Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Zurich on September 21, en route to New York, where he is scheduled to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2026. The Embassy of India in Switzerland and Liechtenstein said Ambassador Mridul Kumar warmly welcomed Jaishankar at Zurich airport during his transit to New York.
Ambassador Kumar also briefed Jaishankar on the latest developments, including recent high-level visits between India, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This visit comes as world leaders prepare to gather at the UN headquarters for the annual high-level General Debate, scheduled from September 22 to 28.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is being held under the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." Bangladesh's Khalilur Rahman is presiding over the session. The General Assembly will bring together presidents, prime ministers and senior representatives from all 193 UN member states.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on world leaders to strengthen international cooperation as they gather in New York for the General Assembly. In a video message, Guterres said, leaders must come together for peace, dignity, justice, and humanity, and that only with international cooperation can a better world be built.
The UN General Assembly's high-level week will also feature discussions on global conflicts, development, climate change, humanitarian challenges and other pressing international issues. The General Debate is expected to provide a major platform for leaders to present their foreign policy priorities and engage on key global developments.
According to the United Nations, the 81st session will focus on revitalising global cooperation, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting collective action for peace, dignity and equality. This is Guterres' final UN General Assembly as Secretary-General, with his tenure set to conclude later this year.
In other news, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the race to become the next UN Secretary-General. The UNGA 2026 session is set to be a significant event with leaders from around the world in attendance.
Key points
- Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Zurich, Switzerland on September 21, en route to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2026.
- The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is being held under the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on world leaders to strengthen international cooperation as they gather in New York for the General Assembly.
