The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly is set to convene in New York, with 73 Heads of State and 45 Heads of Government expected to participate in the high-level week. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric disclosed this information during a briefing ahead of the annual gathering of world leaders. The high-level week will feature major meetings on development, climate action, and pandemic preparedness, among other global priorities.
In addition to the Heads of State and Government, 49 ministers, 11 vice-presidents, and one crown prince are also expected to participate in the high-level engagements. Nigeria is scheduled to present its national statement on Wednesday, September 23, in the eighth position on the provisional list of speakers. This represents a two-place upgrade from the previous year's 10th position.
The General Debate of the 81st Session is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 26 and September 28 at the UN Headquarters in New York. During this period, Heads of State, Heads of Government, and other senior representatives will present their countries' positions on major international challenges. The high-level week annually transforms the UN Headquarters into a major centre of global diplomacy.
Beyond the mandated high-level meetings, approximately 168 other events have been scheduled for the high-level week. Member States have submitted around 1,000 requests for bilateral meetings among themselves, while bilateral engagements involving UN Secretary-General António Guterres are also being arranged. These events will provide opportunities for world leaders to engage in discussions on pressing global challenges.
The 81st Session of the UN General Assembly will convene world leaders at a time of continuing geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and development financing challenges. The session is being presided over by Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh under the theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." This theme reflects the need for the UN to adapt to changing global circumstances.
Thousands of journalists have been accredited to cover the gathering, with 1,935 press passes issued for visiting journalists and an additional 1,290 press passes for official media. This brings the total number of media accreditations to 3,225, in addition to journalists permanently accredited to cover the United Nations. The UN spokesperson noted that these numbers could still change as additional delegations, events, and media arrangements are finalised.
The General Assembly high-level week remains the largest annual diplomatic gathering at the United Nations, bringing together world leaders for national statements, negotiations, and discussions on pressing global challenges. The participation of 73 Heads of State and 45 Heads of Government underscores the significance of this event, which aims to promote international cooperation and address global priorities.
Key points
- 73 Heads of State and 45 Heads of Government expected to participate in the high-level week of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly.
- The high-level week will feature major meetings on development, climate action, and pandemic preparedness, among other global priorities.
- Thousands of journalists have been accredited to cover the gathering, with a total of 3,225 media accreditations issued so far.
