New York will become the centre of global diplomacy from Monday as heads of state and government gather at the United Nations for the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the General Assembly, against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts and mounting pressure on the multilateral system.
The 81st session is being held under the presidency of Bangladesh's Khalilur Rahman and under the theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A UN that delivers for all.” Leaders are scheduled to address the General Assembly from 22 to 28 September.
Major international crises are expected to dominate the agenda, with particular focus on Iran and the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, the Palestinian issue and Sudan. Discussions will also cover climate change, artificial intelligence governance, pandemic preparedness and the future reform of the United Nations.
This year's General Assembly carries added significance as it is the last to be held during the tenure of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will leave office at the end of 2026. The process to select his successor is already under way.
Trump returns to the General Assembly podium
Particular attention is expected to focus on US President Donald Trump, who is due to address the General Assembly on the morning of 22 September. Under the established speaking order, Brazil will speak first, followed by the United States as host country of the United Nations headquarters.
According to the US administration, Trump is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings in New York with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. He is also expected to meet the leaders of the six Gulf Cooperation Council states: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
The US president will also host a reception for leaders attending the gathering, on the sidelines of which a brief meeting is planned with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is also expected to attend in person, as Kyiv seeks to keep the war with Russia and efforts towards a diplomatic solution high on the international agenda. Zelenskiy is expected to use his visit for a series of bilateral meetings and to promote Ukraine's positions on security, the course of the war and the conditions for a potential peace process.
Russia is expected to be represented at the General Assembly by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The Trump administration has decided for a second consecutive year not to allow Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to travel to New York. Washington has expanded visa restrictions on officials of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation, citing, among other reasons, efforts by the Palestinian leadership to “internationalise” the conflict through actions before international courts.
The Palestinian Authority rejects the US justification and argues that the decision undermines diplomatic efforts.
Following the visa refusal, the United Nations has made provisions for Abbas to participate remotely so that he can address the General Assembly without travelling to New York.
In contrast, the United States has authorised the travel of the Iranian delegation to New York. The delegation includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Washington cited its obligations as host of the United Nations headquarters, although the Iranian delegation will be smaller than in previous years and subject to strict restrictions. Iranian officials will effectively be limited to travel between the UN headquarters, Iran's permanent mission, the residence of Iran's permanent representative and JFK Airport. Restrictions have also been imposed on the purchase of luxury goods.
Tight security across New York
High-Level Week is one of the largest and most complex security operations carried out annually in New York City.
From 20 September, thousands of police officers are being deployed around UN headquarters and across other parts of the city, supported by heavily armed units, counter-terrorism teams, K-9 units, bomb disposal squads, aerial assets and specialised anti-drone teams.
The operation is being conducted jointly by the New York Police Department, the US Secret Service, the FBI, the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service and other federal and local agencies.
A temporary flight restriction within a two-nautical-mile radius of UN headquarters, including a ban on unauthorised drones, will remain in force from 20 to 26 September.
Authorities are also preparing for extensive rolling road closures, traffic restrictions and hundreds of motorcades carrying foreign delegations.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said there is currently no specific or credible threat against the General Assembly or New York City.
Alongside the major geopolitical issues, the week will include a series of thematic high-level meetings. Events on 23 September will focus on the right to development and climate action and a just transition. A high-level meeting on sea-level rise is scheduled for 24 September, while a meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response will take place on 25 September.
A meeting marking the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is scheduled for 28 September.
Source: CNA
