The world comes to New York: What’s at stake at UN General Assembly high-level week

Each September, New York becomes the centre of global diplomacy as presidents, prime ministers, ministers and diplomats from around the world gather at United Nations Headquarters.At a time of mounting geopolitical tensions and overlapping global crises, leaders will tackle a packed agenda that includes conflicts and international security, climate change, pandemic preparedness, sea-level rise, the fight against racism and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The high-level week of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session unfolds against a backdrop of growing divisions between countries and pressure on the multilateral system. The session will be presided over by newly elected Assembly President Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh under the theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”The world’s biggest diplomatic gatheringThe centrepiece of High-Level Week is the General Debate, which begins on 22 September. Over several days, presidents, prime ministers and senior representatives of all 193 UN Member States will address the General Assembly from its iconic green marble podium.The speeches provide a global snapshot of nati...