Nearly 130 world leaders have converged in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level debate, with discussions expected to focus on major global conflicts and technological advancements. This year’s agenda is dominated by pressing issues such as the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as the implications of artificial intelligence and the evolving pressures on the international system.
U.S. President Donald Trump is among the notable attendees, scheduled to deliver a speech and engage in bilateral meetings with leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is a key topic, with French President Emmanuel Macron revealing that he has discussed potential strategies, including a temporary cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, with Trump. Macron emphasized the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and intends to address these issues further with President Zelenskyy.
The situation in Gaza is also anticipated to be a significant topic of discussion during the assembly. Efforts to achieve a two-state solution and establish a permanent ceasefire are expected to be prioritized, with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin participating in related discussions.
Additionally, Iran’s participation in the assembly is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who aims to articulate Iran’s positions and defend its national interests. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the United States remains open to dialogue with the Iranian delegation, although no specific meetings have been set. Rubio reiterated the U.S. objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.