World Leaders Gather for 80th U.N. General Assembly Amid Global Crises

NEW YORK, United States — World leaders are convening at the United Nations Headquarters for the 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA80), starting on September 18, 2025. This year’s gathering is significant, not only marking the U.N.’s 80th anniversary but also addressing urgent global crises, including wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

The general debate will kick off on September 23, where representatives from 193 U.N. member states, along with two observer delegations, will present their priorities. Brazil will traditionally take the podium first, followed by the United States, which hosts the assembly. The session will be presided over by Annalena Baerbock, the first female President of the General Assembly in 20 years.

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the two-state solution for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is now “farther than ever before.” With over 65,000 people in Gaza facing dire humanitarian challenges, an international conference will be held on September 22 to discuss negotiations on this critical issue.

On September 24, a climate summit will focus on national climate action plans, as concerns around global warming escalate. Leaders will be urged to adopt measures aimed at limiting temperature rise to below the agreed threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

A significant topic this year is artificial intelligence (AI). On September 25, discussions will address the need for a framework to govern AI internationally, as its rapid expansion raises issues about equity and human rights.

Despite the celebratory milestone, the U.N. faces criticism over its functioning and funding challenges, particularly from the United States. Many diplomats express concern about the U.N. acting as a platform for meaningful dialogue in a divided political landscape.

As this high-level week unfolds, Secretary-General Guterres emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “This cannot be about scoring points—it must be about solving problems,” he said, highlighting the gravity of the issues at hand.