**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 will open on Tuesday, continue through Saturday, and conclude on Monday, September 29.

### Traditional Opening Speakers

In keeping with tradition since 1955, Brazil will speak first, followed by the United States as the host country. This long-standing custom began when Brazil offered to speak first at the 10th General Assembly.

### Key Discussion Points

The assembly is expected to focus heavily on pressing global tensions, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump will address the UNGA on the opening day, Tuesday, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also scheduled to speak later in the week.

### Representation of Major Powers

Several major powers are sending senior delegations to the assembly. Russian President Vladimir Putin will miss the gathering for the second consecutive year, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov leading Moscow’s delegation.

China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang instead of President Xi Jinping. Similarly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to represent India at the session.

### Bilateral Talks and Diplomatic Engagements

On Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with India’s S. Jaishankar to discuss strengthening strategic cooperation across trade, defense, energy, and critical minerals.

In addition, the External Affairs Minister engaged with EU foreign ministers at an informal meeting in New York. Discussions covered multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the situation in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as energy and trade issues.

### Notable New Attendees

This year’s assembly features significant participation from countries that have rarely or never before addressed the UNGA in recent decades.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will speak, marking the first time a Syrian head of state has addressed the assembly since 1967.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will also 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 be present as well.

### Theme of the 80th Session

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 the current president of the 80th session, has framed the gathering as a critical moment for international cooperation. She emphasized the importance of preserving the achievements of the UN since 1945, while adapting the institution to address future challenges, summing it up with the rallying cry: **“Better Together!”**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/un-general-assembly-who-is-attending-what-s-on-agenda/story

**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!”*

—

Stay tuned for updates as the session unfolds and world leaders debate the pressing issues shaping global peace and development.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/un-general-assembly-who-is-attending-what-s-on-agenda/story

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!”

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/un-general-assembly-who-is-attending-what-s-on-agenda/story