The 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly has begun in New York at a time of profound geopolitical and economic turbulence.
More than 140 leaders are in attendance at the high-level segment to tackle the world's most pressing problems, from raging wars to escalating trade disputes and a deepening internal budget crisis. The organization finds itself struggling to maintain its relevance in a fractured world.
"The principles of the United Nations are under assault as never before," U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres told the assembly on Monday. He highlighted the targeting of civilians and the trampling of international law "in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond," while also noting a surge in poverty and hunger, stalled progress on the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and a planet "burning with fires, floods, and record heat."
Guterres warned that while the world is becoming multipolar, this shift carries risks without strong multilateral institutions, citing Europe's experience in World War I. He urged leaders to "not only defend the United Nations, we must strengthen it."
Key leaders set the stage
The General Debate, starting on Tuesday, will feature opening speeches from Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump, who are at odds over trade and political interference.
The tension is reflected in a recent New York Times essay where Lula publicly criticized the U.S. administration’s tariffs on Brazilian goods, viewing them as a politically motivated move to support former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and undermine Brazil’s sovereignty.
Lula has vowed to resist Trump’s pressure to drop charges against Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for his role in a failed coup plot after losing the 2022 election. He argues that while the U.S. has a legitimate right to reindustrialize, it should rely on multilateral cooperation rather than unilateral action to resolve trade disputes.
Search for peace in the Middle East
Discussions on a peaceful settlement to Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza will take central stage.
Since the Hamas-led attack and hostage-taking against Israel in Oct. 2023, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, a famine has been officially confirmed in parts of Gaza, and massive destruction has rendered large portions of the territory uninhabitable.
Several key countries, including the U.K., Australia, Canada, and Portugal, have formally recognized Palestinian statehood, adding significant weight to France's diplomatic push for a two-state solution.
The focus underscores the U.N. Security Council’s continued inability to resolve conflicts, a limitation exposed by both the Palestinians who are starving and dying during Israel's campaign in Gaza and Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine.
These crises not only cause immense human suffering but also disrupt global energy and food supply chains and create market volatility.
U.S. policies and global trade disruption
The presence of U.S. President Donald Trump is a key focus for global markets and diplomatic delegations.
His agenda is expected to address his policies on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the escalating trade tensions. His administration’s tariffs aimed at protecting U.S. industries have alarmed trading partners and prompted a coordinated response.
Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly devised a joint "action plan" to manage the economic fallout from the tariffs.
This and other bilateral meetings during the week underscore a significant shift in trade dynamics in response to protectionist policies.
Internal crisis threatens U.N. credibility
While the U.N. grapples with external crises, it is fighting for its own financial survival.
The organization announced a 15% cut to its regular operating budget for 2026, along with a 19% reduction in staff positions, largely attributed to funding shortfalls from the U.S. and other member nations.
The fiscal crisis threatens to undermine the U.N.'s ability to carry out its core functions, from peacekeeping to humanitarian aid.
Guterres is using the assembly to advocate for fundamental reforms, arguing that without a more responsive and efficient structure, the institution will struggle to maintain the buy-in and financial support of its 193 member nations.
Broader global agenda
Beyond conflicts and internal crises, the General Assembly will address a range of other critical issues, including climate change and artificial intelligence.
A high-level climate summit is planned to secure commitments on emissions reductions, while a separate meeting will address AI governance.
These gatherings serve as an acknowledgment that technological and environmental risks are as significant to global stability as traditional geopolitical flashpoints.
