Every September, some of the world’s most powerful people gather under one roof not for a concert, award show, or sporting event, but to talk about the world’s future.
The United Nations General Assembly, commonly known as UNGA, took place in New York City as world leaders, diplomats, and representatives from 193 countries came together for the 81st session. The General Assembly opened on Sept. 8, while its General Debate began Sept. 22 and continued through Sept. 28. This year’s theme is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all,” with Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman serving as president of this year’s session.
While the General Assembly may seem like a distant event filled with diplomats and politicians, the topics discussed inside the United Nations headquarters can have a large impact far beyond the walls. Every member state has a place to participate in discussions about international issues, while heads of state and other representatives bring forward their countries’ priorities to the international community. This year’s meeting comes at a very complicated time.
Countries face wars and political conflicts, climate-related disasters, economic instability, humanitarian crises, and rapid developments in artificial intelligence. The General Assembly has featured speeches from major world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also delivered what is expected to be his final address to the General Assembly before his term ends Dec. 31, the Associated Press reported.
Beyond speeches, the week includes meetings focused on climate action, rising sea levels, pandemic preparedness and artificial intelligence. Business major James Taylor, 18, shared his thoughts on this year’s General Assembly, stating, “The General Assembly is important because it gives countries an opportunity to communicate directly, even when they disagree. It does not solve every problem, but it creates a space where diplomacy can happen.”
Protests have also become a major part of General Assembly week, bringing international tensions into New York’s streets. On Sept. 24, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the U.N. headquarters to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s appearance and Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza. Police arrested protesters after they blocked traffic and remained in the street after being told to leave. Reports varied on the exact number of arrests, with The New York Times initially reporting at least 100. Among those detained were actress Susan Sarandon, actress Hannah Einbinder, congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City Council member Chi Ossé. Dozens of international delegates also walked out during Netanyahu’s speech, Reuters reported.
Omar Gutierrez, 16, was unfamiliar with the conference and stated, “Before learning about UNGA, I mostly thought it was just a meeting where world leaders gave speeches. I didn’t know how many different issues were being discussed or how much those conversations could connect to things happening in everyday life.”
