The UN General Assembly debate commenced on September 22, 2026, in New York, with a significant address by Secretary-General António Guterres. This marks his last such address in his current role, as his term concludes at the end of the year. Guterres assumed leadership of the UN in January 2017 and was reappointed for a second five-year term. His speech, scheduled for 9:00 AM local time, comes at a critical juncture, with rising geopolitical tensions, increasing conflicts, and pressing global challenges.
The high-level debate, running from September 22 to 28, is expected to draw 71 heads of state, 45 heads of government, and 11 vice-presidents. Fifty ministers and one crown prince will also participate, with many leaders addressing the assembly. Following Guterres' address, notable leaders such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, US President Donald Trump, Jordanian King Abdullah II, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will speak. Brazil has traditionally opened the debate since 1955, while the United States, as host to the UN headquarters, is the second to address the assembly.
The order of speeches after these initial addresses is determined by representation level, preference, and geographical balance. Portugal will be represented by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, who is scheduled to speak on the third day of the debate. Other expected leaders include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Russian Foreign Minister Serguei Lavrov, and Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will deliver his address via videoconference, as the US denied him a visa to enter the country. Throughout the debate, leaders are expected to outline their positions and priorities on pressing global challenges, with a voluntary 15-minute limit on their speeches. In addition to the addresses, 1,553 bilateral meetings are scheduled between representatives of various delegations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also expected to hold meetings with many leaders during the week. A highly anticipated meeting between Trump and Rodríguez is scheduled, coming less than a year after the detention of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in New York. The UN headquarters in New York will host at least 166 events during the assembly, considered a premier forum for global diplomacy.
Key topics at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly are expected to include the Middle East conflict, the Ukraine war, and concerns surrounding the development of artificial intelligence. The complex and interconnected global challenges will likely dominate the discussions. Guterres' address and the subsequent debates will provide insight into the positions and priorities of the world's leading nations.
The UN General Assembly debate serves as a critical platform for leaders to engage with pressing global issues and address the challenges facing the international community. As Guterres concludes his term as Secretary-General, his final address at the debate will be closely watched, reflecting on his legacy and the future direction of the UN.
Key points
- António Guterres delivers his final address as UN Secretary-General at the General Assembly debate in New York.
- The debate will feature 71 heads of state, 45 heads of government, and 11 vice-presidents, among other high-level participants.
- The assembly will address pressing global challenges, including the Middle East conflict, the Ukraine war, and the development of artificial intelligence.
