U.N. General Assembly Focuses on Global Crises Amid Trump’s Return to Podium

Next week, the United Nations General Assembly will convene in New York amid critical international challenges, including renewed hostilities in Gaza, the ongoing war in Ukraine, heightened recognition of Palestinian statehood, and escalating nuclear concerns involving Iran. The event will be marked by the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the podium, spotlighting significant shifts in American foreign policy.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the volatile global landscape ahead of the forum, stating, "We are gathering in turbulent – even uncharted – waters. Geopolitical divides are widening, conflicts continue to rage, impunity is increasing, and our planet is overheating. International cooperation is under unprecedented strain."

Trump, now eight months into his second term, is expected to use his speech to highlight his administration's achievements, despite substantial reductions in U.S. funding to the U.N. These cuts include halting support for the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, exiting the U.N. Human Rights Council and UNESCO, and announcing plans to leave the Paris climate agreement and the World Health Organization. Richard Gowan, director of the International Crisis Group’s U.N. program, observed, "He enjoys the General Assembly and the attention it brings. He will likely tout his records and perhaps advocate once again for the Nobel Peace Prize."

Trump has expressed that while the U.N. holds "great potential," it must improve its effectiveness. The secretary-general echoed this sentiment, highlighting limitations in peace efforts due to the U.N. Security Council's paralysis, where veto powers such as the U.S. and Russia have stalled action on conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Guterres noted, "The United States has carrots and sticks. If those tools are combined, they could significantly advance peace processes."

Among the critical issues dominating discussions is the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces International Criminal Court investigations over alleged war crimes, will address the assembly as Israel intensifies its ground operations in Gaza City. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon warned, "This war will not end with the hostages left behind in Gaza."

Ahead of the assembly, a summit co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia aims to foster momentum toward a two-state solution, with nations including Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, and France pledging formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, albeit with conditions. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will participate via video due to visa denial by the U.S., a move that has triggered widespread criticism. Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour described Palestine as "the huge elephant in this session of the General Assembly."

The assembly will also feature addresses by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, amid little expectation of breakthrough progress in the protracted conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin traditionally does not attend.

Diplomatic efforts will extend to Iran’s nuclear program as Tehran seeks to stave off a full reinstatement of U.N. Security Council sanctions scheduled for September 28. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are anticipated to attend.

In what Secretary-General Guterres has described as the "World Cup of diplomacy," over 150 bilateral meetings are planned during the assembly, underscoring the forum's critical role in global governance amid unprecedented geopolitical tensions.