UN General Assembly 2025: What happens, key moments and speakers ahead

Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
3M ago
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The 80th UN General Assembly opened on September 9, 2025, focusing on global issues including Palestinian statehood and climate change, with over 150 leaders participating.
UN General Assembly 2025: What happens, key moments and speakers ahead
A What happened
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) began on September 9, 2025, in New York, where leaders from over 150 nations will convene to discuss critical global issues. The high-level debate is set to start on September 23, with a focus on themes such as Palestinian statehood, climate change, and artificial intelligence. Brazil, as the first speaker, will set the stage for discussions, followed by the United States. This year, the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is a significant topic, with 157 UN member states acknowledging its status. The UNGA aims to promote peace, development, and human rights, although it faces criticism regarding its effectiveness in achieving these goals. The assembly will continue until September 29, with sessions livestreamed for global access.

Key insights

  • 1

    Palestinian Statehood Recognition: 157 UN member states now recognize Palestine as a sovereign nation.

  • 2

    High-Level Debate Schedule: The UNGA's high-level debate begins on September 23, 2025.

  • 3

    US-Veto History: The US has a long history of vetoing resolutions critical of Israel.

Takeaways

The UNGA serves as a crucial platform for addressing global challenges and fostering international dialogue.

Topics

World & Politics International Affairs Governance Human Rights