 80th year this week with a full agenda and the familiar ritual of world leaders outlining their priorities on the global stage.

The annual General Debate began on 23 September in New York, following opening addresses by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Assembly President Annalena Baerbock. As tradition dictated, Brazil was the first country to speak, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva calling for greater international cooperation. He was followed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who set out Washington’s stance on global challenges.

The first day also included speeches from leaders of Indonesia, Turkey, Peru, Jordan, and South Korea. Each highlighted domestic achievements while also staking out positions on issues ranging from climate action to regional security.

Over the course of the week, more than 190 countries delivered statements. The European Union took its turn later in the programme, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew attention to Russia’s war. Observers noted that Syria and other conflict-affected states also used the forum to press their cases.

The debate was accompanied by a series of special commemorations. Delegates marked the UN’s 80th anniversary, reviewed progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, reflected on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing women’s conference, and debated the future of the Middle East peace process.

The session unfolded against a backdrop of mounting global uncertainty. Trade frictions, armed conflicts, and climate-related risks dominated the corridors as much as the speeches. While the General Debate once again served as a stage for set-piece diplomacy, it also offered a window into shifting alliances and emerging priorities.

What resonated most across the week were recurring themes: the urgency of addressing climate change, the search for peace in ongoing conflicts, and the struggle to safeguard global economic stability. Many leaders voiced frustration at slow progress on reforming multilateral institutions, while others called for stronger partnerships with the Global South. Together, these strands underscored the reality that the 80th session of the General Assembly was not simply a ceremonial milestone but a reflection of a world grappling with profound and unresolved challenges.