The United Nations opens its 80th General Assembly session Tuesday, Sept. 23, with world leaders gathering in New York amid global crises. The annual debate, the diplomatic centerpiece of the UN calendar, runs through Sept. 29 under the theme: “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”
Leaders from 193 member states and two observer delegations will address the assembly, setting priorities for multilateral action. Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s former foreign minister, will preside, becoming only the fifth woman to lead the Assembly in its eight-decade history.
Though speeches are limited to 15 minutes, leaders are expected to confront a daunting agenda: ongoing wars, slipping climate targets, widening gender gaps, and the rise of artificial intelligence. Brazil speaks first, followed by the U.S. as host nation.
Palestine at Center Stage
The Palestinian issue is expected to dominate the opening week. On Sept. 21, Portugal announced it would formally recognize the State of Palestine, joining France, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. The move underscores growing international support despite opposition from Israel and the U.S.
Tensions rose further after Washington revoked visas for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and senior officials, barring them from New York. The General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to allow Abbas to deliver a prerecorded address. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour called the vote a “crystal clear position” and condemned the U.S. action as an “abuse of authority.”
Secretary-General António Guterres said the two-state solution is now “farther than ever before,” as Gaza struggles with nearly two years of war, tens of thousands of deaths, and ongoing hostage crises.
Anniversary debate set to spotlight Palestinian statehood, women’s rights, and the race to govern emerging technologies.
Beijing+30 and Gender Equality
UNGA80 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the landmark global framework for women’s rights. At a Sept. 22 Beijing+30 meeting, leaders are expected to confront what UN Women calls a “growing backlash” against women’s rights.
The new Beijing+30 Action Agenda calls for closing the digital gender divide, ending poverty and violence against women, securing equal decision-making power, and ensuring women’s participation in peace and climate processes.
Climate Emergency
On Sept. 24, countries will present updated Nationally Determined Contributions — the backbone of the Paris Agreement — ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Guterres warned that delay is costly. “Every fraction of a degree matters, and every choice we make today will echo for generations,” he said.
Governing Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence, once niche, is now a core topic. On Sept. 25, leaders will discuss a global framework for AI to address risks from misinformation, surveillance, job loss and inequality. Guterres urged action to ensure AI benefits all humanity.
A Test of Multilateralism
As the UN marks 80 years, the Assembly faces a test of relevance amid rising unilateralism. Baerbock said the challenge is to bridge divides and remind member states why the UN remains indispensable.
“The General Assembly is more than a stage for speeches,” she said. “It is where nations come together to reflect, recommit and reimagine our shared future.”
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