The high-level meetings of the 81st United Nations General Assembly commenced today, Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the UN headquarters in New York City. Approximately 130 heads of state and government are participating in the event. The general debate and high-level meetings, along with related bilateral meetings, will continue until September 28. During this period, world leaders and representatives will deliver speeches on current international issues.
The agenda for the high-level meetings includes several key international files and issues, such as peace and security, climate change, health, digital governance, artificial intelligence, development, and human rights. The 81st session is being chaired by Khalil Rahman from Bangladesh, under the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transition: United Nations in Service of All."
On Thursday, European Council President António Costa is scheduled to address the General Assembly on behalf of the European Union. This comes after the US extended restrictions on granting visas to Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry considered the US move unjustified and contrary to efforts to restore trust and develop Palestinian-American relations.
The US decision was met with opposition at the UN, where 152 countries voted in favor of a resolution rejecting the US decision to prevent the Palestinian delegation from participating in the 81st General Assembly. The resolution called on the US to reverse its decision, citing it as a violation of the Host Agreement. This agreement, between the UN and the US, obliges Washington to facilitate the entry and stay of diplomatic delegations and member states participating in General Assembly meetings.
The 81st session of the General Assembly coincides with the final year of UN Secretary-General António Guterres' second and final term, which concludes on December 31. This session is significant as it marks the last major gathering of world leaders under his tenure. The high-level meetings provide a platform for countries to address pressing global challenges and discuss ways to strengthen international cooperation.
Egyptian Prime Minister Madbouly is set to lead the Egyptian delegation to the high-level meetings, emphasizing the importance of working towards a more just and balanced international system that effectively responds to the needs of developing countries. This aligns with Egypt's ongoing efforts to promote international cooperation and address global challenges.
As the high-level meetings progress, world leaders are expected to engage in intense discussions on key issues, including the situation in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and the need for a coordinated global response to climate change and other pressing challenges. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the international agenda in the months to come.
Key points
- The 81st UN General Assembly high-level meetings address pressing global issues.
- Around 130 heads of state and government attend the meetings.
- The meetings conclude on September 28, 2026.
