United Nations, Sept 21:
World leaders are gathering in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly amid continuing conflicts, growing economic pressures, climate-related disasters and concerns over the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
More than 130 heads of state and government are expected to participate in the high-level session, which begins this week. The agenda includes the wars in Iran, Gaza and Ukraine, along with conflicts and humanitarian crises in Sudan, Congo and Myanmar. Climate change, global inequality and rising costs linked to disruptions in shipping and supply chains are also expected to feature prominently.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to press member states for greater international cooperation. Reform of the UN and the Security Council, regulation and governance of artificial intelligence and measures to address climate change are among the broader issues before the gathering.
US President Donald Trump is among the leaders attending the General Assembly. French President Emmanuel Macron and several other leaders are also expected in New York. The absence of some major leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is also being noted as the assembly opens.