Key Issues at the 2026 UN General Assembly

Sep 21, 2026

81 min

Sep 21, 2026 17:30

UN General Assembly 2026: Trump, Iran war, Gaza, Ukraine and 8 things to watch

## Global Leaders Gather in New York

The United Nations General Assembly in 2026 is set to be a pivotal event, with nearly 130 heads of state and government convening in New York. The assembly's theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation," highlights the challenges facing multilateral diplomacy amid ongoing global conflicts.

## US-Iran Tensions

A significant focus will be on the conflict between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders to discuss the ongoing war with Iran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will also be in New York, raising the possibility of direct or mediated talks.

## Ukraine Conflict

The Ukraine war remains a critical issue, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky scheduled to meet Trump. Discussions aim to find a resolution to the conflict, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also engaging in talks with US officials.

## Israeli-Palestinian Relations

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be addressed, with France leading efforts to advance the two-state solution. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to speak, though Abbas will address the assembly remotely due to visa issues.

## Artificial Intelligence on the Agenda

Artificial intelligence has become a prominent topic at the UN, with discussions planned on its regulation and impact. Outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres will focus on AI in his meetings with world leaders.

## Leadership Transition

As António Guterres prepares to step down as UN Secretary-General, the search for his successor is underway. The new leader will face the challenge of addressing ongoing global conflicts and the UN's role in international diplomacy.

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