UN General Assembly: Who is attending, and what’s on agenda?

**UN General Assembly: Who is Attending, and What’s on the Agenda?**

*By Snehil Singh | September 23, 2025, 2:29 PM*

World leaders have gathered in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The debates officially open on Tuesday and will continue through Saturday, concluding on Monday, September 29.

### Tradition and Opening Speeches

As per tradition, Brazil will deliver the first speech, followed by the United States, the host country. This custom dates back to 1955, when Brazil offered to speak first during the 10th General Assembly, a practice that has continued ever since.

### Key Discussion Points: Focus on Global Tensions

A primary focus of this year’s assembly will be global tensions, especially the ongoing conflicts involving Israel and Hamas in Gaza as well as Russia’s war in Ukraine.

On the opening day, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the assembly. Later in the week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will also deliver a speech.

### Representation from Major Powers

Several major powers are sending prominent delegations, though with some notable absences:

– Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend for the second consecutive year; Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will lead the delegation.
– China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang instead of President Xi Jinping.
– Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has delegated External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to represent India.

### Bilateral Talks and Strategic Cooperation

Ahead of the assembly, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss strengthening strategic cooperation between the two nations. Their discussions covered trade, defense, energy, and critical minerals.

In addition, Jaishankar participated in an informal meeting with EU foreign ministers in New York. The discussions included multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation, energy, and trade.

### Notable New Attendees

This year marks several significant firsts and returns:

– Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will address the assembly, the first time a Syrian head of state has done so since 1967.
– Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will attend following Tehran’s announcement to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency amid UN Security Council sanctions.
– Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will also be present.

### Theme of the 80th Session

The theme for this year’s UNGA 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, described the gathering as a crucial moment for international cooperation. She emphasized the importance of preserving the UN’s achievements since 1945 while adapting to future challenges, closing with the rallying cry: *“Better Together!”*

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Stay tuned for updates as the session unfolds and world leaders debate the pressing issues shaping global peace and development.
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