UN General Assembly: Who is Attending, and What’s on the Agenda?
By Snehil Singh | Sep 23, 2025 | 2:29 PM
World leaders have gathered in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. The debate of the 80th session will open on Tuesday, continue through Saturday, and conclude on Monday, September 29.
Traditionally, Brazil will speak first, followed by the United States as the host country. This custom has been maintained since 1955, when Brazil offered to speak first at the 10th General Assembly.
Discussion Points: Assembly to Focus on Global Tensions
The assembly is expected to focus on several pressing global issues, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the UNGA on the first day, Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will also speak later in the week.
Representation: Major Powers Sending Trusted Delegations
Several major powers are sending senior representatives to the assembly, although some top leaders will be absent. Russian President Vladimir Putin will miss the gathering for another consecutive year, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov leading Moscow’s delegation.
China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang rather than President Xi Jinping. Similarly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to represent the country.
Bilateral Talks: Strengthening Strategic Cooperation
On Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to discuss enhancing strategic cooperation between their countries across multiple sectors including trade, defense, energy, and critical minerals.
Additionally, Jaishankar met with EU foreign ministers at an informal meeting in New York. The discussions included topics such as multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as energy and trade.
New Attendees: Syria, Iran, and Qatar’s Significant Presence
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa will address the assembly, marking the first time a Syrian head of state has done so since 1967.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will also attend following Tehran’s announcement to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency over UN Security Council sanctions.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will be present as well, highlighting the diverse participation at this year’s session.
Theme Revealed: “Better Together”
The theme for this year’s assembly is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights.”
Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s former foreign minister and current president of the 80th session, framed the gathering as a critical moment for international cooperation. She emphasized the importance of preserving what the UN has achieved since 1945 and adapting it for future challenges with the rallying call: “Better Together!”
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