Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Each September, New York becomes the center of global diplomacy as presidents, prime ministers, ministers, and diplomats from around the world convene at United Nations Headquarters. The 81st session of the UN General Assembly’s high-level week comes amid increasing geopolitical tensions and challenges to the multilateral system, with a dense agenda covering conflicts, international security, climate change, pandemic preparedness, sea-level rise, racial justice, and progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh will preside over the session under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The main event, the General Debate, begins on 22 September, when senior representatives of all 193 UN member states will address the Assembly. Their speeches are expected to cover issues including conflicts, economic challenges, humanitarian crises, climate change, development, and emerging technologies. Much of the diplomacy will take place in bilateral and multilateral meetings, offering leaders opportunities to engage with allies, partners, and rivals.
Before the General Debate, leaders will attend the annual SDG Moment on 18 September. Since the adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, targeting challenges from poverty to clean water and energy by 2030, progress on half of SDG targets has been rated weak and insufficient. The SDG Moment will assess this progress and emphasize practical solutions that can be scaled or replicated elsewhere.
On 23 September, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will convene a High-Level Event on Climate Action and the Just Transition, with a focus on accelerating renewable energy adoption, increasing climate finance for developing countries, and supporting communities already affected by climate change. The next day, world leaders will address sea-level rise, a critical consequence of global warming that requires urgent action.