The 81st session of the UN General Assembly has convened in New York, with world leaders delivering speeches that highlight pressing global issues. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian raised a picture of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during his address, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's speech was published in a book. The assembly's theme, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transition: A United Nations for All," reflects the need for international cooperation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlined four key challenges facing the world: war and peace, inequality, climate change, and artificial intelligence. He warned of widening international divisions and called for greater cooperation and reform of the Security Council, particularly to ensure permanent representation for Africa. Guterres also emphasized the need to address the Gaza conflict, advocating for a ceasefire, aid delivery, and respect for international law.
US President Donald Trump's speech was marked by his characteristic style, as he defended American policy and criticized the international community. He introduced the term "super intelligence" instead of artificial intelligence and attacked the International Criminal Court and UN bureaucracy. In response, Iranian President Pezeshkian rejected Trump's characterization of Iran as a source of terrorism, highlighting his country's history as a victim of US and Israeli aggression.
The Turkish government took an unconventional approach to Erdogan's address, publishing his speech in a book available in Turkish, English, and Arabic. The book outlined Erdogan's positions on key global issues, including the Gaza conflict, the Palestinian question, and the Russian-Ukrainian war. This move aimed to extend the reach of Erdogan's message beyond the assembly.
Libyan President Mohamed al-Menfi announced the formation of a national committee to promote reconciliation and prevent conflicts in his address to the assembly. He called on Libyan parties to engage in the process and urged the international community to support Libya's stability and unity. Al-Menfi also questioned how to build a global system based on the rule of law, where sovereignty is equally respected.
The assembly witnessed a significant moment when 77 country representatives walked out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, protesting Israel's actions in Palestinian territories. Netanyahu responded by saying, "If there are any moral cowards who have not left the room, please do so now." The Iranian delegation placed a picture of slain Qasem Soleimani on its seat, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a pre-recorded speech.
The 2026 UN General Assembly has highlighted deep divisions and pressing global challenges. World leaders have called for cooperation, reform, and action on key issues, including conflict, inequality, and climate change. The assembly's outcome will likely shape international relations and responses to emerging crises.
Key points
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for reform of the Security Council
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejects US characterization of Iran as a source of terrorism
- 77 country representatives walk out during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech
