AI, Middle East escalation, Ukraine-Russia war on agenda for upcoming UN General Assembly

Nearly 130 heads of state gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, with the post-WWII order under strain and the UN struggling to remain relevant. Key agenda items include the widening conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the risks of artificial intelligence. The assembly faces a crisis of morale and finance, compounded by questions about the next Secretary-General.

World leaders gather in New York this week for the UN General Assembly, with nearly 130 heads of state meeting as the post-World War Two order is under strain and the UN itself struggles to remain relevant. The assembly is bracing for US President Donald Trump's return to the rostrum for a second year running, with talks centering on the widening conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and the risks of artificial intelligence. The US avoided losing its vote by paying $725 million in contributions but still owes over a billion dollars. Chinese leader Xi Jinping will skip the assembly for one-on-one talks with Trump in Washington, fueling debate about the UN's relevance. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres completes his term at the end of 2026 with no clear frontrunner to replace him. The Middle East will be a focus, as the US-Israeli war on Iran continues to drive global inflation and destabilize the region. Recent gains by Houthi terrorists threaten shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the assembly on Wednesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court, is due to speak on Thursday. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was denied a US visa and will appear via video. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will seek to shore up Ukraine's position ahead of another tough winter. The Security Council has been unable to act on the Ukraine war due to Russia's veto.