Kathmandu: World leaders have converged at the United Nations Headquarters in New York this week for the opening of the 80th session of the General Assembly (UNGA80), marking one of the most consequential annual gatherings in recent memory.
According to the United Nations, representatives from all 193 UN Member States, along with two Observer delegations, are set to address the general debate in the Assembly Hall beginning on 23 September. As tradition dictates, Brazil will open the debate, followed by the United States as host country. The debate will be presided over by Annalena Baerbock, only the fifth woman to hold the presidency in the UN’s 80-year history, under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”
A series of high-level meetings are also scheduled to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges. On 22 September, leaders will gather for an international conference on the stalled Two-State solution, described by the UN Secretary-General as “farther than ever before.” The talks follow the devastating Gaza conflict that began in 2023, which has claimed over 65,000 lives.
The same day will also see a high-level session marking 30 years of the Beijing Declaration, the landmark 1995 blueprint for gender equality. Discussions under the Beijing+30 Action Agenda will focus on women’s empowerment through digital transformation, poverty eradication, climate justice, and equal decision-making.
Climate action will dominate on 24 September with a summit to assess progress toward limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Leaders are expected to present updated national climate action plans ahead of COP30 in Brazil this November. “This is our moment of opportunity,” Secretary-General António Guterres said, urging collective efforts in mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
On 25 September, attention will turn to Artificial Intelligence. With no global governance mechanism currently in place, leaders will discuss a framework for inclusive and accountable AI oversight. While AI holds transformative potential, Mr. Guterres warned that “without adequate guardrails, AI could further exacerbate inequalities and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.”
UNGA80, coinciding with the UN’s 80th anniversary, offers what the Secretary-General called a vital moment “to reflect, recommit, and reimagine our shared future” in the face of war, climate change, inequality, and technological upheaval.
(Source: United Nations News, 18 September 2025)
