World leaders are gathering in New York this week for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly as a series of crises — from the U.S.-Israeli confrontation with Iran and the war in Ukraine to turmoil in global energy markets — casts a shadow over the proceedings. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, artificial intelligence and climate change are also expected to figure prominently in the annual diplomatic gathering.
About 130 heads of state and government are expected to take part this year. The General Debate, when world leaders deliver their addresses to the assembly, begins Tuesday, Sept. 22, and runs through Sept. 28.
This year’s session is being held under the theme, “Renewing trust and managing transformation: Delivering for all.”
The meetings come as the United Nations confronts a series of wars and crises it has limited ability to influence. New York is expected to become a hub of bilateral and multilateral meetings this week, with governments seeking to chart paths through those crises outside the General Assembly chamber.